Technically, a mutant is a plant or animal with inheritable characteristics
that differ from those of its parents. Therefore a Marvel Universe mutant is
a being who was born with a physical or mental characteristic not possessed
by either of its parents.
This does not mean that every character who mutates is a mutant. The
Fantastic Four, Hulk, and Spider-Man were all born human and later mutated:
that is, the character was exposed to a mutagenic agent which allowed the
character to acquire a different physical or mental characteristic than
normally possessed by humans.
True mutants are born with this genetic difference, and it must be a genetic
difference that is not possessed by the child's Which leads us to another
question…
What Causes Mutations?
The Celestials-massively powerful, star-faring aliens-visited Earth over a
million years ago and performed gene-altering experiments in an effort to
evolve different races. It was at this time that dormant genetic mutations
were introduced into mankind's gene pool, but it was not until recently that
these mutations became evident.
The current increase of radiation in the Earth's environment is chiefly
responsible for these mutations. The radiation increase can be individually
triggered (like a lab test that bombards a character with radiation) or is
result from the many atmospheric nuclear tests in the past. These mutations
take different forms.
Some mutants, like Nightcrawler, have obvious physical mutations. Other
mutants, like Professor Xavier, have physical differences in their brains
that give them added mental powers, but physically they appear human.
Why Don't Other Super-powered Characters Suffer Hysterical Prejudice?
This is a common misconception. Some super powered characters and teams have
had plenty of problems in the past. At first, the Fantastic Four were thought
to be freaks, especially the Thing, and the military was sent after them.
Spider-Man constantly gets roasted by the Daily Bugle as a monster.
Whenever a character has a special ability that others do not have, there is
bound to be jealousy and fear (usually of the unknown), which is a good reason
for secret identities. The difference with mutants is that they are seen as a
separate race and people can easily stereotype them ("all those dirty muties
are alike").
Racism has long been a problem in mankind's history. Mutant racism seems
justified to many people due to villains such as Magneto and his Brotherhood
of Evil Mutants.
Overall, humans view mutants as unknown, different, and sometimes very, very
dangerous. The fact that mutants sometimes refer to themselves as homo sapiens
superior, the next step in the evolution of mankind, does not help calm those
fears.
MUTANT CLASSIFICATIONS:
Alpha Level - if they have a normal human appearance and their mutation is powerful,
useful and controllable (i.e. turn it on and off, direct it at will.). This
classification accounts for less than 10%% of the mutant population.
Beta Level - if they have a normal human appearance (or close to it) and their
mutation is powerful, useful, but less controllable, like Cyclops who can't
willingly turn off his optic blasts, but can still lead a normal life with
only minor preparation (wearing special glasses). Wolverine, who has healing
powers, can't ever decide NOT to rapidly heal from an injury, but this does
not impair him in any reasonable way.
Gamma Level - if their mutation is powerful, uncontrollable, sometimes useful
but usually detrimental to living a normal life, such as a monstrously
inhuman appearance that can't be switched off at will.
Delta Level - are like Alpha mutants in that they don't have many significant flaws.
The only problem is that Delta mutants don't have powers that match an Alpha
mutant, or even a Beta or Gamma mutant. At least 50%% of mutants are Delta
mutants making them the most common type of mutant. Some examples of Delta
mutants are Forge, Domino and Callisto.
Epsilon-Delta Level - mutants are mutants that don't always manifest their
power. An Epsilon-Delta's power will only manifest in certain circumstances
and they don't use their powers very often. Their powers my manifest due to
trauma, influence from somebody or somebody else or physical contact with
someone.
Epsilon Level - if they have an inhuman appearance or their mutation makes it
impossible for them to function normally. Any accompanying "superpowers"
would be next to useless. Epsilon mutants are differentiated from Gamma
mutants in that a Gamma mutant's inhuman appearance would provide a
compensating benefit like superior strength. They account for 20%% of the
mutant population. IE: Beak.
Zeta Level - are not mutants that have powers like the X-Men and other
mutants. Zeta mutants are simply humans that have defects. So Zeta mutants
would include humans that people would refuse to as "circus freaks".
Omega Level - mutants are the most powerful class of mutants. Omega mutants
can control matter and energy, have unlimited potential and are possibly
even immortal. All Omega mutants are also Alpha mutants but not all Alpha
mutants are Omega mutants. For example Jean Grey is an Alpha mutant because
of her power and lack of flaws and is also an Omega mutant because of how
powerful she is. Gambit on the other hand falls under Alpha mutant for the
same reasons but isn't powerful enough to be an Omega mutant.
