Mutant (Marvel Comics) facts for kids

In Marvel Comics stories, a mutant is a person born with a special genetic trait. This trait is called the X-gene. It gives them superhuman powers. These powers usually show up when they are teenagers, around puberty.

Mutants are sometimes called Homo sapiens superior. This means they are seen as the next step in human evolution. However, whether this is true is a big debate in the Marvel Universe. Unlike "mutates" like Spider-Man or the Hulk, who get powers from accidents, mutants are born with their special abilities.

How Mutants Were Created in Comics

Early Ideas for Mutants

Before the X-Men, Marvel (then called Atlas Comics) had a few characters with special powers. In 1952, a story featured a woman who called herself a mutant. Another character in 1953 could create illusions.

In 1959, a story called "The Mutants and Me!" was one of the first to use the word "mutant." Namor the Sub-Mariner, who first appeared in 1939, is now considered Marvel's first mutant hero. But he wasn't called a mutant until much later.

The Modern Mutant Concept

The idea of mutants as a unique species came from Marvel writer Stan Lee in the early 1960s. He wanted an easy way to create many superheroes and supervillains. This way, he didn't need a different origin story for each one.

Lee decided these mutant teenagers should go to school. This school, Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, helped them learn to use their powers. After the X-Men first appeared in 1963, Marvel introduced other mutant teams. These included The New Mutants and X-Factor.

Early X-Men stories suggested that mutation was linked to nuclear radiation. Later, it was explained as coming from genetics. In The X-Men #1, Professor Xavier tells Jean Grey she is a mutant. He says she has "extra power" and calls his students "X-Men." In the same comic, Magneto first calls mutants "Homo Superior."

Later, the X-gene was found on the 23rd chromosome. This gene activates and causes mutations in other genes. Most mutant powers appear during the teenage years. But some mutants, like Nightcrawler, are born with visible mutations. Others, like Magneto, get their powers as adults.

Recent Mutant Developments

In a 2022 storyline, A.X.E.: Judgment Day, a group called the Eternals found out that mutants share some DNA with the Deviant race. This caused problems, but eventually, the Eternals and mutants made peace. They decided that sharing some DNA didn't make mutants "Deviants" in a bad way.

Different Types of Mutants

Omega-Level Mutants

An Omega-level mutant has the most powerful genetic potential for their mutant abilities. This term was first used in 1986. For a long time, there was no clear definition.

In 2019, Marvel gave an official definition:

Omega Level Mutant: A mutant whose main power is so strong it reaches an "undefinable upper limit."

For Example: Both Magneto and Forge are the most powerful mutants of their power types. Magneto's power (magnetism) cannot be surpassed. Forge's power (technopathy) could be surpassed by others. This makes Magneto an Omega-level mutant, but Forge is not.

Note: Omega level is about one single mutant power. A mutant can have many powers, but usually only one is Omega level.

For Example: Jean Grey is a telepath and a telekinetic. But she is only an Omega-level telepath.

Some well-known Omega-level mutants include:

• Elixir (Josh Foley)
• Iceman (Bobby Drake)
• Marvel Girl (Jean Grey)
• Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr)
• Storm (Ororo Munroe)

Franklin Richards was once thought to be Omega-level. But it was later revealed he is not a mutant. He changed his own DNA to seem special.

Many new Omega-level mutants were introduced from the island of Arakko. Most members of the Great Ring of Arakko are Omega-level mutants.

Changelings

A changeling is a mutant whose powers show up at birth. Jamie Madrox is an example of this type of mutant.

Cheyarafim and Neyaphem

These groups first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #429. The Cheyarafim were like angels, and the Neyaphem were like demons. They had a "holy war" in ancient times. The Neyaphem were sent to another dimension.

Angel is said to be from the Cheyarafim. Nightcrawler is supposedly the son of a Neyaphem.

Chimeras

In "House of X and Powers of X," Chimeras are human-like mutants created from the DNA of other mutants. They have combined powers. They were made to help the mutant population grow.

Mister Sinister created his first Chimera by mixing his own DNA with another mutant's. Later, in the "Sins of Sinister" storyline, he created more Chimeras in an alternate timeline.

Some Chimeras include:

• Cardinal - Made from the DNA of Nightcrawler and others.
• Rasputin IV - Made from the DNA of Colossus, Kitty Pryde, and others.
• Legion of the Night - A group of Chimeras made from Nightcrawler's DNA mixed with others. This group includes Wallcrawler (Nightcrawler and Spider-Man).

Dominant Species/Lupine

Maximus Lobo claims to be part of a mutant group that evolved from wolf-like creatures. Another mutant, Romulus, says some human mutants evolved from canines instead of apes.

Some mutants linked to this group are:

• Daken
• Sabretooth
• Wolverine
• Wolfsbane

Extraterrestrial Mutants

Humans are not the only species with mutant types. Some aliens also have mutant subspecies.

• Ariel
• Longshot
• Warlock

Externals

Externals are immortal mutants whose powers let them live for centuries. Most of them were later killed by Selene or Apocalypse.

Some Externals include:

• Apocalypse
• Candra
• Selene

Homo Superior Superior

A character named Vargas claims to be humanity's natural answer to mutants. He was born with perfect physical skills, like superhuman strength and speed. He also seems immune to some mutant powers.

Hybrids

Mutants can have children with humans, Atlanteans, fairies, and other aliens. These children are called hybrids.

• Namor
• Pixie

Mutants as a Metaphor

Mutants are often used to represent real-world groups who face unfair treatment. In 1982, X-Men writer Chris Claremont said the X-Men are "hated, feared and despised... for no other reason than that they are mutants." He said the comics were about racism and prejudice.

Many people connect with the idea of mutants. They feel like outcasts but also want to belong to a group. This is especially true for teenagers.

The film X2 shows a clear link between being a mutant and being gay. Iceman's mother asks him, "Have you tried not being a mutant?" This question is similar to what some parents ask their gay children.

The X-Men stories show how mutants are isolated from "normal" society. This can be seen as a story about any minority group trying to find its place in society.

Other Versions of Mutants

Ultimate Marvel Universe

In the Ultimate Marvel universe, "mutants" were created in a lab. The Weapon X program made them in Canada in 1943. They wanted to create a supersoldier. James Howlett was the first one.

Later, the mutant gene spread worldwide. After a big event called Ultimatum, being a mutant became illegal in the US. Some people worried this would lead to witch-hunts.

Mutants in Movies and TV

X-Men Film Series

The X-Men movies have shown mutants for many years.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

After Disney bought 21st Century Fox, the X-Men film rights returned to Marvel Studios. Since 2022, mutants have appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

• A version of Charles Xavier from another universe appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022).
• The first mutant in the main MCU reality is Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel. This was revealed in the TV series Ms. Marvel (2022).
• The TV series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022) hinted at mutants. An article mentioned James "Logan" Howlett / Wolverine.
• In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), Namor is a mutant. His mother ate a special plant while pregnant, giving him unique powers.
• The movie Deadpool 3 (2024) will bring Wade Wilson / Deadpool and Wolverine into the MCU.

See also

In Spanish: Mutante (Marvel Comics) para niños

• List of Marvel Comics characters
• Mutants in fiction
• Metahuman
• Superhuman
• Superpower (ability)