X-Men - Softcover

The storyline follows the recurring X-Men theme of mutants being feared and persecuted by humanity--not helped by the minority who use their powers for evil. Here the comics' bad guy Magneto is less wicked than misguided, aiming to defuse prejudice with a Machine that pumps superpowers into ordinary folk, such as anti-mutant US Senators. Unfortunately this scientific genius neglected to research the side effects.

Meanwhile, telepathic Professor Charles Xavier teaches his X-Men recruits to handle their abilities and neuroses: Cyclops (destructive red eye-beams), Rogue (drains souls), Storm (controls weather), Wolverine (super-strength, extensible claws).

"I opened this school, a place where mutants could be safe from persecution. This is a place where they could not only learn to focus their powers, but also learn that mankind is not evil. Just uninformed."

Colourful, kinetic fight sequences abound, especially towards the climax of Magneto's master plan. These scenes cry out for stunning artwork or lavish film SFX; our authors do their best with mere words. Their competent storytelling will be best appreciated by comics' aficionados and lovers of the movie, who'll have clear images of Marvel's bizarre, exotic characters and costumes. --David Langford

Outcasts from society, the X-MEN are genetic mutants, born with superhuman powers, who harness their special abilities for the greater good. But the human race they fight to protect rejects and fears -- even hates -- them.

Not all mutants seek to protect mankind. One terrorist group -- led by the supremely powerful Magneto -- will seek to strike first. Battling against prejudice and agents of intolerance, the X-MEN must establish a peaceful coexistence between mutant and mankind or they will surely perish...