Nightcrawler
Kurt Wagner
A German mutant who looks like a demon but has the soul of a swashbuckler and the faith of a priest. Kurt Wagner can teleport through a dimension of brimstone and shadow, leaving behind only the smell of sulfur and a distinctive BAMF sound. His unwavering compassion and joy in the face of a world that judges him by his appearance makes him the moral heart of the X-Men.
Appearances Over Time
Most Appearances By Series
The Uncanny X-Men (1981) 240 issues
Excalibur (1988) 121 issues
Classic X-Men (1986) 50 issues
The X-Men (1963) 48 issues
X-Men Classic (1990) 48 issues
X-Men: Gold (2017) 38 issues
X-Men (1991) 36 issues
Uncanny X-Men (2024) 35 issues
X-Men Forever (2009) 28 issues
X-Men: Legacy (2008) 25 issues
Event Participation
Giant-Size X-Men #1
1975
The X-Men #94
August 1975
Nightcrawler stands as one of the most beloved X-Men, cherished for his swashbuckling heroism, unwavering faith, and the poignant contrast between his demonic appearance and gentle soul. His parentage has been a source of ongoing debate (while the Azazel demon heritage was divisive, the recent Mystique/Destiny retcon has been largely embraced as more meaningful). The Krakoa era's Uncanny Spider-Man run generated significant excitement, giving Kurt a fresh spotlight that reminded readers why he remains a fan-favorite after decades.