Mutant (Marvel Comics)
 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification.(September 2008) |
| Mutant | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | X-Men#1 (September1963) |
| Created by | Stan Lee Jack Kirby |
| Characteristics | |
| Place of origin | Earth |
| Notable members | X-Men X-Factor X-Force Dark X-Men New Mutants Brotherhood of Mutants Acolytes Morlocks Quiet Council of Krakoa Avengers |
InAmerican comic bookspublished byMarvel Comics,amutantis a human being that possesses agenetic traitcalled the X-gene. It causes the mutant to developsuperhuman powersthat manifest atpuberty.Human mutants are sometimes referred to as a human subspeciesHomo sapiens superioror simplyHomo superior.Mutants are theevolutionaryprogeny ofHomo sapiens,and are actually revealed to be the next stage inhuman evolution.The accuracy of this is the subject of much debate in theMarvel Universe.
Unlike Marvel's mutates, which are characters who develop their powers only after exposure to outside stimuli or energies (such as theHulk,Spider-Man,theFantastic Four,Absorbing Man,andCaptain Marvel), mutants have actualgenetic mutations.
Publication history
Early antecedents
A March 1952 story inAmazing Detective Cases#11 called "The Weird Woman" tells of a woman describing herself as a mutant who seeks a similarly superhuman mate.[1]Roger Carstairs, a mutant who can create illusions, is shown inMan Comics#28, dated September 1953.[2]A character with superhuman powers, born from a radiation-exposed parent, was seen in "The Man with the Atomic Brain!"[3]inJourney into Mystery#52 in May 1959; although not specifically called a "mutant", his origin is consistent with one. A little-known story inTales of Suspense#6 (November 1959) titled "The Mutants and Me!"[4]was one of the first Marvel (then known asAtlas) stories to feature a named "mutant". Tad Carter, a mutant withtelekineticpowers, is shown in Amazing Adult Fantasy #14, dated July 1962.[5]
Officially,Namor the Sub-Marineris considered the first mutant superhero whom Marvel Comics ever published,[6]debuting in 1939. However, Namor was not actually described as a mutant untilFantastic Four Annual#1, decades after his first appearance.[7]The same is true ofToro,partner of theandroid Human Torchintroduced in 1940.
Modern concept and development
The modern concept of mutants as a distinctspeciesindependent ofhomo sapiensbegan development under Marvel writer and editor-in-chiefStan Leein the early 1960s, as a means to create a large number ofsuperheroesandsupervillainswithout having to think of a separate origin for each one. As part of the concept, Lee decided that these mutant teenagers should, like ordinary ones, attend school in order to better cope with the world, in this caseXavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.Following the 1963 debut of this conception of mutants in the superhero seriesX-Men,Marvel later introduced several additional mutant superhero teams, includingThe New Mutants,X-Factor,Excalibur,X-Force,andGeneration X.
In early X-Men stories, Professor Xavier and others suggest that mutation is related to nuclear radiation, as his parents worked on thedevelopment of the atomic bomb,though later descriptions of mutation would describe it deriving from genetics. The first in-story mention of mutants in this context is inThe X-Men#1, in which Professor Xavier explains his school to the newly admitted Jean Grey: "You, Miss Grey, like the other students at this most exclusive school, are amutant!You possess an extra power...one which ordinary humans do not!! That is why I call my students...X-Men,forEx-tra power! "[8]This issue also features the first reference to mutants as the species "Homo Superior" byMagneto.Following the relaunch under writerChris Claremont,narration in stories taking place onMuir IslanddescribedMoira MacTaggertas "second only to Charles Xavier as an authority on genetic mutation."[9]In theNew Mutants graphic novel,after witnessingRahne Sinclairdemonstrate her mutant shapeshifting ability, MacTaggert refers to "an anomalous DNA matrix" in her blood signaling that Sinclair "could be a mutant."[10]The cause of mutation was elaborated upon in the first issue of the spin-off seriesX-Factor,in whichCameron Hodgerefers to "people who possess the X-Factor mutation in their genetic makeup."[11]This genetic mutation was later dubbed the X-Gene. At one point,Beaststates that the X-Gene is located on the 23rdchromosome;[12]the process described is that the gene activates mutation producing a protein stimulating chemical signals which induce mutations on other genes.[13]
Mutations are depicted as generally manifesting during adolescence,[14]however this is not universal. Some mutants, such asNightcrawler,are visibly mutated from birth,[15]while others like Magneto do not develop their abilities until adulthood.[16]Some mutants are not even aware of their latent mutations unless deliberately activated, such asPolaris,whose manifestation was triggered with technological aid.[17]
Later developments
In the 2022 storyline,A.X.E.: Judgment Day,mutants are discovered byEternalsto be an offshoot of theDeviantrace, triggering efforts by the Eternals' leaderDruigto wipe them out, giving the mutants an explicit link to theCelestialsand to the publisher's cosmic storylines.[18]In the series' conclusion, new Prime EternalZurasconfirms the end of hostilities with the mutants and proposed a formal treaty alliance, explaining toStorm,"You mutants share some DNA with Deviants? It's of little matter. Until a mutant triggers our physiological 'excess deviation' response, you're not Deviants in the way that counts. You're just human."[19]
Mutant Subtypes
Omega-level mutants
Changelings
Introduced in the second series ofX-Factor,achangelingis a mutant whose powers manifest at birth.Jamie MadroxandDamian Trypare examples of this sub-class.
