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PROFESSOR X
I have walked down this path of memories before, too many times. In the beginning the challange seemed so simple the world was entering a period of dynamic accelerated evolution--across the face of the globe, children were exhibiting strange and wondrous abilities which set them apart from the baseline genetic model of humanity. The popular press proclaimed this new generation, mutants. And poceeded to demonize them. As objects of such unreasoning fear and hatred--branded as outcasts merely because of an accident of birth--it would have been easy for them to succumb to the temptation of fulfilling that very fear--to become the enemies of the human race and its predators.
Both sides needed a becon of hope that represented the best of what this new species had to offer. That hope was embodied in my school, where young mutants would be taught proper control over their abilities, together with a moral framework that would inspire them to utilize their powers for the betterment of this world and it's people. But I also knew that there would be those who would not hesitate to use such talents to exploit their neighbors, to plunder and pillage. They needed to be fought. The planet needed protectors. And so I founded the X-Men. They numbered five in those first, almost carefree days. They thought they were embarking on the greatest of adventures. Since then, their example has inspired others to follow in their footsteps, either as a member in the core team, or in offshots of their own. That is a legacy to be proud of."(Uncanny X-Men #379)
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