Albinism produces mutant individuals.
A mutant is something that has undergone mutation . To mutate , on the other hand, is to change, modify or alter something . The most common use of the concept of mutant is associated with organisms that mutate due to a change in their structure or composition .
A mutant is therefore a being that has undergone a modification in its genes or that is descended from an organism that has undergone these changes. Mutants, due to genetic alteration, exhibit characteristics different from those shown by other individuals of their species.
Different types of mutants
Mutation is often considered a negative thing, as it can be caused by disease or pollution , to name two possibilities. However, there are other kinds of mutations that are necessary for the adaptation and survival of species.
Certain cases of mutant individuals are more common than one might suppose. Albinism , in fact, is a common example of a mutation that causes a lack of melanin in the skin, hair and eyes of those affected.
The concept in fantasy literature and science fiction
In science fiction and fantasy literature, the condition of being a mutant appears in a much more spectacular and exaggerated way. Thus, in the realm of fiction , mutants can have superpowers that they use, depending on the case, to do good or to cause chaos.
Wolverine , also known as Cheetah and Wolverine (in Latin America and Spain, respectively), is an example of a mutant in a fictional universe. For example: «Yesterday I saw a movie in which a group of mutants frightened people» , «In the latest book by the French author, the salvation of the world is left in the hands of a mutant who can fly» .
Wolverine is a very popular fictional mutant.
X-Men, the mutant superheroes
Stan Lee y Jack Kirby son los creadores de un grupo de superhéroes mutantes pertenecientes al Universo Marvel conocidos con el nombre de X-Men, The X-Men o X-Patrol, según la región. Esta serie, que ha sido publicada en cómics, series de dibujos animados y películas, además de haber aparecido en videojuegos, vio la luz del día en septiembre del año 1963 y su fama ha trascendido las fronteras del tiempo y el espacio, llegando a conquistar a varias generations.
The mutants in the X-Men series have supernatural powers, ranging from telekinesis to the ability to fly, to the manipulation of temperature, weather, and polarity. These characteristics, according to the story, arose as a consequence of their exposure to radiation resulting from experiments conducted during World War II , which considerably altered their genetic structure .
An endless struggle
Broadly speaking, there are two prominent groups of mutants: the followers of Charles Xavier (also known as Professor X ) and those of Magneto , two powerful individuals who began as friends but ended up choosing opposite paths. The first never loses hope of achieving the union of humans and mutants , getting both sides to lose their fear of the other and merge to live together in an atmosphere of respect and brotherhood; Magneto, on the other hand, is governed by his resentment towards humans and fights them tirelessly.
Behind the colorful and flashy costumes, the striking names and powers of each of the numerous and very varied mutants that make up this impressive universe, the series transmits a message that can help us build a better world, regardless of the existence of these supernatural individuals. Charles Xavier fights to end hatred, contempt for different beings, the fear that arises from the unknown, and all of this can be applied to solve problems as deep and painful as racism, speciesism and homophobia, among other stigmas of the human race.