Cheyarafim and Neyaphem
Cheyarafim and Neyaphem first appear inUncanny X-Men#429. According to the characterAzazel,the Cheyarafim are a group ofangel-like mutants who were the traditional enemies of the Neyaphem, a demonic-looking group of mutants who lived inBiblicaltimes. The Cheyarafim werefanaticswho had a strict, absolutist view of morality which led them into conflict with the Neyaphem. This escalated into aholy war,causing the Neyaphem to be exiled into an alternate dimension. What happened to the Cheyarafim after this has not been revealed.
AngelandIcarusare said to be descended from Cheyarafim,[citation needed]whileNightcrawleris supposedly the son of a Neyaphem, Azazel.
Chimeras
In the pages of "House of X and Powers of X",theChimerasare genetically altered humanoid mutants who are combined from the DNA of past mutants so that they would have combinations of their power set and also propagate the mutant population. Third generation Chimeras have a 10% failure rate making them unable to be warriors. Fourth generation Chimeras have a corrupted hive mind. They were more common inMoira MacTaggert's ninth life where they were created in Mister Sinister's Breeding Pits on Mars.[20]
Sometime after the "X of Swords"storyline, Mister Sinister created his first Chimera by splicing his own DNA samples with the DNA samples of an Arraki named Tarn the Uncaring. When the experiment proved to be a failure and the Quiet Council ofKrakoafound out about it, Mister Sinister is undeterred in his next plans to research the Chimeras.[21]
Later in the "Sins of Sinister"storyline, Mister Sinister was in an alternate timeline where he created his Chimeras after taking over world with his Sinister gene.[22]
The following are the known Chimeras:
- Cardinal- Created from the genetic templates ofFrancis Fanny,Nightcrawler,andRachel Summers.[20]
- North- Created from the genetic templates ofEmma FrostandPolaris.[20]
- Rasputin IV- Created from the genetic templates ofColossus,Kitty Pryde,Quentin Quire,Unus the Untouchable,andX-23.[20]An alternate version was created by Mister Sinister from the same genetic templates during the "Sins of Sinister"storyline.[23]
- Legion of the Night- The Legion of the Night are Chimeras that were made from genetic template ofNightcrawlerspliced with other genetic templates. The other members consist of:[24]
- Wagnerine- Created from the genetic templates ofX-23and Nightcrawler.[24]
- Auntie Fortune- Created from the genetic templates ofDominoand Nightcrawler.[24]
- Wallcrawler- Created from the genetic templates of Nightcrawler andSpider-Man.[22][24]
- Lost-in-Shadow- Created from the genetic templates of Lost and Nightcrawler.[25]
- Chamber Nocturne- Created from the genetic templates ofChamberand Nightcrawler.[25]
- Summernight- Created from the genetic templates of Cyclops and Nightcrawler. He is the lover of Wagnerine.[25]
- High Summers- A group of Chimeras created from the genetic templates of Cyclops,Havok,andVulcan.[26]
- Loud Hallers- A group of Chimeras created from the genetic templates ofSirynand Lodus Logos.[26]
- Hot Claws- A group of Chimeras created from the genetic templates ofFeral,Thornn,Mercury,andPete Wisdom.[26]
- Sage Advisors- A group of Chimeras created from the genetic templates ofArtie Maddicks,Captain Britain,Multiple Man,andSage.[26]
Dominant Species/Lupine
Maximus Loboclaims to be a part of a mutant sub-species of feralwolf-like mutants, whom he calls the Dominant Species. He later tries to recruitWolf Cubinto his ranks to no avail. A few years later, another mutant namedRomulusclaims that some human mutants evolved from canines instead of primates.[27]Romulus' sister Remus would later consider his claim to be a hoax when she meets Wolverine.[28]
Extraterrestrial mutants
Humans are not the only species to have mutant subspecies.
