X-Men 34218 225997926 2008-07-16T11:18:32Z Aawood 1945098 [[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 225983323 by [[Special:Contributions/24.255.136.244|24.255.136.244]] ([[User talk:24.255.136.244|talk]]) {{otheruses}} {{Superteambox| <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics--> |image=giantsize1.jpg |imagesize= |caption=''Giant-Size X-Men'' #1 (May 1975). Cover art by [[Gil Kane]] & [[Dave Cockrum]]. |team name=X-Men |publisher=[[Marvel Comics]] |debut=''[[Uncanny X-Men|The X-Men]]'' #1<br>([[1963#September|Sept. 1963]]) |creators=[[Stan Lee]]<br>[[Jack Kirby]] |base=[[X-Mansion|Xavier Institute for Higher Learning]] |members=[[Warren Worthington III|Angel]]<br>[[Armor (comics)|Armor]]<br>[[Beast (comics)|Beast]]<br>[[Colossus (comics)|Colossus]]<br>[[Cyclops (comics)|Cyclops]]<br>[[Emma Frost]]<br>[[Hepzibah (comics)|Hepzibah]]<br>[[Iceman (comics)|Iceman]]<br>[[Nightcrawler (comics)|Nightcrawler]]<br>[[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]]<br>[[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]]<br>[[Warpath (comics)|Warpath]]<br>See [[List of X-Men teams]] |subcat=Marvel Comics |hero=y |villain= |sortkey=X-Men }} The '''X-Men''' are a [[fictional]] [[Marvel Comics]] [[superhero]] team. Created by [[Stan Lee]] and [[Jack Kirby]], they debuted in ''[[Uncanny X-Men|The X-Men]]'' #1, published in September 1963. The central theme of the series is that the X-Men are superheroes who acquired their powers from birth rather than through incident or design (similar to the [[Fantastic Four]], [[Spider-Man]], and [[Captain America]]). Most of them are initially teenagers who learn how to use their powers at a special school run by [[Professor X|Professor Charles Xavier]] (though the "school" takes the feel of a [[military academy]] given that the X-Men's powers are used mainly for conflict and are often sent into battle). The X-Men are fictitious [[Mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutants]] who, as a result of a sudden leap in evolution, are born with latent [[superhuman]] abilities that generally manifest themselves at [[puberty]]. In the stories, many ordinary humans harbor an intense fear or distrust of mutants (often referred to as ''Homo superior''), who are regarded by a number of scientists as the next step in [[human evolution]]. They are thus widely viewed as a threat to human civilizations; mutants who use their powers for criminal ends exacerbate the tensions. The X-Men were formed by the benevolent [[Professor X|Professor Charles Xavier]], (a.k.a. Professor X), a wealthy mutant who founded an academy to train young mutants to protect themselves and the world from [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto]], the [[Brotherhood of Mutants]] and other mutant threats. The X-Men comic book series was one of comicdom’s earliest and most influential trendsetters in adopting a [[Multiculturalism|multicultural]] central cast; during the 1970s, the roster was diversified, adding characters from [[Canada]], [[Germany]], [[Ireland]], [[Japan]], [[Kenya]], and the [[Soviet Union]]. Characters representing many other [[Ethnic group|ethnicities]] and cultural backgrounds have subsequently been added. The stories themselves have often included themes relating to the status of minorities, including assimilation, tolerance, and beliefs regarding a "superior race". The X-Men series has been adapted into films and [[television]] shows. The television shows have included one of the most successful weekend morning programs, ''[[X-Men (TV series)|X-Men: The Animated Series]]'', and the hit [[Kids WB!]] animated series ''[[X-Men: Evolution]]''. In 2000, the ''[[X-Men (film)|X-Men]]'' movie directed by [[Bryan Singer]] was released and featured [[Patrick Stewart]] as Professor Charles Xavier, [[James Marsden]] as Scott Summers (Cyclops), [[Halle Berry]] as Ororo Munroe (Storm), [[Hugh Jackman]] as Logan (Wolverine), [[Famke Janssen]] as Jean Grey (No codename in the films), and [[Anna Paquin]] as Marie (Rogue). Its sequel, ''[[X2 (film)|X2: X-Men United]]'', was released in 2003, again directed by Singer. A third X-Men movie, ''[[X-Men: The Last Stand]]'', directed by Brett Ratner, was released May 26, 2006. By 2008, two more films were in development, one featuring the origin of ''[[Wolverine (film)|Wolverine]]'' and the other featuring the origins of ''[[Magneto (film)|Magneto]]''. ==History== {{main|History of the X-Men comics}} [[Image:Magnetodebut.png‎|thumb|200px|''X-Men'' #1 (Sept. 1963).<br>Written by [[Stan Lee]] & art by [[Jack Kirby]].]] The team's name is a reference to the "X factor", an unknown gene that causes mutant evolution. Co-creator [[Stan Lee]] recalled in his book ''Son of Origins of Marvel Comics'' that he devised the series' title after Marvel publisher [[Martin Goodman (publisher)|Martin Goodman]] turned down the initial name, "The Mutants." In addition to this "official" explanation, the X-Men are widely regarded, within the Marvel Universe (as well as by the readers of the series), to have been named after Xavier himself. In ''Uncanny X-Men'' #309, Xavier claims that the name "X-Men" was never intended to be a self-tribute. This has been altered since ''Uncanny X-Men'' #1, in which Xavier stated he called the team X-Men "for ex-tra power!" The X-Men were founded by the [[Paraplegia|paraplegic]] [[telepath]] [[Professor X|Professor Charles Xavier]] [[a.k.a.]] Professor X. Xavier gathered the X-Men under the cover of [[X-Mansion|Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters]] at a large country estate at 1407 Graymalkin Lane in [[North Salem, New York|Salem Center]], a small town in [[Westchester County, New York]]. The original X-Men consisted of five teenagers, each of whom the professor