X-Men

The X-Men are a 'super group' of mutants that inhabit the Marvel universe. The X-men series was originally created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and were introduced to the world in The X-Men #1, first published in September 1963. The X-Men possess one of the longest and most complex back stories of any comic book series.

The X-Men posses 'super powers' as a result of genetic mutations. Mutants are though of as the next step of human evolution, and are often feared and distrusted by the average human population. Whilst mutants are widely regarded as a threat in the Marvel Universe, and their are those mutants insistent on using their powers for evil, Professor X and the X-Men are committed to protecting the planet from threats, mutant or otherwise.

Traditionally the X-Men stories have centered around Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters and groups of mutants that have called the school home. Some of the most recognised X-Men characters include Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Beast, Iceman, Rogue, Professor X, Magneto, Jean Grey and Gambit.

The X-Men series has made the transition into films, television shows and video games. Major film adaptations of X-Men comics were the three films: X-Men, X2: X-Men United and X-Men: The Last Stand. X-Men Origins: Wolverine is currently in development scheduled due for a May 2009 release.

The original X-Men were formed by mutant telepath Professor Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X. Under the cover of Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Professor X gathered together the five original X-Men to teach them how to control their powers and use them for good. The five original X-Men were Angel (real name Warren Worthington III), Beast (Hank McCoy), Cyclops (Scott Summers), Iceman (Bobby Drake), and Marvel Girl (Jean Grey).

In the early issues of X-Men, their main advesaries were the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, led by Professor X's former friend, Magneto. Along with Magneto other members of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants included Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Toad and Mastermind.

A major change to the X-Men landscape occurred in 1975 with the release of Giant-Size X-Men #1, written by Len Wein and drawn by Dave Cockrum. Wein and Cockrum were responsible for introducing a new team which was featured in new issues of the X-Men beginning with issue #94. Up until this point, the X-Men had focused on teenagers as they struggled to come to terms with their powers and a world that did not accept them, from issue #94 the core group consisted of adults from different nations and cultural backgrounds. This team was led by Cyclops and included previously introduced characters Banshee, Sunfire and Wolverine, as well as new additions Colossus, Nightcrawler, Storm and Thunderbird. Jean Grey returned to the X-Men as Phoenix not long after, with Angel, Beast, Havok and Polaris all making significant guest appearances.

Writer Chris Claremont and article John Byrne went on to replace Wein and Cockrum, and subsequently produced some of the most well known stories in the Marvel Universe. In the late 1970's the pair were responsible for the "Proteus Saga" as well as what is arguably the most recognised of all X-Men stories, the "Phoenix Saga", which actually culminated in the "Dark Phoenix Saga" in 1980.

Other notable creations of the late 1970's included Kitty Pryde, the Hellfire Club, Multiple Man, Mystique, and Moira MacTaggert the genetic research facility on Muir Island.

The early 1980's featured some of the most recognised story arcs in the X-Men franchise. These include "X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills", "Days of Future Past", "The Fall of Mutants", "Inferno" and "The Mutant Massacre". The 1980's also saw the introduction of a range of other spin-off "X-books" including Alpha Flight, Excalibur, The New Mutants, X-Factor as well as a solo Wolverine title.

Notable additions to the X-Men in the 1980's were Dazzler, Forge, Longshot, Psylocke, Rogue, and Rachel Summers. New villains included Apocalypse, Mister Sinister and Sabretooth, as well as the arrival of Madelyne Prior.

One of the more notable story lines of the 1980's featured Professor X living in the Shi'ar Empire with Lilandra. Magneto also temporarily made the transition from villain to hero when he became a member of the X-Men and headmaster of the New Mutants.

The Marvel X-Books underwent a revamp in 1991, with the launch of a second X-Men series, simply titled X-Men. With Professor X returning, as well as many members of the original X-Men, the X-Men were divided into two. "X-Men" followed the "Blue Team", led by Cyclops, while "Uncanny X-Men" followed the "Gold Team" led by Storm.

I plan on adding to this as time goes on. If there's anything you want to know leave a comment.

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X-Men: Messiah Complex - X-Men cross over