Externals
Created byRob Liefeld,Externalsare immortal mutants whose powers have allowed them to exist for centuries. Eventually, most of the Externals are killed bySelene,and later byApocalypse.
"Homo superior superior"
Introduced inChris Claremont'sX-Treme X-Men,a character known asVargasclaims to be humanity's natural response to mutants. Vargas was born at the epitome of peak physical skill, having superhuman levels of strength, speed, reflexes, agility, stamina, and durability. Vargas also seems to be immune to various mutant abilities (such as Rogue's absorption and Psylocke's telekinetic blast).[29]
Hybrids
Mutants have been shown to successfully crossbreed or a result of crossbreed with Humans (Homo sapiens),Atlanteans(Homo mermanus), fairies, and other humanoid aliens likeShi'ar,etc.
- Abigail Brand
- Namor
- Namora
- Namorita
- Lifeguard
- Pixie
- Slipstream
- Xandra Neramani
Mutants as metaphor
As a fictionaloppressedminority,mutants are often used as extendedmetaphorsfor real-world people and situations. In 1982,X-MenwriterChris Claremontsaid, "[mutants] 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."[citation needed]
Danny Fingerothwrites extensively in his bookSuperman on the Couchabout the appeal of mutants and their meaning to society:
The most popular pop culture franchises are those that make the viewer/reader feel special and unique, while simultaneously making him or her feel he or she is part of a mass of people experiencing and enjoying the same phenomenon. The plight of the mutants is universally compelling. Many people feel a need for a surrogate family, one composed of those the world has abused and persecuted in the same way they have been their whole life. This is especially true in adolescents, which may in part explain some of the draw of mutants.[30]
An obvious parallel between homosexuality and mutation is drawn in the feature filmX2,whereIceman's mother asks, "Have you triednotbeing a mutant? "This question (or various forms thereof) is common among parents who find out their children aregay.[31][32]In the 2011 filmX-Men: First Class,Hank McCoy (later known asBeast), upon being outed to a colleague as a mutant, responds, "You didn't ask, so I didn't tell."
In his articleSuper Heroes, a Modern Mythology,Richard Reynolds writes:
Much of the appeal and draw of the mutants that comprise theX-Menhas to do with feeling like an outcast while simultaneously feeling like part of a family. Mutants are ostracized because they are different but they bound together because of their differences. They may be forced together to a certain extent like 'real' families but they are also a team. They differ from other teams such as theJustice League,which is like a meritocracy; only the best of the best join that team. In contrast, the X-Men is composed of outcasts. They train and nurture one another and are united by common goals and beliefs....the whole theme of the X-Men — the isolation of mutants and their alienation from 'normal' society — may be read as a parable of the alienation of any minority... of a minority grouping determined to force its own place within society.[citation needed]
Other versions
Earth X
Within theEarth Xuniverse, the powers of the vast majority of Marvel's human superheroes were revealed to have been the result of genetic manipulation by theCelestialsmillions of years in the past.
Ultimate Marvel
In theUltimate Marveluniverse within the pages of theUltimate Origins#1, it is revealed that super-powered "mutants" were artificially created viagenetic modificationby theWeapon Xprogram in a laboratory inAlberta,Canadain October 1943. The project was an attempt to produce asupersoldier,inspired by the existence ofCaptain America.James Howlettwas the first individual to be so modified. At some later point, possibly during a confrontation between Magneto and his parents, the mutant trigger was released into the environment worldwide, leading to the appearance of mutants in the general population. Following the events of theUltimatumstoryline, information concerning the origins of mutancy was made public and steps were taken in the US to make being a mutant illegal. While the move apparently has majority support among the non-mutant population, a vocal minority has voiced concern that it will lead to witch-hunts and genocide.[33]
In other media
X-Menfilm series
Marvel Cinematic Universe
Following Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, the film rights to the X-Men and other mutant characters reverted toMarvel Studios.When asked if his use of the term "mutants" meant the film would be avoiding the term "X-Men", Marvel Studios presidentKevin Feigeclarified that he was using the two terms interchangeably. He added that Marvel Studios' approach to the characters would be different to Fox's franchise.[34]Since 2022, the mutant race have appeared in various media set within theMarvel Cinematic Universe(MCU) media franchise:
- Mutants are first implicitly introduced through a variant ofCharles Xavierfrom the alternate universe Earth-838 in the filmDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness(2022).Patrick Stewartreprises the role from Fox'sX-Menfilm series.[35]
- The first mutant belonging to the main reality of the MCU isKamala Khan / Ms. Marvel(portrayed byIman Vellani), which is stated inthe final episodeof the television seriesMs. Marvel(2022). This differs from the comics where she is originally anInhuman.[36][37]A musical excerpt of theX-Men: The Animated Series(1992–1997) theme is featured in bothMs. MarvelandMultiverse of Madness.[38]
- The television seriesShe-Hulk: Attorney at Law(2022) features numerous implicit references and allusions to mutants from throughout Marvel Comics. A website article insinuatingJames "Logan" Howlett / Wolverinebeing active in the MCU is aneaster eggin the episode "Superhuman Law",where he is indirectly described in an online news article regarding a man who" fights with metal claws "during a bar brawl.[39][40][41]Additionally the series features supporting appearances fromDavid Hollis / Mr. Immortal(David Pasquesi) andAlejandro Montoya / El Águila(Joseph Castillo-Midyett), both of whom identify as mutants in the comics.[42][43]The main-on-end credits of the episode "Mean, Green, and Straight Poured into These Jeans"depicts a visual ofAugustus Pugliesedisplaying his sneaker collection to his colleagueNikki Ramos,with some designs derived from the appearances of Wolverine,Namor,Cyclops,GambitandCable.[44]The series' finale "Whose Show Is This?",which depicts protagonistJennifer Waltersbreaking the fourth wallby travelling toMarvel Studiosto have the episode altered, features a conversation between herself and "K.E.V.I.N.",a fictionalized algorithm based on company president and producerKevin Feige.Walters asks K.E.V.I.N. when theX-Menthemselves would debut in the MCU, to which it declines to answer.[45]
- InBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever(2022),Namor(portrayed byTenoch Huerta Mejía) retains his comics background as a mutant. In the film, his mother ingested a vibranium laced plant while pregnant, giving him abilities that his people who consumed it did not due to his mutation, including pointed ears, winged ankles, the ability to breathe air and water, extended longevity,[46]and his trademark ability to fly, which he callssky-swimming.For his abilities, his subjects, calledTalokanil,worship him as not merely a king, but rather an incarnation of a god.
- Kamala Khan returns inThe Marvels(2023). In the mid-credits scene, a version ofHank McCoy / BeastmeetsMonica Rambeauafter she enters a portal into a parallel universe.Kelsey Grammerreprises the role from Fox'sX-Menfilms.[47]
- Deadpool & Wolverine(2024) integrated20th Century Fox'sX-Menfilm series' iterations ofWade Wilson / DeadpoolandWolverineinto the continuity of the MCU, reprised byRyan ReynoldsandHugh Jackmanrespectively.[48][49]Other mutants featured in the film includeCassandra Nova(Emma Corrin),Pyro(Aaron Stanford),X-23(Dafne Keen),Gambit(Channing Tatum),Sabretooth(Tyler Mane), as well as the charactersAzazel,Juggernaut,Lady Deathstrike,Psylocke,ToadandBlob.
- A newX-Menfilm produced by Marvel Studios was reported byDeadline Hollywoodto be in development in September 2023 following the conclusion of the2023 Writers Guild of America strike,with executive meetings being internally held at the studio to take pitches from various writers before a selection is made sometime in early 2024.[50]
See also
References
- ^Weird Woman "at The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
- ^Roger Carstairsat The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
- ^Ted Lestronat The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
- ^Vincent Farnsworthat The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
- ^Tad Carterat The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
- ^"Namor".comicvine. 1922-02-22.Retrieved2010-10-17.
- ^Issue #1 — released July, 1963
- ^The X-Men#1 (1963). Marvel Comics.
- ^Uncanny X-Men#125 (1979). Marvel Comics.
- ^Marvel Graphic Novel #4: The New Mutants(1982). Marvel Comics.
- ^X-Factor#1 (1986). Marvel Comics.
- ^Astonishing X-Men(Vol. 3) #25 (2008). Marvel Comics.
- ^Astonishing X-Men(Vol. 3) #27 (2008). Marvel Comics.
- ^New X-Men#118 (2001). Marvel Comics.
- ^Uncanny X-Men#177 (1984). Marvel Comics.
- ^Classic X-Men#12 (1987). Marvel Comics.
- ^X-Men#50 (1968). Marvel Comics.
- ^Bacon, Thomas (17 March 2022)."The X-Men's New Cosmic Origin is Marvel's Biggest Rewrite in History".ScreenRant.Retrieved25 August2022.
- ^A.X.E.: Judgment Day,vol. 1, no. 6 (October 2022).New York, NY:Marvel Comics.
- ^abcdPowers of X#1. Marvel Comics.
- ^Hellions#15-18. Marvel Comics.
