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American comic books An American comic book is a thin periodical originating in the United States, on average 32 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publication of ''Action Comics'', ...
published by Marvel Comics, a mutant is a human being that possesses a
genetic trait Genetics is the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms.Hartl D, Jones E (2005) It is an important branch in biology because heredity is vital to organisms' evolution. Gregor Mendel, a Moravian Augustinian friar working in ...
called the X-gene. It causes the mutant to develop superhuman powers that manifest at puberty. Human mutants are sometimes referred to as a human subspecies ''Homo sapiens superior,'' or simply ''Homo superior.'' Mutants are the evolutionary progeny of ''Homo sapiens'', and are generally assumed to be the next stage in human evolution. The accuracy of this is the subject of much debate in the
Marvel Universe The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Super-teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardians of ...
. Unlike Marvel's mutates, which are characters who develop their powers only after exposure to outside stimuli or energies (such as the
Hulk The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of ''The Incredible Hulk (comic book), The Incredible Hulk' ...
,
Spider-Man Spider-Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appeared in the anthology comic book '' Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in the ...
, the
Fantastic Four The Fantastic Four is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in ''The Fantastic Four'' #1 ( cover dated Nov. 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism in the medium. It was the first ...
, 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. Roger Carstairs, a mutant who can create illusions, is shown in ''Man Comics'' #28, dated September 1953. A character with superhuman powers, born from a radiation-exposed parent, was seen in "The Man with the Atomic Brain!" in '' Journey into Mystery'' #52 in May 1959; although not specifically called a "mutant", his origin is consistent with one. A little-known story in '' Tales of Suspense'' #6 (November 1959) titled "The Mutants and Me!" was one of the first Marvel (then known as Atlas) stories to feature a named "mutant". Tad Carter, a mutant with telekinetic powers, is shown in Amazing Adult Fantasy #14, dated July 1962. Officially, Namor the Sub-Mariner is considered the first mutant superhero whom Marvel Comics ever published, debuting in
1939 This year also marks the start of the Second World War, the largest and deadliest conflict in human history. Events Below, the events of World War II have the "WWII" prefix. January * January 1 ** Third Reich *** Jews are forbidden to ...
. However, Namor was not actually described as a mutant until ''Fantastic Four Annual'' #1, decades after his first appearance. 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 species independent of homo sapiens began development under Marvel writer and editor-in-chief
Stan Lee Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber ; December 28, 1922 – November 12, 2018) was an American comic book writer, editor, publisher, and producer. He rose through the ranks of a family-run business called Timely Publications which ...
in the early 1960s, as a means to create a large number of
superhero A superhero or superheroine is a stock character that typically possesses ''superpowers'', abilities beyond those of ordinary people, and fits the role of the hero, typically using his or her powers to help the world become a better place, ...
es and
supervillain A supervillain or supercriminal is a variant of the villainous stock character that is commonly found in American comic books, usually possessing superhuman abilities. A supervillain is the antithesis of a superhero. Supervillains are oft ...
s without 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 case Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Following the 1963 debut of this conception of mutants in the superhero series '' X-Men'', Marvel later introduced several additional mutant superhero teams, including The New Mutants, X-Factor, Excalibur, X-Force, and Generation X. In early X-Men stories, Professor Xavier and others suggest that mutation is related to nuclear radiation, as his parents worked on the
development of the atomic bomb The Manhattan Project was a research and development undertaking during World War II that produced the first nuclear weapons. It was led by the United States with the support of the United Kingdom and Canada. From 1942 to 1946, the project w ...
, though later descriptions of mutation would describe it deriving from genetics. The first in-story mention of mutants in this context is in '' The 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 a ''mutant''! You possess an extra power...one which ordinary humans do not!! That is why I call my students...''X-Men'', for ''Ex''-tra power!"''The X-Men'' #1 (1963) This issue also features the first reference to mutants as the species "Homo Superior" by Magneto. Following the relaunch under writer
Chris Claremont Christopher S. Claremont (; born November 25, 1950) is a British-born American comic book writer and novelist, known for his 17-year stint on ''Uncanny X-Men'' from 1975 to 1991, far longer than that of any other writer,Claremont, Chris. ''Marvel ...
, narration in stories taking place on Muir Island described Moira MacTaggert as "second only to Charles Xavier as an authority on genetic mutation."''Uncanny X-Men'' #125 (1979) In the New Mutants graphic novel, after witnessing Rahne Sinclair demonstrate her mutant shapeshifting ability, MacTaggert refers to "an anomalous DNA matrix" in her blood signaling that Sinclair "could be a mutant."''Marvel Graphic Novel #4: The New Mutants'' (1982) The cause of mutation was elaborated upon in the first issue of the spin-off series ''X-Factor,'' in which Cameron Hodge refers to "people who possess the X-Factor mutation in their genetic makeup."''X-Factor'' #1 (1986) This genetic mutation was later dubbed the X-Gene. At one point,
Beast Beast most often refers to: * Non-human animal * Monster Beast or Beasts may also refer to: Bible * Beast (Revelation), two beasts described in the Book of Revelation Computing and gaming * Beast (card game), English name of historical Fren ...
states that the X-Gene is located on the 23rd chromosome;''Astonishing X-Men'' (Vol. 3) #25 (2008) the process described is that the gene activates mutation producing a protein stimulating chemical signals which induce mutations on other genes.''Astonishing X-Men'' (Vol. 3) #27 (2008) Mutations are depicted as generally manifesting during adolescence,''New X-Men'' #118 (2001) however this is not universal. Some mutants, such as Nightcrawler, are visibly mutated from birth,''Uncanny X-Men'' #177 (1984) while others like Magneto do not develop their abilities until adulthood.''Classic X-Men'' #12 (1987) Some mutants are not even aware of their latent mutations unless deliberately activated, such as
Polaris Polaris is a star in the northern circumpolar constellation of Ursa Minor. It is designated α Ursae Minoris ( Latinized to ''Alpha Ursae Minoris'') and is commonly called the North Star or Pole Star. With an apparent magnitude that ...
, whose manifestation was triggered with technological aid.''X-Men'' #50 (1968)


