X-Men
The X-Men, are a team of fictional characters and superheroes who were born with special mutant powers, making them different from regular humans. The X-Men characters are owned by Marvel Comics, which publishes comic books featuring them as well as many other superheroes. The comic book was one of the first to combine social issues and social commentary into a superhero story, set in a world where people with mutant abilities are hated by those born without them. This is similar to acts of ableism seen throughout history. Unlike "some" mutants, the X-Men try to be good and show tolerance toward humans and other mutants. The idea behind the superheroes were inspired by the African-American equality supporters like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King.[1][2]
Characters
Original X-Men
The original X-Men, as created by writer Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, were
| Mutant Name | Real Name | Gender | Powers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyclops | Scott Summers | Male | can shoot energy from eyes |
| Beast | Hank McCoy | Male | An ape-like body, later had blue fur |
| Iceman | Robert "Bobby" Drake | Male | Can make ice and snow. |
| Angel | Warren Kenneth Worthington III | Male | Flight, healing. Has big wings with white feathers, like an angel |
| Marvel Girl | Jean Grey | Female | Has mind powers (Telepathy, Telekinesis) |
and all first appeared in X-Men #1 (Sept 1963).
The leader and mentor of the X-Men is Professor Charles Xavier, who is more commonly known as "Professor X" and has mental powers. He wants to gain civil rights for mutants in the way that Martin Luther King did for African Americans; through peace.
Other X-Men
Some other well-known X-Men include
| Mutant Name | Real Name | Gender | Powers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wolverine | James "Logan" Howlett | Male | Has sharp metal claws that come out of his knuckles, metal skeleton, and a healing power. |
| Nightcrawler | Kurt Wagner | Male | teleportation. Has blue fur, pointy ears and a tail |
| Storm | Ororo Munroe | Female | Can control the weather, fly |
| Gambit | Remy LeBeau | Male | Can charge any object with energy which then makes them explode. He usually uses poker cards. |
| Rogue | Anna Marie | Female | Can absorb powers and memories from other people when she touches them. |
| Colossus | Piotr "Peter" Nikolaievitch Rasputin | Male | Can turn body into steel, that gives him additional strength |
| Jubilee | Jubilation Lee | Female | Can shoot fireworks from her hands |
| White Queen | Emma Frost | Female | Telepath |
| Psylocke | Elizabeth Braddock | Female | Telepath |
| Shadowcat | Kathrine "Kitty" Pryde | Female | Can move through solid objects (phasing) |
Some of the X-Men's enemies include Magneto, Mystique, Sabretooth, Toad, Juggernaut, Mister Sinister and Apocalypse. The leader of X-Men's enemies is Magneto. He wants to gain civil rights for mutants in the forceful style of Malcolm X.[3]
Other media
The X-Men characters have since been featured in various comic book series, motion pictures, toys, animated series, and much more.
X-Men Media
Artist Jim Lee signing a hardcover collected edition of his work on X-Men (Vol 2) at Midtown Comics in Manhattan
References
- ↑ Godoski, Andrew (2011-06-01). "Professor X And Magneto: Allegories For Martin Luther King, Jr. And Malcolm X". Screened. Archived from the original on 2013-11-09. Retrieved 2012-08-18.
- ↑ Shutt, Craig (August 1997). "Bad is Good". Wizard (72): 38.
- ↑ Popular Culture, Geopolitics, and Identity - Page 114, Jason Dittmer - 2010