Charles Xavier, a pivotal figure in the canon of Marvel Comics, is celebrated as the architect behind the X-Men, the founder of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, and a guiding father figure to countless young mutants. However, recent developments suggest that Xavier could soon be perceived as a formidable adversary to mutantkind.
As a telepathic mutant, Xavier shares a profound connection with the mutants he has mentored over the years. Yet, his escalating desperation for peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans has led him to make increasingly drastic decisions, including resorting to violence to ensure mutant survival. This course of action ultimately resulted in his imprisonment at Graymalkin Prison. In the latest installment, X-Men (2024) #9, crafted by the talented team of Jed MacKay, Federico Vicentini, and others, key members of Cyclops’ and Rogue’s X-Men teams converge on Graymalkin with intentions to infiltrate and rescue Xavier.
During this rescue mission, tensions flare as both factions grapple with divergent opinions on whether to liberate Xavier from his confinement. Rogue advocates for his release, while Cyclops staunchly opposes it, stating “Under no circumstances will I allow Charles Xavier to be freed.”
When the X-Men Debate Freeing Xavier: Cyclops Takes a Firm Stand
Following a hard-fought battle against Graymalkin’s mutants, Rogue and Cyclops take a moment to reflect on their shared history, realizing that their primary enemy should be the world that ostracizes them rather than each other. However, their differences soon resurface when discussing Xavier’s fate, with Rogue insisting on the urgency of freeing him and Cyclops firmly refuting her claim.
Rogue challenges Cyclops on his recent emphasis on mutant liberation, yet he responds with a compelling argument: keeping Xavier imprisoned is, in fact, a crucial step towards true mutant liberation. Cyclops asserts that without Xavier’s manipulative influence, mutants can freely pursue their paths, suggesting “No Charles Xavier to influence things equals true mutant liberation.”
Xavier’s Growing Crimes Against Mutantkind: A Case for Imprisonment
As the debate continues, Cyclops reveals a trauma-inducing event that solidified his belief that the world is better off without Xavier. In Fall of the House of X #4, Xavier forced Cyclops to witness the murder of the crew aboard the Space Force Frigate Agnew. Although this act was fabricated, it left a lasting impact on Cyclops, reinforcing his fear of Xavier being a threat to their kind.
Additionally, during Krakoa’s third Hellfire Gala, Xavier faced off against Orchis, who blackmailed him into a dire situation. Under pressure, Xavier manipulated the mutant attendees to teleport to Mars using Gateways, only to find they had been sabotaged, leading to the tragic demise of 250,000 mutants—an event that became infamously known as the third mutant massacre and earned Xavier the moniker “the Butcher of Krakoa.”
Professor X: The True Oppressor of Mutantkind, Not Humans
Throughout his tenure as a mentor, Xavier envisioned a harmonious existence between mutants and humans—an aspiration that initially painted him as a savior. In contrast to characters like Magneto and Bolivar Trask, Xavier represented a more moderate approach. However, as time passed, it became increasingly clear that his ambitions served his personal aspirations more than the collective will of mutantkind.
Cyclops, the original X-Man and Xavier’s first pupil, began to view Xavier as a father figure. After assembling other mutants, Scott found himself leading a team molded into an ensemble of child soldiers under Xavier’s command. This revelation soon bred resentment within Cyclops, who now accuses Xavier of manipulation and exploitation.
X-Men’s Founder Poised to Emerge as Their Greatest Threat
As Rogue clings to her faith in Xavier’s vision, she is blindsided by the reality of his changing motives. Cyclops, aware of Xavier’s troubling trajectory, understands that their former mentor poses a potential danger. By the conclusion of X-Men #9, Xavier, freed by Nightcrawler and Psylocke, is left at a crossroads—an ally or a new foe?
The next chapter of the Graymalkin saga promises a major twist, with Xavier emerging as the core antagonist in the upcoming X-Manhunt event. The X-Men now face a challenging decision: will they protect, recapture, or even oppose their once-beloved leader? Cyclops stands resolute, prepared to fight for the freedom of mutantkind, and should Xavier obstruct that mission, he is ready to take whatever measures necessary to neutralize the threat.
X-Men #9 is now available from Marvel Comics.
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