Later developments

In the 2022 storyline, '' A.X.E.: Judgment Day'', mutants are discovered by Eternals to be an offshoot of the Deviant race, triggering efforts by the Eternals' leader Druig to wipe them out, giving the mutants and explicit link to the
Celestials The Celestials are fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Depicted as cosmic beings, the characters debuted in the Bronze Age of Comic Books and have reappeared on numerous occasions. The Celestial ...
and to the publisher's cosmic storylines. In the series' conclusion, new Prime Eternal Zuras confirms the end of hostilities with the mutants and proposed a formal treaty alliance, explaining to Storm, "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."


Mutant Subtypes


Omega-level mutants

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 '' Uncanny X-Men'' #208 as "Class Omega", but was completely unexplained beyond the obvious implication of it referring to an exceptional level of power. The term was not seen again until the 2001 limited series '' X-Men Forever''. For a time, no firm definition was offered in the comics, leading to several conflicting opinions and debates as to who or what qualified as Omega-level. In July 2019, Marvel provided an official definition in the X-Men relaunch starting in ''
House of X ''House of X'' and ''Powers of X'' (abbreviated as ''HOX'' and ''POX'') are two 2019 comic book miniseries published by Marvel Comics featuring the X-Men, but writer Jonathan Hickman and artists Pepe Larraz, R.B. Silva and Marte Gracia. Both boo ...
'' by Jonathan Hickman mphasis in original''House of X'' #1. Marvel Comics (July 2019). * Elixir (Josh Foley) * Exodus (Bennet du Paris) * Hope Summers * Iceman (Bobby Drake) * Kid Omega (Quentin Quire) * Legion (David Haller) * Magneto (Erik Lensherr) * Marvel Girl (Jean Grey) * Mister M (Absolon Mercator) * Monarch (Jamie Braddock) * Proteus (Kevin MacTaggert) * Storm (Ororo Monroe) * Vulcan (Gabriel Summers) From ''X of Swords'' event, many new Omega-level mutants were introduced from the island of Arakko. The Great Ring of Arakko (equivalent of the
Quiet Council of Krakoa Krakoa is a fictional living island appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It first appeared in ''Giant-Size X-Men'' #1 and was created by Len Wein and Dave Cockrum. Initially depicted as an antagonist, Krakoa has since gro ...
), is composed mostly of Omega-level mutants. * Genesis * High Mutant Prophet Idyll * Isca the Unbeaten * Idyll the Future Seer * Lactuca the Knower * Lodus Logos * Nameless, the Shape-Shifter Queen * Ora Serrata the Witness * Redroot the Forest * Sobunar of the Depths * Tarn the Uncaring * Uqesh the Bridge * Xilo, the First Defender Franklin Richards was recently considered beyond Omega-level, however it has since been revealed that he is not actually a mutant, instead he unconsciously altered his DNA when he was a child to make it appear that he had the X-Gene to make himself special. Due to this revelation, he is no longer welcome on Krakoa.


