"From Weirdos To Heroes"

THE X-MEN EFFECT

When you hear the names Professor X, Magneto, Wolverine or Scarlett Witch to name a few, what comes to mind? Many people think, movies, television, or cartoon characters. For others, a little piece of nostalgia is ignited. In this month 59 years ago, an artist and a writer released a collaborative collection, that would leave an indelible mark on future generations. In September of 1963, Stan Lee, the writer, and Jack Kirby, the artist released one of the most successful intellectual properties in modern times, The X-Men.

Some people reading this might not understand the changing landscape that was occurring in 1963 America. Young people were becoming exposed to more mature subjects. Television sets went from showing regulated, wholesome programming to news stories with violent images on repeat. Conversely, technology was advancing and things like push-button telephones, instant replay, and space travel were being introduced to the world. The X-Men comics addressed these situations in a way that made children have a better grasp on what was happening around them. It provided a safe space.

These thin colorful books highlighted real world situations through fictional means. Non-readers of the comic considered it immature literature. Reflecting back on the subject matter of some of the earlier issues, they were preparing the youth for a possible future to come. Think about it, the original X-Men were a group of young people born with superpowers and no sense of safety. Through their stories the comics dealt with morality, war, civil rights, mortality self-confidence, mental health, and distrust of authority. It also explored advanced pseudo-scientific subjects like telepathy, psychokinesis and telekinesis.

Nowadays, it is hard to believe the readers of comics were marginalized as children or nerds. I know doctors, lawyers, producers, entertainers, teachers, police officers, firemen and a host other professionals that are all part of the nerd community. Matter of fact, it has grown beyond a community, it is now a culture. There is so much invested in the preservation and conservation of the X-Men world, it is staggering. Did you know there is a Jack Kirby Museum? It’s mission is dedicated to the remembrance and artistic implication of the Jack Kirby style. You can find out more about it at kirbymuseum.org.

Stan Lee's legacy continues to be represented at conventions, pop-up shows, lectures, movie cameos, and even military statistics. Did you know Stan landed in a special training films division unit? Other members of his unit included Charles Addams, the creator of “the Addams Family", Frank Capra, the creator of the classic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and Theodor Geisel, also known as “Dr. Seuss.” Stan held the special military title of“playwright”. Only nine men in the U.S Army were given this distinction. Despite his writing accomplishments during the war, the creation of X-Men almost did not happen.

At one point, Stan considered changing careers. Comic writer was not exactly a prestigious career back then. In fact, earlier in his career Stan was so embarrassed by his profession, he did not tell people specifically what he did for a living. This is also the reason he stared using his pen name, Stan Lee. Seeing his frustration, his wife told him he had nothing to lose by writing something that appealed to him. That advice led to the creation of many of today’s mainstay superheroes, The X-Men being some of them.

Unlike some other superheroes of the day, the characters Stan and Jack, imagined were capable of displaying great power while being vulnerable. The creation of Professor X, was a genius of irony. He was an individual with a physical disability but having psychic superiority. By Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, following their passions, they created characters that resonated with millions. It is without question that X-Men is a billion-dollar empire. This includes merchandise that ranges from t-shirts, lunch boxes, coffee mugs, tattoos, to movie tickets, cartoons, apparel, and toys.

With all great creators comes great apprentices. We can not talk about X-Men without mentioning Chris Claremont and John Byrne. This duo took Stan and Jack idea's to the next level. Many of the Generation X became fans of X-Men because of their vision. The original five X-Men became a multi-faceted universe due in part to their works. They created characters that even the most abstract person can identify with. These people would eventually become hardcore collectors.

Collector's creativity in paying homage to the X-Men Universe will leave you in awe. I married such a person. Standing 6’7, weighing over 250 pounds, when you look at my husband, you don’t immediately think, that guy is obsessed with X-Men. He convinced his wife (me) to put a hole in their basement wall while spending a Hawaii's vacation worth of money to build it. However, that obsession turned out to be a saving grace.

During Mother’s Day weekend of 2018, my mother-in-law passed away. November of that same year, Stan Lee passed. Without him having to say anything, I saw my big, strong husband become a little boy lost. To deal with his grief, during the pandemic, he used his down time to build among other things, a mini in-wall X-Men Museum. It is dedicated to his mother who bought him his first X-Men comic books and figures and to Stan Lee whose mind created vulnerable strong entities. To see it click on the video below.

Watching my spouse build his wall made me realize the outlets we turn to as kids doesn’t go away, they just grow up. Did you know that the current President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, got his start in the Marvel Universe as an associate producer on the X-Men film franchise? The heads of Marvel were so impressed by his knowledge of the X-Men universe that he got the job, talk about a nerd's dream. Just like in 1963, the X-Men are still helping a generation of people navigate through an expediently changing world.

-----------------Excelsior