The X-Men
A fictional group of mutant superheroes, originally created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1963.
Portrayed in:
- Comic book series The X-Men (comic book series) (initial appearance; beginning in 1963 and continuous through 2006.
- Related series, spin-offs, mini-series, special issues, cross-overs and guest appearances in Marvel comic books.
- Live action films, including "The X-Men" (2000), "X2" (2003), and "X-Men: The Last Stand" (forthcoming, 2006)
- Animated TV series "X-Men"
- Novels
- Video games
The "superpower" mutations have been used consciously as a lens for common social prejudices, particularly including homophobia (in the second film) and racism.
Despite the gendered title, The X-Men and related comic series have been pioneering titles in the mainstream superhero pantheon for their inclusion of widely admired female, minority, multicultural, working class, religious, and gay characters. Some notable X-Men include:
- Storm (Ororo Munroe) - An African mutant, with white hair, blue eyes, and medium-dark colored skin; the power to control the weather;
- Jean Grey (Phoenix) - One of the most powerful female superheroes to be portrayed in a comic universe.
- Kitty Pryde - A Jewish mutant
- Northstar - Originally a member of Alpha Flight, a Canadian mutant superhero team; the first openly gay mainstream comic character