Mutant (Marvel Comics)
This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2008) |
Mutant | |
---|---|
Publication information | |
Quiet Council of Krakoa Avengers |
In
Unlike Marvel's mutates, which are characters who develop their powers only after exposure to outside stimuli or energies (such as the Hulk, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Absorbing Man and Captain Marvel), mutants have actual genetic mutations.
Publication History
Early Antecedents
A March 1952 story in Amazing Detective Cases #11 called "The Weird Woman" tells of a woman describing herself as a mutant who seeks a similarly superhuman mate.
Officially, Namor the Sub-Mariner is considered the first mutant superhero whom Marvel Comics ever published,[6] debuting in 1939. However, Namor was not actually described as a mutant until Fantastic Four Annual #1, decades after his first appearance.[7] The same is true of Toro, partner of the android Human Torch introduced in 1940.
Modern Concept and Development
The modern concept of mutants as a distinct
In early X-Men stories, Professor Xavier and others suggest that mutation is related to nuclear radiation, as his parents worked on the
Mutations are depicted as generally manifesting during adolescence,[14] however this is not universal. Some mutants, such as Nightcrawler, 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 as Polaris, whose manifestation was triggered with technological aid.[17]
Later developments
In the 2022 storyline,
Mutant Subtypes
There are different subtypes of mutants:
Omega-level mutants
Overview |
---|
An Omega-level mutant is one with the most powerful genetic potential of their mutant abilities. The term was first seen in the 1986 issue
Omega Level Mutant: A mutant whose dominant power is deemed to register – or reach – an undefinable upper limit of that power's specific classification.
For Example: Both Magneto and Forge are the most powerful mutants of their power types on the planet Earth [Magnetism and Technopathy, respectively], but what makes Magneto, and not Forge, an Omega level mutant is that the upper limit of Forge's measurable powers could hypothetically be surpassed [and, in fact, has by multiple humans on the planet], while the upper limit of Magneto's power cannot be surpassed in any measurable fashion.
Note: Omega level is a classification of a single mutant power. While it is quite common that mutants manifest multiple powers, only one is normally of Omega level.
For Example: While Jean Grey is both a telepath and a telekinetic, she is only an Omega level telepath.
— House of X #1 (July 2019)[23]
- Elixir (Josh Foley)
- Exodus (Bennet du Paris)
- Hope Summers
- Iceman (Bobby Drake)
- Kid Omega (Quentin Quire)
- Legion (David Haller)
- Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr)
- Marvel Girl (Jean Grey)
- Mister M (Absolon Mercator)
- Monarch (Jamie Braddock)
- Proteus (Kevin MacTaggert)
- Storm (Ororo Munroe)
- Vulcan (Gabriel Summers)
After the X of Swords event, many new Omega-level mutants were introduced from the Arakko. Excluding the night seats, the
- Death
- Famine
- Genesis
- High Mutant Prophet Idyll
- Isca the Unbeaten
- Idyll the Future Seer
- Kobak Never-Held
- Lactuca the Knower
- Lodus Logos
- Lycaon Two Wolves
- Nameless, the Shape-Shifter Queen
- Ora Serrata the Witness
- Orrdon, the Omega Rocket
- Pestilence
- Redroot the Forest
- Sobunar of the Depths
- Tarn the Uncaring
- Uqesh the Bridge
- War
- Xilo, the First Defender
Changelings
Introduced in the second series of X-Factor, a changeling is a mutant whose powers manifest at birth.
Cheyarafim and Neyaphem
Cheyarafim and Neyaphem first appear in , causing the Neyaphem to be exiled into an alternate dimension. What happened to the Cheyarafim after this has not been revealed.
