The X-Men were created by Professor Charles Xavier. Himself a mutant with powerful telepathic abilities, Xavier learned first-hand the nature of various menaces to humanity, from the treachery of Baron Strucker in the post-war years to the mutant danger of Amahl Farouk and to the alien threat of Lucifer. Damage suffered in his battle with Lucifer cost Professor Xavier the use of his legs, and from that time on he was confined to a wheelchair.

          This battle, and his experiences with young mutants unable to control their power, led Professor Xavier to dedicate himself to the creation of a foundation capable of training young mutants in the use of their super-human abilities. This organization was also to provide a counter to evil mutants and other super-powered menaces on the rise. With the financial aid of Dr. Moira MacTaggart, this teaching academy became Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. The super-powered team that arose from that school became the X-Men.

          The original X-Men were Scott Summers (Cyclops), Bobby Drake (Iceman), Warren Worthington III (Angel), Hank McCoy (The Beast) and Jean Grey (Marvel Girl). Jean was the last of the original team to join, but she was one of the first young mutants Xavier discovered. Unable to handle her telepathic abilities, Xavier subdued those abilities with his mental powers until she was sufficiently grown to handle them. As a result, Marvel Girl was primarily a telekinetic early in her costume life, developing telepathic powers later on.

          The X-Men, named, according to Summers, for their "Extra" abilities they possess, made their debut as heroes in battle with Magneto, an old colleage of Professor Xavier. The master of magnetism took over the American rocket launch site at Cape Citadel. The young X-Men drove Magneto back and were regarded as heroes for their effort, much like the Avengers or Fantastic Four, groups which at that time had no mutant members.

          In those early years, the X-Men fought mainly against Magneto and his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants (Blob, Mastermind, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Toad, Unus), but they also encountered the likes of the Vanisher, the Sentinels (Mark I), Lucifer and Dominus, El Tigre, the Super-Adaptoid, the Cobalt Man, the Juggernaut, Tyrannus, the Mole Man, Mechano, the Mutant-Master (a disguised green tentacled alien) and many more. Along the way, they also made a few friends, such as the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Banshee, Kazar, Changeling, Mimic, Spider-Man and more.

          By the end of X-MEN #39, Cyclops, Iceman, Angel, The Beast and Marvel Girl all acquired individualized uniforms. During this stage of their careers, Professor Xavier is killed during the X-Men's battle with Grotesk the Sub-Human (the last survivor of his Sub-Terranea civilization). Even without their mentor, the X-Men continue to soldier on. It was during this time that Marvel Girl's telepathic powers re-emerged themselves. She had the proper training, thanks to Professor Xavier's teachings, that she was able to handle them without any ill effect.

          While they fought once more against old foes like Magneto, Toad, the Juggernaut, and the Neo-Sentinels (the newer Mark II Sentinels and their leader, the Master Mold), the X-Men also encountered many new villains - Computo and its Cybertron robots (creations of Quasimodo), Mesmero and his robotic Demi-Men, Blastaar, Professor Ahmet Abdol a.k.a the Living Pharaoh, Sauron, the Savage Land Mutates (created by Magneto), Sunfire (who would later become an ally and friend to the X-Men), and even the Hulk.

          While a few old friends, mainly the Banshee and Kazar, made an appearance or two, the X-Men also encountered some new friends who would eventually join the X-Men family. The first was Lorna Dane (a.k.a. Polaris) who exhibited magnetic powers. It was believed for a while that she was the daughter of Magneto. Mesmero had attempted to corrupt her with this knowledge but the X-men were able to rescue her of his influence. The next major character that arrived on the scene was Alex Summers (a.k.a. Havok), Scott's long lost brother. Alex had the mutant power to absorb and channel cosmic radiation through his body. Over course of their time with the X-Men, Lorna and Alex grew closer to one another, much to the chagrin of Bobby Drake who was jealous of their growing affection for each other.

          It was during the X-Men's battle against the aliens known as the Z'Nox, that a shocking secret was revealed - the Professor was alive! Xavier had the Changeling* masquarade as him while he prepared for the alien invasion in secret. Only Marvel Girl knew the truth and she was sworn to secrecy. The Professor knew the fate of the world was at risk and it required his undivided attention. This was the reason why he had to resort to such a drastic subterfuge. With the Professor's aid, the X-Men were able to defeat the alien Z'Nox and return home.

*  The Changeling has the distinction of being the first X-Man to die, but unfortunately not the last.

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART TWO...

THE ALL-NEW, ALL-DIFFERENT X-MEN!

Portions of the above history text is © Marvel Super Heroes: The Uncanny X-Men Campaign Book (© 1990 TSR, Inc.). All Marvel related characters appearing on this web site and their distinctive likeness thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. Original text and the V&V character conversions are © 2003 - 2007 Tim Hartin and the V&V Emporium.