Some heroes have always been paragons of goodness and therefore inspirational to all others who fight alongside them. Superman is one such hero, as was Professor X in the early days. The presence of a hero who truly embodies goodness helps ground a story and inspires optimism in readers even when the dark forces of the story are on the rise. The Marvel Cinematic Universe will soon introduce the X-Men, and fans are eager to see this new iteration of Marvel’s mutants succeed. However, there is one problematic trend. X-Men For the MCU to be truly successful, there are problems it must avoid in comics, and comic books in general.
Since his first appearance, Professor X, aka Charles Xavier, has been the leader of the X-Men. Xavier has dedicated himself to helping mutants discover their potential and be accepted by the world. Mutants have been hated and feared due to their potential danger and people’s ignorance and prejudice, but Professor X has always fought to overcome all of that and achieve peaceful coexistence. Xavier has made mistakes over the years, especially in his work with Marvel’s Illuminati, but he has mainly striven for good. However, everything has changed recently, as Professor X turned completely evil during the fall of Krakoa and the subsequent battle with Orchis. Professor X becoming “evil” represents a problem that the MCU must avoid recreating.
The hero turning evil is becoming an overused trope.
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While it initially piqued fans’ interest, the evil Superman has now become a boring trope that just doesn’t work.
- Evil Superman is one of the most popular incarnations of this trope, with evil Superman appearing in multiple TV shows, movies, and comics.
- the boys took this concept of the evil hero further than most other media, using it as a vehicle to convey political satire.
- Captain America also had a falling out with another man, Hydra Cap, who tried to create a secret empire.
The concept of creating villainous versions of popular heroes has become popular in film, television, and comics. Fraud No one has really nailed this concept, but it has quickly become a worn-out trope. The most common culprit of this trope is Superman. Writers find it endlessly interesting to see what happens when Superman, the most powerful man on Earth, turns evil. Usually, it ends with Superman becoming a tyrant and cruel to everyone. But this concept is not as interesting as it seems. Superman could easily rule the world and with his powers, no one can stand in his way. It is not new to see absolute power corrupt someone, it is normal. It is much more interesting to see someone refuse to have absolute power and dedicate themselves to only good.
the boys The idea of heroes turning evil or becoming more “realistic” is also explored in depth: Homelander is an evil Superman, Tech Knight is an evil Batman, and even The Deep is a twisted version of Aquaman. the boys After three seasons of captivating viewers, some have suggested the quality took a slight dip in season four. Making heroes villains and shocking their actions only lasts until the shock wears off and the heroes become just bad guys and realize they weren’t heroes after all. It’s okay to have a hopeless villain like the Joker, but by the same token, it’s okay to have an innocent hero. These heroes help ground the story and ensure there’s always a constant in the story – a character the audience can always count on.
Professor X isn’t perfect, but he’s not evil.
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- Professor X was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. X-Men #1 1963
- Charles Xavier had spent his life working to achieve coexistence between mutants and humans, but abandoned that ideal when he helped create Krakoa, a nation independent from the rest of the world.
- The creation of Krakoa would lead to Professor X’s downfall, causing him to become completely lost.
Charles Xavier was by no means a perfect character. He almost abandoned his son Legion, created Onslaught, and manipulated and toyed with Wolverine’s mind. But despite his morally grey actions, Professor X has mostly always sought to unite the world. He fought on the field and in the political arena to give mutants a voice in the world. Xavier stood between the world and Magneto, knowing that he and his allies would be demonized and seen as a despicable mistake. That’s why Krakoa seemed like such an unexpected move for Professor X. It was no longer about mutants and humans coexisting, but about distinguishing mutants and embracing the notion that mutants are superior to humans. It felt like it went against Xavier’s dreams, but Krakoa was a paradise and no one questioned it.
During his time on Krakoa, Xavier seemed to have become cold and distant. He was no longer a beloved teacher and father figure, but a cold and calculating world leader. But when Krakoa fell, so did Xavier. He retreated all the mutants, mentally driving them all off-planet. For a while, Xavier seemed to be immersed in introspection and coming into his true self. But then he sided with Orchis and participated in countless human slaughters. The idea of an evil Professor X feels wrong. It feels counter to the very core of his character. Magneto was a character who would do anything to strengthen mutants, and Xavier was always the balance between mutants and humans. Professor X betrayed mutants and betrayed his very core.
The MCU needs a new symbol of hope
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The MCU was extremely profitable until it started repeating major comic book issues.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe makes things worse by unintentionally copying issues that Marvel Comics deals with.
- Since the Infinity Saga ended, many fans feel that the MCU has taken a step back.
- For many fans, the X-Men could be the key to reviving the franchise.
- Professor X and his X-Men could take over from the Avengers and carry the franchise.
Introducing a morally questionable Charles Xavier might be more interesting for MCU writers, but that would be a mistake. Audiences want something fresh and new to show in a genre crowded with different media. The excitement surrounding James Gunn’s MCU is Superman People seem to want a more classic, wholesome take on the character. For so long, the MCU has been held together by Steve Rogers and the unwavering morality of the Avengers. But the Avengers are all different, they’re all new. Falcone is the new Captain America, and while he’s a great character, he doesn’t have the presence that Steve Rogers had. The MCU needs a new foundation, a new person to be the moral compass of the franchise.
Focusing on Professor X’s typical aspects as a teacher and mentor, X-Men: The Animated Series, Charles Xavier can provide that moral center. Charles Xavier can be a guide not only for his X-Men, but for all the new heroes in the MCU. The X-Men will likely lead the MCU going forward, but if they do, Charles Xavier needs to be a good character. If the MCU makes questionable decisions soon, it will be hard to trust the character or for the audience to connect with him. Xavier needs to stay out of the mud and teach all the heroes that there is a better way for humans and mutants. Instead of falling into the trope of seeing evil versions of morally good characters, the MCU should focus on the classic aspects and reinvigorate the franchise with heroes the audience can trust.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
Created by Marvel Studios, the Marvel Cinematic Universe tells the story of heroes across galaxies and realities who protect the universe from evil.
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- Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Ms. Marvel, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Thor, Loki, Captain Marvel, Falcon, Black Panther, Monica Rambeau, Scarlet Witch