taught to control their powers: [[Warren Worthington III|Angel]]/Warren Worthington III, [[Beast (comics)|Beast]]/Hank McCoy, [[Cyclops (comics)|Cyclops]]/Scott Summers, [[Iceman (comics)|Iceman]]/Bobby Drake, and [[Jean Grey|Marvel Girl]]/Jean Grey. Early ''X-Men'' issues introduced the team's arch nemesis [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto]] and his [[Brotherhood of Mutants|Brotherhood of Evil Mutants]] featuring [[Mastermind (Jason Wyngarde)|Mastermind]], [[Quicksilver (comics)|Quicksilver]], [[Scarlet Witch]], and the [[Toad (comics)|Toad]]. Ironically, the cast of this comic book series, which would later become a vehicle for stories about [[prejudice]] and [[racism]], was originally racially and ethnically homogeneous, seemingly comprised entirely of the [[White Anglo-Saxon Protestant|WASP]]-type character that was the ''de facto'' model for most [[Superhero|comic book heroes]] at that time. Furthermore, their arch nemesis was Magneto, a character later portrayed as a [[Jew]]ish [[Internment|concentration camp]] survivor. His key followers, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch, were Gypsies ([[Romani people|Roma]]). Only one new member of the X-Men was added, [[Mimic (comics)|Mimic]]/Calvin Rankin, but soon left due to his temporary loss of power. In 1969, writer [[Roy Thomas]] and artist [[Neal Adams]] rejuvenated the comic book and gave regular roles to two recently introduced characters: [[Havok (comics)|Havok]]/Alex Summers (who had been introduced by Roy Thomas before Adams began work on the strip) and Lorna Dane, later called [[Polaris (comics)|Polaris]] (created by Arnold Drake and Jim Steranko). However, these early ''X-Men'' issues failed to attract sales and Marvel stopped producing new stories with issue #66, although a number of the older comics were later reprinted as issues 67-93. ===1970s=== In ''[[Giant-Size X-Men]]'' #1 (1975), writer [[Len Wein]] and artist [[Dave Cockrum]] introduced a new team which was featured in new issues of ''The X-Men'' beginning with [[Uncanny X-Men 94|issue #94]]. Rather than teenagers, this group consisted of adults who hailed from a variety of nations and cultures. The "all-new, all-different X-Men" were led by Cyclops from the original team and consisted of the newly created [[Colossus (comics)|Colossus]], [[Nightcrawler (comics)|Nightcrawler]], [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]], and [[Thunderbird (comics)|Thunderbird]], along with three previously introduced characters, [[Banshee (comics)|Banshee]], [[Sunfire (comics)|Sunfire]], and most notably, [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]], who became the most popular X-men character. A revamped Jean Grey soon rejoined the X-Men as the popular [[Jean Grey|Phoenix]]; [[Warren Worthington III|Angel]], [[Beast (comics)|Beast]], [[Havok (comics)|Havok]], and [[Polaris (comics)|Polaris]] also made significant guest appearances. The revived series was illustrated by Dave Cockrum, and later [[John Byrne]], and written by Chris Claremont. Claremont became the series' longest-running contributor. The run met great critical acclaim and produced the "[[Proteus (comics)|Proteus]] Saga", "[[Dark Phoenix Saga]]", and later the early 1980s "[[Days of Future Past]]", arguably some of the greatest story arcs in [[Marvel Comics]], as well as ''[[X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills]]'', the basis for the 2003 movie ''[[X2 (film)|X2]]''. Other characters introduced at time include [[Kitty Pryde]], the [[Hellfire Club (comics)|Hellfire Club]], [[Jamie Madrox|Multiple Man]], [[Mystique (comics)|Mystique]], and [[Moira MacTaggert]] along with her genetic research facility on [[Muir Island]]. ===1980s=== In the 1980s, the growing popularity of ''Uncanny X-Men'' and the rise of comic book speciality stores led to the introduction of several spin-off series nicknamed "X-Books", most notably ''[[Excalibur (comics)|Excalibur]]'', ''[[New Mutants#New Mutants Vol. 1|The New Mutants]]'', and ''[[X-Factor (comics)|X-Factor]]'' and a solo [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]] title. This plethora of X-Men-related titles led to the rise of [[fictional crossover|crossovers]], sometimes called "X-Overs", storylines which would overlap into several X-Books and included ''[[Fall of the Mutants|The Fall of the Mutants]]'', ''[[Inferno (Marvel Comics)|Inferno]]'' and the ''[[Mutant Massacre]]''. Notable additions to the X-Men were [[Dazzler]], [[Forge (comics)|Forge]], [[Longshot]], [[Psylocke]], [[Rogue (comics)|Rogue]], and [[Rachel Summers]]. A controversial move was to have Professor X relocate to space in 1986 to be with his beloved Lilandra, Majestrix of the [[Shi'ar]] Empire, making Magneto a member of the X-Men and the headmaster of the New Mutants. This period also included the arrival of the mysterious [[Madelyne Pryor]], and the villains [[Apocalypse (comics)|Apocalypse]], [[Mister Sinister]], and [[Sabretooth (comics)|Sabretooth]]. ===1990s=== [[Image:Xmenjimlee.jpg|thumb|left|300px|The multiple, interlocking covers of ''X-Men'' #1 (1991) boosted sales. Art by [[Jim Lee]].]] In 1991 Marvel revised the entire line-up of X-Books, centered on the launch of a second X-Men series, simply titled ''[[X-Men (vol. 2)|X-Men]]''. With the return of Xavier and the [[X-Factor (comics)|original X-Men]] to the team, the bloated roster was split into two strike forces: Cyclops' "Blue Team" (chronicled in the pages of ''X-Men'') and Storm's "Gold Team" (in ''Uncanny X-Men''). Its first issues were written by long-standing X-Men writer [[Chris Claremont]] and drawn and co-plotted by superstar artist [[Jim Lee]] This book is the highest selling book in comic book history (selling close to 8 million copies). Another