The X-Men, for a period of probably 20 years, were the most popular comic books characters on the planet. They outsold everybody, Marvel and DC both.
The reason that they aren't anymore has got a lot to do with the films, and the people who own the rights to the films.
Basically, Marvel gave away the rights to their top line characters - X-Men, Spidey and FF - and still managed to kick everybody's arses because they produced quality.
Nothing to do with popularity, everything to do with delivery.
I guess for people who are not true X-Men fans movies can make or break their alliance....but not for real X-Men fans.
What kinda is that? X-men have always been my favorite in the comics. If anything, X fans should be more discerning. I'm not gonna like a mediocre movie because I'm just supposed to. That's just retarded.