''"Homo superior superior"''

Introduced in
Chris Claremont Christopher S. Claremont (; born November 25, 1950) is a British-born American comic book writer and novelist, known for his 17-year stint on ''Uncanny X-Men'' from 1975 to 1991, far longer than that of any other writer,Claremont, Chris. ''Marvel ...
's ''X-Treme X-Men'', a character known as Vargas claims 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).


Externals

Created by Rob Liefeld, Externals are immortal mutants whose powers have allowed them to exist for centuries. Eventually, most of the Externals are killed by Selene, and later by
Apocalypse Apocalypse () is a literary genre in which a supernatural being reveals cosmic mysteries or the future to a human intermediary. The means of mediation include dreams, visions and heavenly journeys, and they typically feature symbolic imager ...
. *
Absalom Absalom ( he, ''ʾAḇšālōm'', "father of peace") was the third son of David, King of Israel with Maacah, daughter of Talmai, King of Geshur. 2 Samuel 14:25 describes him as the handsomest man in the kingdom. Absalom eventually rebelled ag ...
* Burke * Candra *
Crule Tatiana Caban Bethany Cabe Caber Caber is one of the Celtic gods of Avalon, a warrior god. Caber is a good friend to Leir and usually accompanies him in battle. Cable Danielle Cage Danielle "Dani" Cage is a fictional character in Marve ...
*
Gideon Gideon (; ) also named Jerubbaal and Jerubbesheth, was a military leader, judge and prophet whose calling and victory over the Midianites are recounted in of the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible. Gideon was the son of Joash, from the Abiez ...
* Nicodemus * Saul * Selene *
Apocalypse Apocalypse () is a literary genre in which a supernatural being reveals cosmic mysteries or the future to a human intermediary. The means of mediation include dreams, visions and heavenly journeys, and they typically feature symbolic imager ...


Cheyarafim and Neyaphem

Cheyarafim and Neyaphem first appear in '' Uncanny X-Men'' #429. According to the character Azazel, the Cheyarafim are a group of angel-like mutants who were the traditional enemies of the Neyaphem, a demonic-looking group of mutants who lived in
Biblical The Bible (from Koine Greek , , 'the books') is a collection of religious texts or scriptures that are held to be sacred in Christianity, Judaism, Samaritanism, and many other religions. The Bible is an anthologya compilation of texts of a ...
times. The Cheyarafim were fanatics who had a strict, absolutist view of morality which led them into conflict with the Neyaphem. This escalated into a holy war, causing the Neyaphem to be exiled into an alternate dimension. What happened to the Cheyarafim after this has not been revealed. Angel and Icarcus are said to be descended from Cheyarafim, while Nightcrawler is supposedly the son of a Neyaphem, Azazel.