Chimeras
In the pages of "House of X and Powers of X," the Chimeras are 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 in Moira MacTaggert's ninth life where they were created in Mister Sinister's Breeding Pits on Mars.[27]
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 of Krakoa found out about it, Mister Sinister is undeterred in his next plans to research the Chimeras.[28]
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.[29]
The following are the known Chimeras:
- Cardinal - Created from the genetic templates of
- North - Created from the genetic templates of Emma Frost and Polaris.[27]
- Rasputin IV - Created from the genetic templates of Colossus, Kitty Pryde, Quentin Quire, Unus the Untouchable, and X-23.[27] An alternate version was created by Mister Sinister from the same genetic templates during the "Sins of Sinister" storyline.[30]
- Legion of the Night - The Legion of the Night are Chimeras that were made from genetic template of Nightcrawler spliced with other genetic templates. The other members consist of:[31]
- Wagnerine - Created from the genetic templates of X-23 and Nightcrawler.[31]
- Auntie Fortune - Created from the genetic templates of Domino and Nightcrawler.[31]
- Wallcrawler - Created from the genetic templates of Nightcrawler and Spider-Man.[29][31]
- Lost-in-Shadow - Created from the genetic templates of Lost and Nightcrawler.[32]
- Chamber Nocturne - Created from the genetic templates of Chamber and Nightcrawler.[32]
- Summernight - Created from the genetic templates of Cyclops and Nightcrawler. He is the lover of Wagnerine.[32]
- High Summers - A group of Chimeras created from the genetic templates of Cyclops, Havok, and Vulcan.[33]
- Loud Hallers - A group of Chimeras created from the genetic templates of Siryn and Lodus Logos.[33]
- Hot Claws - A group of Chimeras created from the genetic templates of
- Sage Advisors - A group of Chimeras created from the genetic templates of
Dominant Species/Lupine
- Daken
- Feral
- Romulus
- Sabretooth
- Thornn
- Wild Child
- Wolf Cub
- Wolfsbane
- Wolverine
Extraterrestrial mutants
Humans are not the only species to have mutant subspecies.
Externals
Created by
"Homo superior superior"
Introduced in
Hybrids
Mutants have been shown to successfully crossbreed or a result of crossbreed with Humans (Homo sapiens),
- Abigail Brand
- Namor
- Namora
- Namorita
- Lifeguard
- Pixie
- Slipstream
- Xandra Neramani
Mutants as metaphor
As a fictional oppressed minority, mutants are often used as extended metaphors for real-world people and situations. In 1982, X-Men writer Chris Claremont said, "[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 Fingeroth writes extensively in his book Superman on the Couch about 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.[37]
An obvious parallel between homosexuality and mutation is drawn in the feature film
In his article Super Heroes, a Modern Mythology, Richard Reynolds writes:
Much of the appeal and draw of the mutants that comprise the X-Men has 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 the Justice 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 the
Ultimate Marvel
In the
In other media
X-Men film 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 to Marvel Studios. When asked if his use of the term "mutants" meant the film would be avoiding the term "X-Men", Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige clarified that he was using the two terms interchangeably. He added that Marvel Studios' approach to the characters would be different to Fox's franchise.[41] Since 2022, the mutant race have appeared in various media set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise:
- Mutants are first implicitly introduced through a variant of Charles Xavier from the alternate universe Earth-838 in the film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). Patrick Stewart reprises the role from Fox's X-Men film series.[42]
- The first mutant belonging to the main reality of the MCU is Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel (portrayed by Iman Vellani), which is stated in the final episode of the television series Ms. Marvel (2022). This differs from the comics where she is originally an Inhuman.[43][44] A musical excerpt of the X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997) theme is featured in both Ms. Marvel and Multiverse of Madness.[45]
- The television series K.E.V.I.N.", a fictionalized algorithm based on company president and producer Kevin Feige. Walters asks K.E.V.I.N. when the X-Men themselves would debut in the MCU, to which it declines to answer.[52]
- In Tenoch 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,[53]and his trademark ability to fly, which he calls sky-swimming. For his abilities, his subjects, called Talokanil, worship him as not merely a king, but rather an incarnation of a god.
