Scott Summers, aka Cyclops, is one of the founding members of the X-Men and an iconic part of Marvel Comics history. Known for his powerful energy beams and unique eyewear, Cyclops is also a skilled tactician and leader to the disparate group of mutants.
Though he usually takes a back seat to more forceful personalities like Wolverine or Cable, Cyclops has starred in a fair amount of story arcs over the years. Users on Reddit took to the site to mention some of their favorite Cyclops comic book storylines.
Nation X
Though Professor X is generally regarded as the leader of the X-Men, Cyclops has proven his leadership abilities on multiple occasions. A deleted user mentioned their favorite Cyclops storyline when writing "I'd say the Nation X storyline... It was one of the most active times in really trying to cement human/mutant relations within the franchises history. And Scott was the main driving force behind the whole thing".
In Nation X, Magneto returns, and instead of attacking the X-Men, he apologizes to them and wants to help them defend Utopia. While Professor X was skeptical of Magneto's intentions, Scott trusted their mortal enemy. In the end, Cyclops' faith was rewarded and his quick thinking saved the lives of many mutants.
Elegy
While the Dark Phoenix Saga is considered one of the best X-Men storylines of the 1980s, it isn't principally focused on Cyclops. A deleted user mentioned a specific issue when talking about their favorite Cyclops story, writing "X-Men #138. While I can't say he's at his best here, it is a fascinating look into Cyclops".
With Jean Grey gone, Scott has little to tie him to the X-Men but his memories. The issues finds the founding member revoking his allegiance to the X-Men and walking away. Though the issue is essentially a recap of the past events of the comics, it still offers interesting insight into the psychology of the stoic Cyclops.
Rising From The Ashes
Though most comics are action based in nature, occasionally writers will include a gripping mystery story as well. User bravogolfhotel mentioned a great Cyclops storyline when writing "'From the Ashes'. It has an intense focus on his emotional life, it also shows that...his real power is his genius as a tactician".
Though the From the Ashes storyline also features some of Wolverine's best comic issues, it gives readers a tense look at Cyclops as well. When meeting a woman who looks exactly like Jean Grey, Scott forms a relationship with her and begins delving into her mysterious past. The pain of memory is strong in Cyclops, and it shows that he is more than just stoic leader.
The End Of The Game
No period of the X-Men comics showed Scott's leadership abilities quite like his run on X-Factor. User grailhawk brought up a prime example of Cyclop's greatness when writing "X-Factor: Endgame (X-Factor 65-68) would be my favorites".
The arc finds Scott leading X-Factor against the resurgent forces of the recently vanquished Apocalypse. By retaking over Ship, Apocalypse not only threatens humanity's safety, but he also kidnaps Cyclops' son Nathan. Usually Cyclops solves his problems with cleverness and cunning, but in Endgame he shows a fair amount of grit and determination to save his family.
Cyclops The Icon
Though he debuted in the Silver Age of comics, it took a long time for Cyclops to be featured in his own standalone books. User arthur4242 brought up a great example of a Cyclops feature story when mentioning "His icons mini was really great".
While his fellow X-Men have had a plethora of standalone stories, Scott is often relegated to the pages of the main comics series. Icons: Cyclops was a brief miniseries but it gave fans an interesting tale that revolved exclusively around Scott. After an assassination attempt by Juggernaut, Scott goes on a long journey to find out who wants him dead. Blending in elements of mystery, Icons allows Cyclops to flex his muscles both physically and mentally.
The Second Coming
X-Men comics have often shown that being a leader is a privilege but it is also a tremendous burden as well. User BXX78 pointed out their favorite Cyclops story when writing "Second Coming. It's not all about Cyclops or anything but it shows him off the best imo".
Second Coming is the finale of a trilogy of stories that mostly focused on Cable, and his efforts to save Hope Summers from Bishop. The Marvel Universe spanning story brings in the X-Men, and Scott is quickly put in a difficult position when the death of a member is placed at his feet. Though Cyclops has faced his fair share of death, the potential splintering of the group puts his leadership abilities to the test.
The Exalted One
Marvel Comics has its fair share of wild alternate realities, and the X-Men are no stranger to their own alternate timelines. User JargonPhat mentioned a great Cyclops alternate story when writing "Astonishing X-Men Vol 9: Exalted...I don't want to give it away but its still badass Cyclops."
Exalted gave readers a dark glimpse into the potential of the X-Men universe when it sent Scott into an alternate reality where Professor X uses Cyclopses as a power source. With the fate of universes in his hands, the 'real' Cyclops has to make tough decisions that reveal the makeup of his character. When it is shown that all of the Scott's chose to sacrifice themselves, it shows his value as a leader.
A Bit Of A Complex
When Marvel decided to wipe most mutants off the face of the earth in the comics, it gave the writers an opportunity to start with a clean slate. A deleted user brought up a great example of a Cyclops storyline when mentioning "He's a total bad-ass in Messiah Complex. Very fast-paced and great read".
When a new mutant is detected in Alaska, the X-Men embark on a race against time to stop the youngster from being captured, and potentially killed by sinister forces. Taking full charge of the group, Scott wrests control of the X-Men from Professor X but is eventually hindered by the memory of his own son. While usually portrayed as the Boy Scout of the group, Messiah Complex was a look at the conflicted side of Cyclops.
The Only Thing To Fear...
The Fear Itself storyline spanned across the entire Marvel Universe and it wasn't long before The X-Men were involved. User UXM266 put the series forward as a great Cyclops storyline when writing "The Fear Itself story arc...Once again has Cyclops make decisions focused on protection and safety of the race/civilians vs the well being of his friends".
With Utopia threatened by Juggernaut, possessed by an ancient god, Scott is put in one of his most difficult positions as a leader. By fighting the menace, he knows he will surely sacrifice his friends, but if he doesn't he will doom many innocents. The impossible choice tests the meddle of the beloved character and is one of the darkest parts of the Fear Itself event.
The Fall Of The House Of M
Alternate universes and The X-Men are a match made in comic book heaven, and they are often some of the best stories of the franchise. User JargonPhat brought up a favorite Cyclops story when writing "House of M should get a mention. Scott essentially leads a team of X-Men and Avengers into a very unknown situation."
While the House of M storyline doesn't offer a lot of insight into who Cyclops is as a person, it is a great exhibition of his abilities. When confronted with an alternate universe constructed by the Scarlet Witch's madness, Cyclops steps up and is the leader for the moment. While the Avengers crumble under the pressure, Scott shows he has what it takes to get things done.