new X-book released at the time was ''[[X-Force]]'' featuring the characters from the ''[[New Mutants#New Mutants Vol. 1|The New Mutants]]'' led by [[Cable (comics)|Cable]] written by [[Rob Liefeld]] and [[Fabian Nicieza]]. Internal friction soon split the X-Books' creative teams. Claremont left after only three issues of X-Men due to clashes with Lee and the Marvel editors, thus ending his sixteen-year run as X-Men writer. In his void, Lee, [[Fabian Nicieza]] and [[Scott Lobdell]] would take over the majority of writing duties for the X-Men until Lee's own departure months later when he and several other popular artists (including former X-title artists Liefeld, [[Marc Silvestri]] and [[Whilce Portacio]]) would leave Marvel to form [[Image Comics]]. Their major grievance had been Marvel's heavy merchandising of their work with little compensation. Jim Lee's X-Men became the definitive X-Men for the 90s, and his designs would be the basis for much of the ''[[X-Men (TV series)|X-Men ]]'' animated series and action figure line as well as several Capcom video games. The 1990s saw an even greater number of X-books with numerous ongoing series and miniseries running concurrently. Notable story arcs of this time are the "[[X-Men: X-Tinction Agenda|The X-Tinction Agenda]]" in 1990, "[[Muir Island Saga|The Muir Island Saga]]" in 1991, "[[X-Cutioner's Song]]" in 1992, "[[Fatal Attractions]]" in 1993, "[[Phalanx Covenant]]" in 1994, "Legion Quest"/"[[Age of Apocalypse]]" in 1995, "[[Onslaught (comics)|Onslaught]]" in 1996 and "[[Operation: Zero Tolerance]]" in 1997. Some new characters were introduced and became instant hits ([[Bishop (comics)|Bishop]], [[Cable (comics)|Cable]], [[Gambit (comics)|Gambit]] and [[Jubilee (comics)|Jubilee]]), but many of the later additions to the team came and went ([[Joseph (comics)|Joseph]], [[Maggott]], [[Marrow (comics)|Marrow]], [[Cecilia Reyes]], and a new [[Neal Shaara|Thunderbird]]). Xavier's [[New Mutants#New Mutants Vol. 1|New Mutants]] grew up and became ''[[X-Force]]'', and the next generation of students began with ''[[Generation X (comics)|Generation X]]'', featuring Jubilee and other teenage mutants led and schooled by [[Banshee (comics)|Banshee]] and former villainess [[Emma Frost]] at her Massachusetts Academy. In 1998 ''Excalibur'' and ''X-Factor'' ended and the latter was replaced with ''[[Mutant X (comics)|Mutant X]]'', starring Havok stranded in a [[Parallel universe (fiction)|parallel universe]]. Marvel launched a number of solo series, including ''[[Bishop (comics)|Bishop]]'', ''Cable'', ''[[Deadpool (comics)|Deadpool]]'', ''Gambit'', and ''[[Nate Grey|X-Man]]'', but none would survive the decade. ===2000s=== In the 2000s, Claremont returned to Marvel and was put back on the primary X-Men titles during an event called ''[[Revolution (comics)|Revolution]]''. He was soon removed from his two flagship titles in early 2001 and created his own spin-off series, ''[[X-Treme X-Men]],'' which debuted a few months after his departure. ''X-Men'' had its title changed at this time to ''[[X-Men (vol. 2)|New X-Men]]'' and new writer [[Grant Morrison]] took over. This era is often referred to as the Morrison-era, due to the drastic changes he made to the series, beginning with "[[E is for Extinction|E Is for Extinction]]", where a new villaness, [[Cassandra Nova]], destroys Genosha, killing sixteen million mutants. Morrison also brought reformed ex-villainess [[Emma Frost]] into the primary X-Men team, and opened the doors of the school by having Xavier "out" himself to the public about being a mutant. The bright spandex costumes that had become iconic over the previous decades were also gone, replaced by black leather street clothes reminiscent of the uniforms of the ''X-Men'' movies. Morrison also added a new character, [[Xorn]], who would figure prominently in the climax of the writer's run. In the meantime, ''[[Ultimate X-Men]]'' was launched, set in Marvel's revised imprint. [[Chuck Austen]] also began his controversial run on ''[[Uncanny X-Men]]''. Notable additions to the X-Men have been [[Caliban (comics)|Caliban]], [[Chamber (comics)|Chamber]], [[Emma Frost]], [[Husk (comics)|Husk]], [[Northstar]] and [[Warpath (comics)|Warpath]]. This decade also included former villains becoming X-Men such as: [[Juggernaut (comics)|Juggernaut]], [[Lady Mastermind]], [[Mystique (comics)|Mystique]], and [[Sabretooth (comics)|Sabretooth]]. Several short-lived spin-offs and miniseries started featuring several X-Men in solo series, such as Emma Frost, Gambit, Mystique, Nightcrawler, and Rogue. Another book, ''[[Exiles (Marvel Comics)|Exiles]]'', started at the same time and concluded in December 2007 but with a new book in January 2008, "New Exiles" written by Chris Claremont. Cable and Deadpool's books were also rolled into one book, called ''[[Cable & Deadpool]]''. A third core X-Men title was also introduced called ''[[Astonishing X-Men#Volume three (2004-present)|Astonishing X-Men]]'', written by [[Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV series)|Buffy the Vampire Slayer]] creator [[Joss Whedon]], following Morrison's departure. Another X-Book titled ''[[New X-Men|New X-Men: Academy X]]'' took its place focusing on the lives of the new young mutants at the Institute. This period included the resurrections of [[Colossus (comics)|Colossus]] and [[Psylocke]], the temporary death of [[Jean Grey]], who later returned in the [[X-Men: Phoenix - Endsong]] miniseries, as well as the start of a relationship between Cyclops and Emma Frost, who have become the new leaders of the Institute. The Institute formerly ran as a large-scale school, until the [[Decimation (comics)|depowering]] of most of the mutant population. It now serves as a safe haven to those mutants