Mankind is facing a new stage in its evolution as mutants with extraordinary abilities are revealed to be living among us. Feared and hunted, mutants are forced into a life of secrecy, crime, and shame. Professor X is searching for new students for his foster school for mutants, while his recent graduates - Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, Angel, and Iceman - form the X-Men to combat threats from both humans and mutants. Professor X finds himself at odds with Cyclops, who chooses a path of violence. However, his beliefs are challenged when Magneto, an old friend and rival, emerges from exile with a plan to elevate mutants from outcasts and oppressed individuals to rulers and leaders of a new world.
