Warning: Contains spoilers forX-Men #3!!Cyclopshas led theX-Menfor most of his life, but his current roster is unlike any other. Now, in a confrontation with ONE* representative, Agent Lundqvist, he’s finally revealed why he picked the unusual line-up. His current X-Men are some of the most dangerous mutants alive, and the world’s treatment of their people will decide whether they remain heroes or become the stuff of nightmares.
InX-Men#3 by Jed MacKay, Ryan Stegman, Marte Gracia, and Clayton Cowles, Scott Summers sits down for a tense meeting with Agent Lundqvist from ONE regarding the X-Men’s involvement in a recent incident withan emerging mutant. Not only does Cyclops take the chance to remind Lundqvist that the X-Men’s new base was part of a settlement with him, personally, but he reveals that his current team line-up is a “favor” to everyone.
Scott has assassins, terrorists, and half-demons at his disposal, but they choose to act as heroes. With one wrong move, that can change. As Cyke points out,it’s better that they remain X-Men rather than become his Brotherhood.
X-Men #3 by Jed MacKay, Ryan Stegman, Marte Gracia, and Clayton Cowles
Historically, the X-Men have been composed of heroic figures seen as the figureheads of mutantkind. Scott’s current team is radically different.Juggernaut, Magik, Kid Omega, Psylocke, and Magneto all have bloody, even villainous, pasts. They’ve changed their ways by choice, but that doesn’t alter what they’refundamentally capable ofor what they’re willing to do. Cyclops is perfectly aware of that, and he’s using it to their advantage. If they’re left alone to focus on the safety of their fellow mutants, they’ll stay (mostly) out of trouble,but they’re ready and willing tobethe trouble if anyone thinks they can interfere.
Mutantkind is accustomed to humanity’s disdain and outright hatred, yet their involvement with Orchis and the subsequentdestruction of Krakoatook things to a new level. Not only was Cyclops personally imprisoned, tortured, and nearly put to death, but the whole mutant race suffered incredible loss. The X-Men have moved beyond the idea of playing nice; they will protect mutantkind in whatever way becomes necessary. Cyclops' comment about the potential of a new Brotherhood is, in essence, simply saying thathis team will not allow their people to be walked on again, and they’ll be willing to make whatever moves they deem fit.
Cyclops is Making the Choice to Act Heroically - For Now
Since Krakoa’s destruction, mutants have been scattered. Some are rebuilding communities and teams elsewhere, but they’re no longer united. Mutantkind is in a fragile state, and Cyclops' assertion that the X-Men will resort to extreme tactics to protect them is no surprise. He’s proven that he’s willing to go that route in the past when he also had some of his current team (Magneto and Magik) by his side. TheX-Menhave always tried to be what mutants need most, andCyclopsis making it clear that his new team is willing to change with the times, even if it means violence.
X-Men
The X-Men franchise, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, centers on mutants with extraordinary abilities. Led by the powerful telepath Professor Charles Xavier, they battle discrimination and villainous mutants threatening humanity. The series explores themes of diversity and acceptance through a blend of action, drama, and complex characters, spanning comics, animated series, and blockbuster films.