who are still powered, and as the home of the X-Men. October 2007 saw the start of Messiah Complex which Marvel Editors believe to be a turning point in the X-Men's 40 year history. With new titles spanning out of it, including Cable, X-Force and Young X-Men, some older ones were canceled, such as New X-Men. X-Men was also renamed X-Men: Legacy. Marvel has stated the X-Men will come out of Messiah Complex completely changed and fans will be talking about it for years. The X-men teams disbanded in the aftermath of Messiah Complex, but will reform in ''Uncanny X-Men #500'' which will be the only Marvel comic to date to reach #500 without renumbering throughout the years. Issue #500 also marks the start of the X-Men's "Manifest Destiny." This term is a reference to the real life movement of Americans who first settled out west, and during the crossover the X-men reform under Cyclops's direction and accept his decision to establish a new base of operations in San Francisco. It is also revealed that Cyclop's decision to disband the X-men in the first place was merely a political move in order to give the remaining mutants time to accept his new role as the undisputed leader of the X-Men.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://independentcomicssite.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=313&Itemid=33 |title=The Independent Comics Site - State of the Art: The X-Men Post-Messiah CompleX |accessdate=2008-01-27 |format= |work=}}</ref> The X-Men will also be involved in the upcoming [[Secret Invasion]] in ''Secret Invasion: X-Men''. Notable story arcs of this decade are ''[[Revolution (comics)|Revolution]]'' (2000), "[[Eve of Destruction (comics)|Eve of Destruction]]", "[[E is for Extinction|E Is for Extinction]]" (2001), "[[Planet X (comics)|Planet X]]", "[[Astonishing X-Men#"Gifted" (Issues 1-6)|Gifted]]" (2004), ''[[Here Comes Tomorrow]]'', "[[X-Men: Phoenix - Endsong]]", "[[House of M]]", "[[Decimation (comics)|Decimation]]" (2005), "[[X-Men: Deadly Genesis|Deadly Genesis]]" (2005-2006), "[[X-Men: Endangered Species|Endangered Species]]" (2007), "[[X-Men: Messiah Complex|Messiah Complex]]" (2007-2008) and ''[[X-Men: Divided We Stand|Divided We Stand]]'' (2008). ==World of the X-Men== {{seealso|Mutant (Marvel Comics)}} The X-Men exist in the [[Marvel Universe]] with other characters portrayed in Marvel Comics series. As such, it is unsurprising that they often meet characters from other series, and the global nature of the mutant concept means the scale of stories can be highly varied. The X-Men fight everything ranging from mutant criminals to galactic threats. The X-Men base themselves in the [[X-Mansion|Xavier Institute]], [[Westchester County, New York|Westchester County, NY]], and are often depicted as a family. The X-Mansion is often depicted with three floors and two underground levels. To the outside world, it had acted as a higher learning institute until the 2000s, when Xavier is exposed as a mutant, and it becomes a full mutant [[boarding school]]. Xavier funds a corporation aimed at reaching mutants worldwide, though it ceased to exist following the "[[Decimation (comics)|Decimation]]". The X-Men benefit greatly from state-of-the-art technology. For example, Xavier is depicted tracking down mutants with a device called [[Cerebro]]; the X-Men train within the [[Danger Room]], first depicted as a room full of weapons and booby traps, now as generating holographic simulations; and the X-Men travel in their widely recognized and iconic [[Blackbird (comics)|Blackbird jet]]. ===Fictional places=== The X-Men introduced several fictional locations, which are regarded as important within the shared universe in which [[Marvel Comics]] characters exist: *[[Asteroid M]], an asteroid made by Magneto, a mutant utopia and training facility off of the earth's surface. *[[Genosha]], an island near [[Madagascar]] and a long-time [[crime of apartheid|apartheid]] regime against mutants. Given control by the U.N. to [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto]] until the ''E Is for Extinction'' story. *[[Madripoor]], an island in [[South East Asia]], near [[Singapore]]. Its location is shown to be in the southern portion of the Strait of Malacca, south west of Singapore. *[[Muir Island]], a remote island off the coast of [[Scotland]]. Primarily known in the X-Men universe as the home of [[Moira MacTaggert]]'s laboratory. *[[Savage Land]], a hidden location in [[Antarctica]] which is home to a number of extinct species, most notably [[dinosaur]]s. ===Alternate universes=== *[[Age of Apocalypse]]: In a world where Professor Xavier is killed before he can form the X-Men, Magneto finds the X-Men instead in a dystopic world ruled by Apocalypse. Created and reverted via time travel. *[[Days of Future Past]]: [[Sentinel (comics)|Sentinels]] have mutants in concentration camps. Prevented by time-travelling. *[[House of M]]: Reality is altered by [[Scarlet Witch]], with her father Magneto as the world's ruler. 