- ^abSins of Sinister#1. Marvel Comics.
- ^Immoral X-Men#2. Marvel Comics.
- ^abcdNightcrawlers#1. Marvel Comics.
- ^abcNightcrawlers#2. Marvel Comics.
- ^abcdStorm & the Brotherhood of Mutants#3. Marvel Comics.
- ^"Uncanny X-Men Vol. 2: Dominant Species".Marvel Comics Catalog.Marvel. 21 May 2003.Retrieved2010-10-17.
- ^WolverineVol. 2 #312. Marvel Comics.
- ^X-Treme X-Men#2. Marvel Comics.
- ^Fingeroth, Danny.Superman On The Couch: What Superheroes Really Tell Us About Ourselves and Society,Continuum, 2004.ISBN0-8264-1540-7
- ^Mantle, Martin (2007)."'Have You Tried Not Being a Mutant?': Genetic Mutation and the Acquisition of Extra-ordinary Ability ".M/C Journal.10(5).doi:10.5204/mcj.2712.
- ^"The X-Men" Come out: "Being a" Mutant "in films can be seen as a metaphor for homosexuality".
- ^Ultimate Origins#1. Marvel Comics.
- ^Yehl, Joshua (July 21, 2019)."Marvel's Kevin Feige Says MCU X-Men Will Be 'Quite Different' Than Fox Movies - Comic Con 2019".IGN.Archivedfrom the original on July 21, 2019.RetrievedJuly 21,2019.
- ^Garbutt, Emily (May 5, 2022)."The Illuminati members in Doctor Strange 2, listed and explained".Total Film.GamesRadar+.Archivedfrom the original on May 5, 2022.RetrievedMay 5,2022.
- ^Kleinman, Jake (July 13, 2022)."Ms. Marvel Ending Explained: Is Kamala Khan a [Spoilers]?".Inverse.Archivedfrom the original on July 13, 2022.RetrievedJuly 13,2022.
- ^Brail, Nathaniel (July 14, 2022)."Ms. Marvel Star Breaks Silence Since Mutant Reveal".ComicBook.Archivedfrom the original on July 15, 2022.RetrievedJuly 15,2022.
- ^Francisco, Eric (July 13, 2022)."Ms. Marvel Credits Confirm That Huge X-Men Twist".Inverse.Archivedfrom the original on July 14, 2022.RetrievedJuly 14,2022.
- ^Patches, Matt (2022-08-25)."She-Hulk's Wolverine Easter egg has Marvel teasing the X-Men yet again".Polygon.Retrieved2022-08-25.
- ^Dinsdale, Ryan (2022-08-25)."She-Hulk Just Teased a Major Marvel Character's MCU Entrance".IGN.Retrieved2022-08-25.
- ^"She-Hulk Explained: Attorney at Law's Place in MCU Timeline Revealed".ComingSoon.net.2022-08-25.Retrieved2022-08-25.
- ^"Who is Mr. Immortal? The latest She-Hulk guest star explained".Popverse.2022-09-23.Retrieved2023-01-27.
- ^Marnell, Blair (2022-09-28)."Jen Meets Man-Bull and El Aguila In She-Hulk Episode 7 Preview Clip".Comic Book Movies and Superhero Movie News - SuperHeroHype.Retrieved2023-01-27.
- ^Melendez, Marcos (2022-09-15)."She-Hulk's Sneaker Collection Includes Easter Eggs For X-Men, Fantastic Four, Deadpool & More"./Film.Retrieved2023-01-27.
- ^"She-Hulk ending explained: Every reference from Daredevil to X-Men".Radio Times.Retrieved2023-01-27.
- ^Vito Oddo, Marco (November 10, 2022)."Is Namor a Mutant in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'?".Collider.RetrievedNovember 12,2022.
- ^Goodman, William (November 8, 2023)."The 'Marvels' Post-Credits Scene Spins the MCU in a Whole New Direction. Let's Start Freaking Out Right Now".GQ.Archivedfrom the original on November 8, 2023.RetrievedNovember 9,2023.
- ^Donnelly, Matt (2019-12-27)."Ryan Reynolds Says 'Deadpool 3' Is in the Works at Marvel".Variety.Retrieved2022-11-03.
- ^Moreau, Jordan (2022-09-27)."Hugh Jackman Is Back as Wolverine in 'Deadpool 3' With Ryan Reynolds, Coming in 2024".Variety.Retrieved2022-11-03.
- ^Kroll, Justin (2023-09-29)."Marvel Studios Execs Eye Meetings Soon To Hear Writers' Pitches For Coveted 'X-Men' Job – The Dish".Deadline.Retrieved2023-09-29.
