Every fan of the X-Men has their own pick for the strongest Marvel mutant, whether measuring by strength, power, or unbeatable healing factor. But Marvel's most powerful warriors, psychics, and sorcerers will have to stand aside, now that a Marvel legend has nominated a shocking hero for the title.

Speaking to fans present during his at Hunstville Pop Culture Expo 2025, Claremont discussed multiple different storylines and controveries across his comic career (while also dropping some shocking ideas about Avengers: Doomsday). But when asked the inevitable question os just "who is the strongest member of the X-Men," Claremont had an unexpected choice: Kurt Wagner, aka Nightcrawler.

"At this point the jury is still out. The closest I would say is Kurt. Because like it or not, faith is an essential part of his life. And his approach to faith is very specific, very centered, very personal. And very real. That sustains him. That's why when he came back from going to Heaven, from dying and going to Heaven, he was heartbroken.

"He didn't know how to sit there talking to his priest and say, "I have been to Heaven. There are angels. There is a God. It's real." Because how does it work if you know it's real? I mean faith is a hope, not a reality. Fortunately, that went out the window fast."

X-Men Legend Names Nightcrawler The "Strongest" Team Member

Claremont's Choice is Unlikely, But His Explanation is Even More Surprising

It should be evident from Claremont's choice that he is taking more into consideration than the matter of which X-Men hero can punch the hardest, lift the most weight, or suffer the most gruesome injuries without being defeated. Even the wording of "strongest" requires clarification, with Claremont asking for a more exact definition before rendering any opinion. Considering strength of body, mind, abilities, and any other metric, Claremont asserts that Nightcrawler's faith is what sets him apart. And that is a nomination worth examining.

The most obvious response is that such introspection and subversion is to be expected from a writer of Claremont's quality, proving with just one answer why his X-Men stories are considered unmatched by many. But there is merit to Claremont's insight for one tangible reason: in a world of superhumans, an ever-growing list of Omega-level mutants, and countless warriors whose strength is functionally limitless, surely the 'strongest' must be measured by something other than muscles or might, in any form.

If the answer of the strongest X-Men team member lies not in the tangible, then it makes sense to look to the intangible instead. And in comics, as in the real world, religious faith is the most obvious example of strength through spirit, and the metaphysical. Especially considering how it has informed Kurt Wagner's story to date.

Does Nightcrawler's Faith Make Him X-Men's Strongest Warrior?

Claremont's Reframing of The Question Shows Why His X-Men Run is An All-Timer

Obviously the world of Marvel Comics deals regularly in the metaphysical, empowering heroes and villains with gifts of magic, mysticism, and countless versions of psychic or telekinetic mastery. But with each such strength comes a limitation, or a rival capable of wielding the same force to break an enemy. Faith, as Claremont points out, is something profoundly different. Faith is not only the source of Kurt's resolve, his determination, and his mission, but it is also completely unbreakable by any friend, enemy, or outside force.

That is likely Claremont's entire point, since no mutant ability or superpower can be invented without another to oppose it (eventually). Religious faith, especially the deeply personal, introspective form practiced by Nightcrawler, is a 'willpower' of an entirely different sort. It may be less of a deciding factor when it comes to fighting supervillains, but that, arguably, further proves Claremont's point. Nightcrawler's faith may be possible for anyone, but the depth of his belief, as fans know, is almost unparalleled.

Strongest or Not, Nightcrawler Deserves To Be In The Discussion

There is no formal trophy likely to ever be rewarded to 'The Strongest X-Men,' and even Claremont concludes his own opinion by itting that "It's like real life, you don't know who is the strongest... it depends on the situation." But the addition of Nightcrawler into the conversation isn't just valid, but enlightening to all other possible contenders. Wolverine's healing factor may make it nearly impossible for him to succumb to any injury... but Logan is easily swayed in spirit. Professor X or Magneto may be driven by unshakeable morals... but history has shown they, too, can be shaken.

At the very least, this nomination helps explain why Nightcrawler deserves to be seen on the same level as the X-Men's mightiest and most formidable warriors. With a teleporting power unrivaled in Marvel Comics, it is far too tempting to see Nightcrawler as a defensive, or soldier in the war for mutantkind. Beyond highlighting Kurt's actual offensive capabilities, a writer of Claremont's status reminding the world that Kurt possesses unmatched strength is long overdue.

Now we can only hope that Marvel Comics is also listening, as Nightcrawler is flirting with retirement (with good reason) in main continuity. Could that storyline all be building to a crisis of faith for Kurt, intended to show why he's a hall of fame character? Or do Claremont's comments shed light on how underrated Nightcrawler is doomed to remain in modern comics? Only time will tell, and like Nightcrawler himself, X-Men fans must have faith.

Source: Chris Claremont