2005's crossover event, it concludes with a reversion to the normal Marvel Universe, albeit with most mutants [[Decimation (comics)|depowered]]. *''[[Marvel 1602]]'': Mutants are known as the "Witchbreed". Carlos Javier creates a "school for the children of gentlefolk" to serve as a safe haven and training ground. *[[Marvel 2099]]: Set in a dystopic world with new characters looking to the original X-Men as history, becoming [[X-Men 2099]] and [[X-Nation 2099]]. *''[[Marvel Zombies]]'': Set in a world in which the majority of the Marvel heroes, including the X-Men, are zombies. * [[Mutant X]]: Set in a world where Scott Summers was captured along with his parents by the Shi'Ar and only Alex escaped, allowing him to be the eventual leader of this Universe's X-Factor ('The Six'). The Mutant X universe reimagines Mr. Fantastic, Nick Fury and Professor X as villains and Doctor Doom and Apocalypse as heroes. *[[Ultimate X-Men]]: Set in the re-imagined [[Ultimate Marvel]] universe. *''[[X-Men: The End]]'': A possible ending to the X-Men's early 2005 status quo. ===Characters=== {{main|List of X-Men teams}} ==Reflecting social issues== {{Refimprove|section|date=February 2007}} The conflict between mutants and normal humans is often compared to conflicts experienced by minority groups in America such as [[Jew]]s, [[African American]]s, [[Communism|Communists]], [[LGBT]] characters, etc. Also on an individual level, a number of X-Men serve a [[metaphor]]ical function as their powers illustrate points about the nature of the outsider. {{QuoteSidebar|300px|#eeffff|right|Quotation|''The X-Men are hated, feared and despised collectively by humanity for no other reason than that they are mutants. So what we have here, intended or not, is a book that is about racism, bigotry and prejudice.''|''Uncanny X-Men'' writer [[Chris Claremont]], 1982}} *'''[[antisemitism|Anti-Semitism]]''': Explicitly referenced in recent decades is the comparison between anti-mutant sentiment and anti-Semitism. Magneto, a [[The Holocaust|Holocaust]] survivor, sees the situation of mutants as similar to those of [[Jew]]s in [[Nazi Germany]]. At one point he even utters the words "[[Never Again|never again]]" in a 1992 episode of the ''X-Men'' animated series. The mutant slave labor camps on the island of [[Genosha]], in which numbers were burned into mutant's foreheads, show much in common with [[Nazi concentration camps]], as do the internment camps of the classic "[[Days of Future Past]]" storyline. Another notable reference is in the third X-Men film, when asked by Callisto: "If you're so proud of being a mutant, then where's your mark?" Magneto shows his concentration camp branding, while mentioning that he will never let another needle touch his skin. *'''[[multiculturalism|Diversity]]''': Characters within the X-Men mythos hail from a wide variety of nationalities. These characters also reflect religious, ethnic or sexual minorities. Examples of [[Jew]]ish characters include [[Kitty Pryde|Shadowcat]] and [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto]], whilst [[Dust (comics)|Dust]] is a devout [[Muslim]], [[Nightcrawler (comics)|Nightcrawler]] a devout [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]], and [[Neal Shaara|Thunderbird]] is a follower of the [[Hindu]] faith. [[Karma (comics)|Karma]] was portrayed as a devout Catholic who regularly attended Mass and confession when she was introduced as a founding member of the New Mutants. This team also included [[Wolfsbane (comics)|Wolfsbane]] (a devout Scots Presbyterian), [[Danielle Moonstar]] (a Cheyenne Native American) and [[Cannonball (comics)|Cannonball]] (a Baptist), and was later joined by [[Magma (comics)|Magma]] (a devout Greco-Roman classical religionist). *'''[[LGBT rights in the United States|LGBT Rights]]''': Another metaphor that has been applied to the X-Men is that of [[LGBT social movements|LGBT rights]]. Comparisons have been made between the mutants' situation, including [[closet(ed)|concealment of their powers]] and the [[puberty|age they realize these powers]], and homosexuality.<ref>{{cite news | author = John Hartl | title = The X-Men come out | publisher = MSNBC | date = [[2006-05-25]] | url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12956661 | accessdate = 2007-02-06}}</ref> Several scenes in the X-Men films, two of which were directed by openly [[Gay (term)|gay]] director [[Bryan Singer]], illustrate this theme. The first film featured a scene in which [[Robert Kelly (comics)|Senator Robert Kelly]] questioned whether mutants should be allowed to teach children in school, mirroring such debates as that over [[Section 28]], in which Sir [[Ian McKellen]] (who played Magneto in the film, and who is also openly gay) was involved. Bobby Drake "[[coming out|comes out]]" as a mutant to his parents in ''[[X2 (film)|X2]]''. In response, Bobby's mother asks him, "Have you tried not being a mutant?", referencing a popular belief that homosexuality is not inherent, but rather a "lifestyle choice". Also in ''X2'', [[Nightcrawler (comics)#Film|Nightcrawler]] has a conversation with [[Mystique (comics)#Film|Mystique]] in which he asks her why she doesn't use her [[shapeshifting]] ability to blend in among non-mutant humans all the time (an option Nightcrawler evidently wishes he had). Mystique replies simply, "Because we shouldn't have to." In the comics series, gay and [[bisexuality|bisexual]] characters include [[Anole (comics)|Anole]], [[Destiny (Irene Adler)|Destiny]], [[Karma (comics)|Karma]], [[Mystique (comics)|Mystique]], [[Northstar]], and the [[Alternate_versions_of_Colossus#Ultimate_Colossus|Ultimate version]] of Colossus. The comic books delved into the [[AIDS]] epidemic during the early 1990s with a long-running plot line about the [[Legacy Virus]],<ref>[http://stason.org/TULARC/art/comics-xbooks/60-What-is-the-Legacy-Virus-Who-s-had-it-Hasn-t-there-been.html]</ref> a seemingly incurable disease similarly thought at first to attack only mutants. A similar storyline appeared in the X-Men animated series that aired in the 1990s. *'''[[Racism]]''': [[Professor X]] has come to be compared to [[civil rights]] leader [[Martin Luther King, Jr.]] and [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto]] to the more militant [[Malcolm X]]. The X-Men’s purpose is sometimes referred to as achieving "Xavier’s dream", perhaps a reference to King’s historic "[[I Have a Dream]]" speech. Magneto, in the first film, quotes Malcolm X with the line "[[By any means necessary]]". X-Men comic books have