Dominant Species/lupine

Maximus Lobo Maximus Lobo is a fictional character, a mutant appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. His first appearance was in ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #417. Fictional character biography Maximus Lobo is part of a group of mutants that b ...
claims to be a part of a mutant sub-species of feral, wolf-like mutants, whom he calls the Dominant Species. He later tries to recruit Wolf Cub into his ranks, to no avail. A few years later, another mutant,
Romulus Romulus () was the legendary foundation of Rome, founder and King of Rome, first king of Ancient Rome, Rome. Various traditions attribute the establishment of many of Rome's oldest legal, political, religious, and social institutions to Romulus ...
, claims that some human mutants evolved from canines instead of primates. Mutants who are a part of this group include Romulus, Wolverine, Daken, Sabretooth, Wolfsbane, Wild Child, Thornn, Feral, and Wolf Cub, with X-23 and the Native as other likely candidates. These groups appear to be one and the same.


Changelings

Introduced in the second series of ''X-Factor'', a changeling is a mutant whose powers manifest at birth. Jamie Madrox and Damian Tryp are examples of this sub-class.


Extraterrestrial mutants

Humans are not the only species to have mutant subspecies. Ariel, Broo, Cerise, Longshot, Ultra Girl, and Warlock are examples of mutant aliens.


Chimeras

In the pages of "
House of X and Powers of X ''House of X'' and ''Powers of X'' (abbreviated as ''HOX'' and ''POX'') are two 2019 comic book miniseries published by Marvel Comics featuring the X-Men, but writer Jonathan Hickman and artists Pepe Larraz, R.B. Silva and Marte Gracia. Both boo ...
," 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. Examples of these Chimeras are Cardinal (who has the genetic template of
Francis Fanny Francis "Fanny" Freeman (also known as Ajax) is a fictional supervillain first appeared in ''Deadpool'' #14 (cover-dated March 1998) and was created by writer Joe Kelly and artist Walter A. McDaniel. Fictional character biography The man know ...
, Nightcrawler, and
Rachel Summers Rachel Anne Summers (also known as Rachel Grey) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-plotter John Byrne (comics), John Byrne. In h ...
), North (who has the genetic template of Emma Frost and
Polaris Polaris is a star in the northern circumpolar constellation of Ursa Minor. It is designated α Ursae Minoris ( Latinized to ''Alpha Ursae Minoris'') and is commonly called the North Star or Pole Star. With an apparent magnitude that ...
), and Rasputin IV (who has the genetic template of Colossus, Kitty Pryde, Quentin Quire, Unus the Untouchable, and X-23). Sometime after the "
X of Swords ''X of Swords'' is a comic book crossover event which debuted in September 2020, being published by Marvel Comics. It is the next crossover event featured in the "Dawn of X" relaunch after the ''House of X'' and ''Powers of X'' event. ''X of Sword ...
" 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 Krakoa is a fictional living island appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It first appeared in ''Giant-Size X-Men'' #1 and was created by Len Wein and Dave Cockrum. Initially depicted as an antagonist, Krakoa has since gro ...
found out about it, Mister Sinister is undeterred in his next plans to research the Chimeras.


Mutants as metaphor

As a fictional oppressed
minority Minority may refer to: Politics * Minority government, formed when a political party does not have a majority of overall seats in parliament * Minority leader, in American politics, the floor leader of the second largest caucus in a legislative b ...
, mutants are often used as extended metaphors for real-world people and situations. In 1982, ''X-Men'' writer
Chris Claremont Christopher S. Claremont (; born November 25, 1950) is a British-born American comic book writer and novelist, known for his 17-year stint on ''Uncanny X-Men'' from 1975 to 1991, far longer than that of any other writer,Claremont, Chris. ''Marvel ...
said, " utantsare 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." Danny Fingeroth writes extensively in his book ''Superman on the Couch'' about the appeal of mutants and their meaning to society: An obvious parallel between homosexuality and mutation is drawn in the feature film '' X2'', where Iceman's mother asks, "Have you tried ''not'' being a mutant?" This question (or various forms thereof) is common among parents who find out their children are gay. In the 2011 film '' X-Men: First Class'', Hank McCoy (later known as
Beast Beast most often refers to: * Non-human animal * Monster Beast or Beasts may also refer to: Bible * Beast (Revelation), two beasts described in the Book of Revelation Computing and gaming * Beast (card game), English name of historical Fren ...
), upon being outed to a colleague as a mutant, responds, " You didn't ask, so I didn't tell." In his article ''Super Heroes, a Modern Mythology'', Richard Reynolds writes:


