In which we begin at the beginning: everything clicks with #3, Professor Xavier is a jerk, Magneto is a fearless fashionista, Cyclops gets a name, Jean Grey has a chronic case of the Silver Age, and allegorical diversity is not enough.

X-Plained:

Mutant genetics and taxonomy
Practical semantics of "X-Men"
Charles Xavier's equally dubious ethics and decorating choices
Superhero couture of the Atomic Age
Why Cyclops can't control his powers
The miracle of comic-book magnetism
A problematic analogy
X-books for beginners
Snow grenades
The word "yaybo"
The mystery of the ubiquitous plaid suit




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