the x-men comics have a clear message: that intolerance and the lack of acceptance and understanding set out to destroy whatever man has created. besides the simple stories of good guys and bad guys, most minorities could relate to it, be it that you're of a different race, religion or even sexual preference. kicking off from the 60's, stan lee was more or less a genius to create something new AND socially aware. today, the x-men's roster is made up of a wide variety of characters...not just your white-bread boy/girl next door.

members of the x-men are mutants...those who gain powers or show some signs of powers that their parents didn't previously have. thus, they are feared and misunderstood, and so far, there's been a mutant registration act that's been passed...think about the muslim registration act in the united states and you've got about the same thing.

besides the mutant cause, most x-men characters have their own tales to tell. some live, some die [a few times, even] and some fall in love. others switch loyalties, or become power-mongers. it's all rather fantastic, yes, but it's a comic book. still, that doesn't mean that you don't have to take it seriously. i think that mutant powers and storylines are one part of the appeal that the x-men have; the fact that it tries to underscore understanding and acceptance as a guide to living should also be noticed.

i guess you can say that there's nothing wrong with loving thy neighbour.