- Kamala Khan returns in Monica Rambeau after she enters a portal into a parallel universe. Kelsey Grammer reprises the role from Fox's X-Men films.[54]
- 20th Century Fox's X-Men film series' iterations of Wade Wilson / Deadpool and Wolverine into the continuity of the MCU, reprised by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman respectively.[55][56]
- A new X-Men film produced by Marvel Studios was reported by Deadline Hollywood to be in development in September 2023 following the conclusion of the 2023 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.[57]
See also
- List of Marvel Comics characters
- Mutants in fiction
- Metahuman
- Superhuman
- Superpower (ability)
References
- ^ Weird Woman" at The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
- ^ Roger Carstairs at The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
- ^ Ted Lestron at The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
- ^ Vincent Farnsworth at The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
- ^ Tad Carter at The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
- ^ "Namor". comicvine.com. 1922-02-22. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
- ^ 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. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
- New York, NY: Marvel Comics.
- ^ Kistler, Alan (January 16, 2012). "Alpha? Omega? Explaining the X-MEN's Mutant Classifications". Newsarama.
- ^ Cronin, Brian (Dec 16, 2017). "Marvel's Omega Level Mutants, Ranked From Least Powerful To OP". CBR.
- ^ Lovett, Jamie (July 24, 2019). "Marvel Reveals Official List of the X-Men's Omega Level Mutants". ComicBook.com.
- ^ a b House of X #1. Marvel Comics (July 2019).
- ^ Fantastic Four #26 (November 2020). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Zachary, Brandon (Dec 30, 2020). "X-Men: Marvel's Omega-Level Mutants Population Just SKYROCKETED". CBR.com.
- ^ X-Men #16. Marvel Comics (December 2019)
- ^ a b c d Powers of X #1. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Hellions #15-18. Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b Sins of Sinister #1. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Immoral X-Men #2. Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b c d Nightcrawlers #1. Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b c Nightcrawlers #2. Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b c d Storm & the Brotherhood of Mutants #3. Marvel Comics.
- ^ "Uncanny X-Men Vol. 2: Dominant Species". Marvel Comics Catalog. Marvel.com. 21 May 2003. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
- ^ Wolverine Vol. 2 #312. Marvel Comics.
- ^ X-Treme X-Men #2. Marvel Comics.
- ISBN 0-8264-1540-7
- 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. Archived from the original on July 21, 2019. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
- ^ Garbutt, Emily (May 5, 2022). "The Illuminati members in Doctor Strange 2, listed and explained". Total Film. GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
- ^ Kleinman, Jake (July 13, 2022). "Ms. Marvel Ending Explained: Is Kamala Khan a [Spoilers]?". Inverse. Archived from the original on July 13, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
- ComicBook.com. Archivedfrom the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
- ^ Francisco, Eric (July 13, 2022). "Ms. Marvel Credits Confirm That Huge X-Men Twist". Inverse. Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
- ^ Patches, Matt (2022-08-25). "She-Hulk's Wolverine Easter egg has Marvel teasing the X-Men yet again". Polygon. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
- ^ Dinsdale, Ryan (2022-08-25). "She-Hulk Just Teased a Major Marvel Character's MCU Entrance". IGN. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
- ^ "She-Hulk Explained: Attorney at Law's Place in MCU Timeline Revealed". ComingSoon.net. 2022-08-25. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
- ^ "Who is Mr. Immortal? The latest She-Hulk guest star explained". Popverse. 2022-09-23. Retrieved 2023-01-27.
- ^ 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. Retrieved 2023-01-27.
- ^ Melendez, Marcos (2022-09-15). "She-Hulk's Sneaker Collection Includes Easter Eggs For X-Men, Fantastic Four, Deadpool & More". /Film. Retrieved 2023-01-27.
- ^ "She-Hulk ending explained: Every reference from Daredevil to X-Men". Radio Times. Retrieved 2023-01-27.
- ^ Vito Oddo, Marco (November 10, 2022). "Is Namor a Mutant in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'?". Collider. Retrieved November 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. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ Donnelly, Matt (2019-12-27). "Ryan Reynolds Says 'Deadpool 3' Is in the Works at Marvel". Variety. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
- ^ Moreau, Jordan (2022-09-27). "Hugh Jackman Is Back as Wolverine in 'Deadpool 3' With Ryan Reynolds, Coming in 2024". Variety. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (2023-09-29). "Marvel Studios Execs Eye Meetings Soon To Hear Writers' Pitches For Coveted 'X-Men' Job – The Dish". Deadline. Retrieved 2023-09-29.