Other versions


Earth X

Within the '' Earth X'' universe, the powers of the vast majority of Marvel's human superheroes were revealed to have been the result of genetic manipulation by the
Celestials The Celestials are fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Depicted as cosmic beings, the characters debuted in the Bronze Age of Comic Books and have reappeared on numerous occasions. The Celestial ...
millions of years in the past.


Ultimate Marvel

In the Ultimate Marvel universe within the pages of the ''
Ultimate Origins ''Ultimate Origins'' is a comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics, released in June 2008. It falls under Marvel's Ultimate Marvel imprint. It is written by Brian Bendis and illustrated by Butch Guice. It is intended to be a chapte ...
'' #1, it is revealed that super-powered "mutants" were artificially created via genetic modification by the Weapon X program in a laboratory in Alberta, Canada in October 1943. The project was an attempt to produce a supersoldier, inspired by the existence of
Captain America Captain America is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by cartoonists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''#Golden Age, Captain America Comics'' #1 (cover ...
. James Howlett was 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 the '' Ultimatum'' storyline, 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.


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 Marvel Studios, LLC (originally known as Marvel Films from 1993 to 1996) is an American film and television production company that is a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios, a division of the Walt Disney Company. Marvel Studios produces the Mar ...
. 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). * The first mutant belonging to the main reality of the MCU is Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel (unlike the comics where she is an Inhuman), which is stated in
the final episode "The Final Episode (Let's Change the Channel)" is a song by British metalcore band Asking Alexandria. It is the band's lead single from their debut album, ''Stand Up and Scream''. It was released on 15 December 2009. One of the band's most success ...
of the television series '' Ms. Marvel'' (2022). A musical excerpt of the ''
X-Men: The Animated Series ''X-Men'', also known as ''X-Men: The Animated Series'', is an animated superhero television series which debuted on October 31, 1992, in the United States on the Fox Kids Network. ''X-Men'' was Marvel Comics' second attempt at an animated X-Men ...
'' (1992–1997) theme is featured in both ''Ms. Marvel'' and ''Multiverse of Madness''. * An implicit reference to James "Logan" Howlett / Wolverine being active in the MCU was featured in the television series '' She-Hulk: Attorney at Law'' (2022), where he is indirectly described in an online news article regarding a man who "fights with metal claws" during a bar brawl. * In '' Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'' (2022), Namor 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, and extended longevity. * '' Deadpool 3'' (2024), a sequel to
20th Century Fox 20th Century Studios, Inc. (previously known as 20th Century Fox) is an American film production company headquartered at the Fox Studio Lot in the Century City area of Los Angeles. As of 2019, it serves as a film production arm of Walt Dis ...
's '' Deadpool 2'' (2018), will integrate the '' 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.


See also

* List of Marvel Comics characters * Mutants in fiction *
Metahuman In DC Comics' DC Universe, a metahuman is a human with superpowers. The term is roughly synonymous with both ''mutant'' and ''mutate'' in the Marvel Universe and '' posthuman'' in the Wildstorm and Ultimate Marvel Universes. In DC Comics, the term ...
*
Superhuman The term superhuman refers to humans or human-like beings with enhanced qualities and abilities that exceed those naturally found in humans. These qualities may be acquired through natural ability, self-actualization or technological aids. Th ...
*
Superpower (ability) A superpower is a currently fictional superhuman ability. Superpowers are typically displayed in science fiction comic books, television programs, video games, and films as the key attribute of a superhero. The concept originated in American ...


References

{{Stan Lee Superhero fiction themes Human-derived fictional species X-Men