Introduction To Marvel: The Mini Book Of X-Men By S.T. Bende
The first recorded member of Homo Superior was born in central Europe roughly 17,000 years ago.
Since that time, the mutant X-gene has manifested in a multitude of ways. For example the feral gene yields animalistic mutations and the replicator gene enables duplication of humanoids and their powers.
Other mutants have boasted increased strength and speed, the ability to fly, and an aptitude for manipulating minds, matter and even reality.
Believing mutants to be the next step in human evolution, Charles ‘Professor X’Xavier gathered 5 talented teens and opened Xavier’s School For Gifted Youngsters, an institution dedicated to the education and advancement of his student’s unconventional talents, with an eye on on achieving harmony between mutants and human-kind. Over the years, Xavier’s school grew with many of his pupils going on to join heroic leagues - from X-Men to X-Force. These avenging assailants continually ran up against perilous foes - from the metal-morphing, mutant-first proselytizer Magneto and his Brother-Hood Of Evil Mutants, to the villainous vigilantes of the Hell-Fire Club.
But Homo-Superior’s most dangerous enemies might well be the un-enchanced humans with whom Charles Xavier dreams of a peaceful co-existence. Homo-Sapiens have long sought to control when they do not under-stand through intimidation, legislation, and in-creasingly hostile acts - and their treat-ment of Homo-Superior has been divided in their responses - with some pushing for the peace first conceived by Professor X, and others pursuing domination in alignment with Magneto’s views - all are united in their desire to live a life of their own choosing. Whether serving as X-Men like Cyclops and Rogue. Becoming educators like Professor X and Emma Frost, advancing mutant causes like Magneto and Mystique, or carving their own paths like Wolverine and Storm, there are countless ways to embody one’s mutant-hood. Some may stumble, so may lose their way. But their strength lies in the delightfully different nature of each of their varied abilities …, and their willingness to pursue their dreams with dogged determination. As Professor X observed, his X-Men - and the multitude of mutants who share the X-Gene - don’t give up. They stand up.
By S.T. Bende