often portrayed mutants as victims of [[Riot|mob violence]], evoking images of the [[lynching]] of African Americans in the age before the [[African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955-1968)|American civil rights movement]]. [[Sentinel (comics)|Sentinels]] and anti-mutant hate groups such as [[Friends of Humanity]], Humanity's Last Stand, the [[Church of Humanity (comics)|Church of Humanity]] and [[William Stryker|Stryker's]] [[Purifiers]] are thought to often represent oppressive forces like the [[Ku Klux Klan|KKK]] giving a form to denial of civil rights and amendments. In the 1980s, the comic featured a plot involving the fictional island nation of [[Genosha]], where mutants were segregated and enslaved by an [[crime of apartheid|apartheid]] state. This is widely interpreted as having been a reference to the situation in [[History of South Africa in the Apartheid era|South Africa]] at the time. *'''[[Red Scare]]''': Occasionally, undercurrents of the "Red Scare" are present. [[Robert Kelly (comics)|Senator Robert Kelly's]] proposal of a [[Registration acts (comics)#Mutant Registration Act|Mutant Registration Act]] is similar to the efforts of [[United States Congress]] to effectively ban [[Communism]] in the [[United States]]. In the 2000 ''[[X-Men (film)|X-Men film]]'' Kelly exclaims, 'We must know who these mutants are and what they can do,' even brandishing a "list" of known mutants (a reference to Senator [[Joseph McCarthy]]'s list of [[Communist Party USA]] members who were working in the government).<ref>[http://www.themovieinsider.com/reviews/read.php?rid=700 X-Men 3: The Last Stand (2006) Movie Review - 3.0 out of 4.0 stars - The Movie Insider<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> *'''[[Subculture]]''': In some cases, the mutants of the X-Men universe sought to create a subculture of the typical mutant society portrayed. The X-Men comics first introduced a band of mutants called the [[Morlocks (comics)|Morlocks]]. This group, though mutants like those attending Xavier's school, sought to hide away from society within the tunnels of New York. These Morlock tunnels served as the backdrop for several X-Men stories, most notably ''The [[Mutant Massacre]]'' crossover. This band of mutants illustrates another dimension to the comic, that of a group that further needs to isolate itself because society won't accept it. In [[Grant Morrison]]’s stories of the early 2000s, mutants are portrayed as a distinct subculture with “mutant bands” and a popular mutant fashion designer who created outfits tailored to mutant [[physiology]]. The series ''[[District X#District X (comic)|District X]]'' takes place in an area of [[New York City]] called "Mutant Town." These instances can also serve as analogies for the way that minority groups establish specific subcultures and neighborhoods of their own that distinguish them from the broader general culture. Director [[Bryan Singer]] has remarked that the X-Men franchise has served as a metaphor for acceptance of all people for their special and unique gifts. The mutant condition that is often kept secret from the world can be analogous to feelings of difference and fear usually developed in everyone during [[adolescence]]. *'''[[Religion]]''': religion is an integral part of several X-men storylines. It is presented as both a positive and negative force, sometimes in the same story. The comics explore [[religious fundamentalism]] through the person of [[William Stryker]] and his Purifiers, an anti-mutant group that emerged in the 1982 graphic novel [[God Loves, Man Kills]]. The Purifiers believe that mutants are not human beings but children of the devil, and have attempted to exterminate them several times, most recently in the "Childhood's End"; storyline. By contrast, religion is also central to the lives of several X-men, particularly [[Nightcrawler (comics)|Nightcrawler]], a devout Catholic, and [[Dust (comics)|Sooraya Qadir]], a devout Sunni Muslim. This recalls the religious roots of social activists like [[Mahatma Gandhi]] and [[Martin Luther King]], as well as their opponents such as the [[Ku Klux Klan]] or [[Nathuram Godse]] (the Hindu radical who assassinated Gandhi). ==In other media== ===Cartoons=== *The X-Men made their first ever animated appearance on the 1960s ''[[The Marvel Superheroes]]'' TV series with the original X-Men line-up ([[Warren Worthington III|Angel]], [[Beast (comics)|Beast]], [[Cyclops (comics)|Cyclops]], [[Jean Grey]], and [[Iceman (comics)|Iceman]]). Since [[Grantray-Lawrence Animation]] didn't have the rights to the [[Fantastic Four]] (their series was produced by [[Hanna-Barbera]]), they substituted them with the X-Men. Interestingly enough, the X-Men were never referred to as the ''X-Men''. They were, instead, referred to as '''Allies for Peace'''. The characters kept their original looks and individual names from the comics, though. *The X-Men guest-starred in several episodes of ''[[Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends]]'', starting with a flashback in "The Origin of Iceman" (Iceman himself being one of the show's three main characters). Appearing in this particular episode are Professor X and the five original X-Men: Angel, Beast, Cyclops, Iceman, and Marvel Girl. (In the continuity of the show, Firestar was also a former member of the X-Men.) The X-Men's next appearance was in the episode "A Firestar is Born", including appearances from Professor X, Cyclops, Angel, Wolverine (aka Andrew Pansky), Storm, and even Juggernaut (plus Magneto in a cameo appearance). The X-Men would return the following season in the episode entitled "The X-Men Adventure". Making appearances there were: Colossus, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Professor