Horseplay Isn't Funny

Superman defined the superhero genre with his debut in 1938. The X-Men added the discussion of problems stemming from power to the genre in 1963, among them the consequences resulting from the exercise of power.

Early on in X-Men #1 (page 6-7 in our pdf), the reader sees Iceman monkeying around using his superpower, defend himself using the same power and almost severely injure Professor X as a result of his reaction. The team leader Cyclops immediately steps in to lecture the youngest member telling him to "be more careful next time!" and "That kind of horseplay isn't funny!" (Lee 20).

The consequences introduced here are real. The bowling ball of Professor X's head and an actual one could have met, to disastrous effect. Where Superman previously exercised his powers to defeat baddies, he never seemed to consider the bystanders. He often used his powers in the same way that Iceman did, in order to show off or create an effect. He never had an authority figure examine his actions and deem them inappropriate.

This opens up a whole new field of study. Those who hold powers can now be questioned. Might does not equal right. We begin to wonder about the repercussions of allowing immensely powerful beings to exist in society. Certainly entities like Magneto exist in this universe. What if a mind reader/controller like Professor X were to crop up on the other side of Justice. Perhaps they don't have super power, but how acceptable can gaps in economic, social or political power be justified or abused?

X-Men allows readers to explore new worlds, untouched by previous comics and for that alone we can commend it. The interaction of super powerful figures working together, with some conflict adds depth previously unseen (at least within the readings assigned in this class).