Who is the founder of the X-Men?

Professor X, whose real name is Charles Xavier, is the founder of the X-Men. He created the team to protect mutants and humans while pursuing peaceful coexistence between the two groups.

Xavier first appeared in The X-Men #1 in September 1963, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. He established Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters as both a school and a training base, recruiting the original X-Men, including Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Angel, and Iceman.

Professor X is a powerful telepath whose abilities allow him to communicate across great distances, read minds, and influence thought. In most comic-book versions, he also serves as the team’s teacher, strategist, and ideological guide, though he periodically steps away or leaves leadership to characters such as Cyclops.

Cyclops is one of the original X-Men and an important field leader, while Wolverine joined later and became one of the team’s best-known members. Magneto is Xavier’s longtime friend, rival, and ideological opponent—not the founder of the X-Men. Those characters are therefore understandable but incorrect alternatives.