X, Sprite, Storm, and Thunderbird. "The X-Men Adventure" was meant {{Fact|date=March 2007}} to be a pilot for an X-Men cartoon that was slated to feature the X-Men characters, plus Lady Lightning (an animated version of Carol Danvers/[[Ms. Marvel]]) and [[Videoman]] as members. The cartoon was never produced. *In [[1989]], [[Marvel Productions]] produced a [[television pilot|pilot]] X-Men episode called ''[[Pryde of the X-Men]]''. The series was never picked up but the single episode aired infrequently in [[broadcast syndication|syndication]] during the ''[[Marvel Action Universe]]'' series and was later released on video. In 1991, a six-player arcade game (and a four-player version) was based upon the pilot starring Colossus, Cyclops, Dazzler, Nightcrawler, Storm, and Wolverine. Kitty Pryde and Professor X also appear. *In [[1992]], [[Fox Broadcasting Company|the FOX network]] launched an [[X-Men (TV series)|''X-Men'' animated series]] with the roster of Beast, Cyclops, Gambit, Jean Grey, Jubilee, Professor X, Rogue, Storm, and Wolverine with Bishop and Cable frequently guest starring. The two-part pilot episode, "Night of the Sentinels" set off what would become a five-season series. It was an extraordinary success, becoming one of the most watched animated series in television history {{Fact|date=February 2007}} and helping widen the X-Men's popularity. The five seasons ended in 1997. It was put back in Fox's line-up (albeit edited) for several months after the first movie was released. *In [[1994]], Cyclops, Jean Grey, Gambit, Wolverine and Storm, along with Spider-Man, made very quick cameo's in the series, [[Fantastic Four (1994 TV series)]], in the episode "Nightmare in Green" as [[Human Torch (comics)|Johnny]] flies overhead. *In [[2000]], [[The WB Television Network|The WB Network]] launched the television show ''[[X-Men: Evolution]]'', which portrayed the X-Men as teenagers attending a regular public high school in addition to the Xavier Institute. The series ended in 2003 after its fourth season. *In [[2003]], while not physically making an appearance, the X-Men and mutant-kind are mentioned in an episode of the short-lived CGI series [[Spider-Man: The New Animated Series]] called "The Party". Peter Parker is quoted as saying, "I bet the X-Men get to go to parties." Soon after, he is ambushed by a group of cops, one of them calling him a "[[mutant (comics)|mutant]] freak". *In [[2006]], [[Minimates]] released a short animated [[brickfilm]] called ''[[X-Men: Darktide]]'' on [[DVD]] with a box set of figures. The story involved the X-Men battling the Brotherhood at an [[oil platform|oil rig]]. *In [[2009]], [[Marvel Studios]] will put out a new X-Men animated show that will primarily feature Wolverine, this time using a mesh of 2D/3D animation for characters and backgrounds. [[Avi Arad]], CEO of Marvel Studios, stated "X-Men is one of Marvel's crown jewels and it makes sense to focus on the popular Wolverine character for our second animation project." The new series is titled ''[[Wolverine and the X-Men]]'' and is currently in production. ===Films=== {{main|X-Men (film series)}} The X-Men [[film series]] currently consists of three [[superhero film]]s based on the [[fictional character|fictional]] [[Marvel Comics]] team of the same name. The films star an [[ensemble cast]], focusing on [[Hugh Jackman]] as [[Wolverine in other media#Film casting|Wolverine]], as he is drawn into the conflict between [[Professor X in other media#Films|Professor Xavier]] and [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto]], who have opposing views on humanity's relationship with [[mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutants]]: Xavier believes humanity and mutants can coexist, but Magneto believes a war is coming, and intends to fight. The films also developed sub-plots based on the comics' [[Weapon X#Series called Weapon X|Weapon X]] and [[Dark Phoenix Saga|Dark Phoenix]] storylines. [[20th Century Fox]] earned the film rights to the characters in 1994, and after numerous drafts, [[Bryan Singer]] was hired to direct ''[[X-Men (film)|X-Men]]'' for a [[2000 in film|2000]] release. Singer returned for the [[2003 in film|2003]] sequel ''[[X2 (film)|X2]]'', but left a potential third and fourth film to direct ''[[Superman Returns]]''. [[Brett Ratner]] directed ''[[X-Men: The Last Stand]]'' for a [[2006 in film|2006]] release. Critics praised Singer's films for their dark, realistic tone, and focus on prejudice as a subtext, but Ratner's film was met with mixed reviews. Nonetheless, each film outgrossed the last, and Fox is developing [[spin-off]]s set before the three films. The ''X-Men'' films are also attributed as leading to a reemergence of [[superhero film]]s in the 2000s, such as the [[Spider-Man film series|''Spider-Man'' film series]]. ===Video games=== {{main|List of X-Men computer and video games}} The first X-Men video game was released by Josh Toevs and [[LJN]] for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] and was called ''[[Marvel's X-Men (video game)|Marvel's X-Men]]''. That same year (1989) a computer game was also released based on the X-Men and Trevor Macy. In the 1990s [[Sega]] released two popular X-Men video games for its [[Sega Mega Drive|Sega Genesis]]; ''[[X-Men (Sega)|X-Men]]'' and ''[[X-Men 2: Clone Wars]]''. In 1992, the X-Men teamed up with Spider-Man for ''Spider-Man and the X-Men: Arcade's Revenge'' for every major system of the time. Wolverine starred in a solo game in 1994 for both the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis called, ''Wolverine: Adamantium Rage''. Matt Wedel is an unlockable character in Activision's 2001 ''Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3''. In 1995 the X-Men got their own game for the