4. James Madrox aka Multiple Man
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What Makes Madrox a Great Character: James Madrox was, for years, simply a background presence within the X-titles of the Marvel Universe. He made his first appearance in Giant Sized Fantastic Four #4. He was one of the most unique and complex powers of all superheroes being able to create exact duplicates of himself through physical contact. He can then reabsorb them into himself gaining any knowledge or skills the duplicates, affectionately referred to as "dupes", obtained. At one point Madrox had sent out multiple duplicates to various areas to learn new skills and come back to be reabsorbed so that he could expand his skill set rapidly. Madrox is a cool guy. He's one of those friends who is the perfect combination of snarky sarcasm, calm collectivity, jokester, and serious leader. Unfortunately, he wasn't really fleshed out until recently when he was given the lead in the revamped X-Factor title following House of M.
Why He is So Under-Rated: Technically speaking, Madrox isn't an X-Man although he is a member of the X-Men family being both a mutant and a core member of the "X-Teams." Upon his introduction it was obvious he would make an interesting character but was placed on the back burner making only cameo appearances in the background of bigger stories and mini series such as "Fallen Angels." Upon being placed with X-Factor, a mutant team co-opted by the government, the character of Jamie Madrox was given a lot more characterization. Unfortunately, he was still treated more like a side character rather than a leading one. He all but disappeared until the revival of X-Factor but this time as the lead. Thanks to Peter David the character of Madrox is finally given the spotlight but still seems to be but a minor shadow of importance in comparison to the other mutants in the MU. Madrox can't seem to catch a break in other realities either as he was demoted to a lackey of Magneto in the Ultimate comics and was given an even worse treatment in the film adaptation of X3: The Last Stand. To see Jamie at his best check out the Madrox limited series that led to the third X-Factor series which you should also pick up to fall in love with the character in general.
Where is He Now: Still starring in Peter David's X-Factor and doing a hell of a good job with it. If Peter David had gotten a hold of the character years earlier it's a high possibility he wouldn't have made this list.