Rogue

Rogue^[1] is a fictional character in most of the Marvel Comics award-winning X-Men related titles. She was created by author Chris Claremont and artist Michael Golden, and debuted in Avengers Annual #10 (August 1981) as a villainess. Rogue was born as a mutant. More so than any other, Rogue considers her powers a curse: she involuntarily absorbs the memories, physical strength, and (in the case of superpowered persons) the abilities of anyone she touches. This potentially fatal power prevents her from making any physical contact with others, including her longtime on-again off-again love interest, Gambit.

Hailing from Mississippi, she is the X-Men's self-described southern belle. A runaway, she was adopted by Mystique of the Brotherhood of Mutants and grew up as a villainess. After Rogue permanently absorbed Ms. Marvel's psyche and Kree powers, she reformed and turned to the X-Men, fearing for her sanity. Writer Chris Claremont played a significant role in the character's subsequent development. Rogue is unusual among the X-Men as her real name and her early history were not revealed until more than twenty years after her introduction; until the back story provided by Robert Rodi in the ongoing Rogue series, began in September 2004, Rogue's background was only hinted at; her name was revealed as Anna Marie.^[2]

Rogue has been one of the most popular and consistent members of the X-Men since the 1980s. She was #5 on IGN's Top 25 X-Men list for 2006,^[3] #4 on their Top Ten X-Babes list for 2006,^[4] #3 on Marvel's list of Top 10 Toughest Females for 2009^[5] and was given title of #1 X-Man on CBR's top 50 X-Men of All Time for 2008.^[6] Rogue has been featured in all X-Men animated series and various video games. In the X-Men film series, she is portrayed by Academy Award winner Anna Paquin. Her visual cue is often the white streak that runs through her hair.

Gambit

Gambit (Remy Etienne^[1] LeBeau) is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero that has been a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artists Jim Lee and Mike Collins, the character first appeared briefly in Uncanny X-Men Annual #14 (1990), weeks before a more comprehensive appearance in Uncanny X-Men #266 (August 1990). As of 2008, there have been two attempts at an ongoing title starring the character. Gambit also had two different miniseries and starred prominently in the X-Force replacement title during the Age of Apocalypse, Gambit & the X-Ternals.

A mutant, Gambit possesses the ability to manipulate kinetic energy. He is also skilled in card throwing, hand-to-hand combat, and the use of a staff.

A professional thief, few X-Men trusted Gambit when he first joined the group, a source of stress between him and his longtime on-again, off-again love interest Rogue. This was exacerbated when his connections to villain Mister Sinister were revealed, although some of his team members accept that Gambit honestly seeks redemption.

As the X-Men's self-described ladies man, Gambit has shown a more vulnerable side of himself over the years, especially when it comes to Rogue. Gambit remains fiercely proud of his Louisiana heritage, and speaks in a very thick, Cajun accent.

One of his defining traits is that he used to be a smoker, along with Wolverine. However, with Marvel's later anti-smoking policy, this trait has completely vanished.

Though he did not appear in the first three X-Men films, Gambit will finally appear on screen in the upcoming X-Men Origins: Wolverine, where he will be portrayed by Friday Night Lights star Taylor Kitsch.

Angel/Archangel

Warren Kenneth Worthington III is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Originally known as Angel and later Archangel, Worthington is one of the founding members of the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men (vol. 1) #1 (September 1963).

A mutant, Angel is gifted with a pair of large feathered wings extending from his back enabling him to fly. He is the heir and CEO of the multi-billion dollar Worthington Industries. This privileged background resulted in Warren being stereotyped as an arrogant and self-absorbed playboy during his early years with the X-Men. This personality would ultimately be replaced with a more introspect and brooding personality in the late 1980s, when the character was revamped into the more grim and gritty "Archangel" persona.

One of the original X-Men, Angel has had a frequent presence in X-Men-related comic books throughout the years. He appeared occasionally in X-Men animated series and video games. Angel also appeared in the third film of the X-Men franchise, X-Men: The Last Stand; he is portrayed by Ben Foster.