Super Nintendo called, ''X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse''. There are several [[video game]]s for various platforms starring the X-Men. Many of them are 2D [[fighting game]]s such as 1994's ''[[X-Men: Children of the Atom (arcade game)|X-Men: Children of the Atom]]'', 1996's ''[[X-Men vs. Street Fighter]]'' and 2000s ''[[X-Men: Mutant Academy]]''. There was also a 3-D fighting-game called [[X-Men: Next Dimension]]. The most recent in the series are the [[Computer role-playing game|role-playing games]] ''[[X-Men Legends]]'' (2004) and its 2005 sequel ''[[X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse]]''. The characters also appeared in the [[Marvel vs. Capcom (series)|Marvel vs. Capcom series]]. Konami also created an [[X-Men (arcade game)]] in 1992, which featured six playable X-Men characters: [[Colossus (comics)|Colossus]], [[Cyclops (comics)|Cyclops]], [[Dazzler]], [[Nightcrawler (comics)|Nightcrawler]], [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]], and [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]]. The X-Men made a few appearances in ''[[Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro]]''. Professor X ([[Daran Norris]]) and Rogue ([[Jennifer Hale]]) run a [[Danger Room]] simulation for the player to train in. Beast ([[Dee Bradley Baker]]) appears in the first level to demonstrate the controller functions to the player. With the release of ''X2: X-Men United'', ''[[X2: Wolverine's Revenge]]'' was released and featured Wolverine and his origins which acted as a flashback for many events in the second film. To coincide with the release of the third film, Activision has released ''[[X-Men: The Official Game]]'' which filled in gaps between ''[[X2 (film)|X2: X-Men United]]'' and ''[[X-Men: The Last Stand]]'', such as explaining Nightcrawler's absence from the third film. Magneto, Storm and Wolverine also appear in Electronic Arts' 3-D fighting game ''[[Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects]]''. Deadpool, Iceman, Storm, and Wolverine are playable in the major Marvel video game, ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]''. Colossus is playable on the Xbox 360, Wii & PS3 versions of the game, and Jean Grey is playable on the GBA version. Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Professor X, and Psylocke appear as NPC's on all versions while Beast, Forge, Karma and Dr. Moira MacTaggert were mentioned by different characters. In addition, during a cut-scene, Beast, Colossus, Cyclops, Emma Frost, Gambit, Magneto, Professor Xavier, Psylocke, and Shadowcat were seen defeated by Dr. Doom alongside The Hulk. Starting April 10, 2007, Xbox 360 owners will be able to download eight new playable characters for the game, including X-Men heroes and villains: Cyclops, Magneto, Nightcrawler, and Sabretooth. <ref>{{cite web|title=Activision to Release New Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Heroes and Villains on Xbox Live Marketplace|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/marvelultimatealliance/news.html?sid=6167963&om_act=convert&om_clk=gsupdates&tag=updates;title;1|accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> ==Footnotes== {{reflist}} ==References== *Fecteau, Lydia ([[July 12]], [[2004]]). ''Mutant and Cyborg Images of the Disabled Body in the Landscape of Science Fiction'' [http://caxton.stockton.edu/files/disability/FinalProjectLF.doc Available online as a Word document]. Accessed on [[September 29]] [[2005]]. *[[Grant Morrison|Morrison, Grant]]. ([[August 10]], [[2000]]) "''[http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/films/articles/560266 The geek shall inherit the earth]''". ''The Evening Standard''. Accessed on [[September 29]] [[2005]] *[[Simcha Weinstein|Weinstein, Simcha]]. ''Up Up and Oy Vey : How Jewish History, Culture And Values Shaped The Comic-Book Superhero'' (Baltimore : Leviathan, 2006) has a chapter on the X-Men, with special emphasis on Jewish characters Magneto and Shadowcat. *[[Mitch Montgomery|Montgomery, Mitch]]. ([[October 21]], [[2006]]) "''[http://www.silverbulletcomics.com/news/story.php?a=2894 X-traordinary People: Mary Tyler Moore and the Mutants Explore Pop Psychology]''". ''Silver Bullet Comics''. Explores the psychology of storytelling and methods of coping with loss as seen in the film ''[[Ordinary People]]'' and the ''[[Uncanny X-Men]]'' comic book collection [[From the Ashes.]] *In the TV show series ''[[King of the Hill]]''. Dale calls the Animal Control's "War Room" like the "Danger Room from the X-Men." ==External links== {{Wikiquote}} *{{comicbookdb|type=team|id=3|title=X-Men}} *[http://www.armadamutuna.com/ Armada Mutuna] *[http://www.marveldirectory.com/ MarvelDirectory.com] *[http://www.mutanthigh.com/ Mutant High] *[http://uncannyxmen.net/ UncannyXmen.net] *[http://xmenfansite.com/ X-Men Fan Site.com] *[http://www.comic-covers.com/Marvel/MarvelT-Z/X-Men/index.html X-Men comic gallery] *[http://www.newkadia.com/?Covers=4389 Covers of all issues of the first series of X-Men comics] *[http://marvel.com/universe/X-men X-Men Official Character Bio at Marvel.com] {{X-Men}} {{DEFAULTSORT:X-Men}} [[Category:Superheroes]] [[Category:Marvel Comics mutants]] [[Category:Marvel Comics titles]] [[Category:X-Men titles]] [[Category:X-Men|*]] [[ar:إكس مين]] [[bg:Х-Мен]] [[ca:X-Men]] [[cs:X-Men]] [[tum:X-Men]] [[da:X-Men]] [[de:X-Men]] [[el:X-Men]] [[es:X-Men]] [[eo:X-Men]] [[fr:X-Men]] [[fy:X-Men]] [[id:X-Men]] [[it:X-Men (fumetto)]] [[he:אקס-מן]] [[lt:X-Menai]] [[hu:X-Men]] [[nl:X-Men (strip)]] [[ja:X-メン]] [[no:X-Men]] [[pl:X-Men]] [[pt:X-Men]] [[ru:Люди Икс]] [[sc:X-Men]] [[sq:X-Men]] [[simple:X-Men]] [[sl:Možje X]] [[fi:Ryhmä-X]] [[sv:X-Men]] [[th:เอ็กซ์เมน]] [[vi:X-Men]] [[tr:X-Men]] [[uk:Люди Ікс]] [[zh:X战警]]