Warning: Contains spoilers forX-Men #6!!
Since the fall of Krakoa, theX-Menhave attempted to lead mutantkind into their next chapter, but there is no clear path forward or a single answer to finding it. Mutant leaders diverge their vision for the future as new challenges and dangers crop up, butMagnetois stepping in to clarify one thing. All mutants are welcome in the X-Men, whether born with the X-Gene or created.
X-Men #6, by Jed MacKay, Netho Diaz, Marte Gracia, and Clayton Cowles, officially confirms that new mutants are being created through a method to “artificially encourage X-Gene activation.” In other words, Cassandra Nova and her mysterious 3K group can turn adult homo sapiens into mutants. It completely flips the status quo on its head,leaving the X-Men to figure outhow to address their existence.
Fortunately for Cassandra Nova’s creations, Max does not mince words.Just as Magneto is a mutant, they are mutants, and the X-Men will welcome them into their rank with respect and open arms.
Humans Forcibly Turned Into Mutants Are Still Their People
Being born with the X-Gene is the quintessential element that sets mutants apart from homo sapiens, prompting Xorn to offer Nova’s creations alternatives to the “homo superior” designation. Max’s reaction is swift and decisive: they are all mutants. There will be no discrimination or differentiation between those born or made.Not only do the new mutants need the same help as those born with the X-Gene, but they will face the same discrimination in human society.Magneto has always beenone of mutantkind’s fiercest defenders, and he extends that to their new brethren without hesitation, demanding that the X-Men do the same.
In addition to Max’s personal drive, new mutants pose a few possible dangers the X-Men can curb. Newly manifested powers are often unstable, and other mutants will suffer for damage or loss of life. Additionally, the X-Men know very little about the process of forced mutation or how Nova and her group benefit from it, meaning they could have a yet unknown way to use these new mutants to harm them. Forcing these adult mutants to figure things out on their own could result in untold damage, and there’s no safer place for them to be than among the X-Men.
Magneto’s Announcement Gives the X-Men a Chance to Return to Their Original Purpose
While the X-Men have only discovered a handful of Nova’s mutants, their existence can’t go unaddressed. X-Gene manifestation is notoriously difficult to handle, as no one innately knows how to control their gifts. They need support, and the X-Men have historically offered that and more. Althoughmutants like Roguehave chosen a new approach and turned away from the current team, their reputation alone keeps them at the center of mutant life.Cyclops and his current roster are trying to rebuild some portion of what mutantkind has lost, and Magneto’s decision is an important part of the process.
Since Xavier established the first X-Men, they’ve had a dual purpose for mutantkind. They’ve acted as protectors and soldiers, but there’s always been a strong element of “found family”, too. By welcoming these created mutants as equals, they’re one step closer to creating that feeling of “home” again. There’s been a sense of futility and hopelessness hanging over the X-Men since Krakoa, but turning a tragedy into kindness for the mutants who desperately need it could change that.Magneto’sdeclaration that all mutants, created or born, are welcome among theX-Mensets a new tone for the team’s future.
