Warning: Spoilers for Uncanny X-Men #9!In the past year, Marvel has introduced two different, co-existingX-Menteams. First, there’s the official unit led byCyclopswith a base of operations in Alaska that isa former Orchis headquarters. The other team, led byRogue, is comprised of former X-Men who needed space away from the official team after Krakoa, but miraculously found solace in each other in Louisiana.
As ofUncanny X-Men#9 by Gail Simone, Javier Garrón, Matthew Wilson, and Clayton Cowles,a Civil War between the two X-Men over Charles Xavier is bound to commence. Both teams come together to stop Corina Ellis, who has transformed the ex-X-Mansion into Graymalkin Prison, forcibly imprisoning members of each team. The most notable prisoner isXavier himself.
Rogue and Cyclops clash and end the issue in a physical fight because they can’t agree about freeing Xavier. Against Rogue’s wishes, Cyclops makes the call to leave Xavier, and when evaluating their respective relationships, it’s easy to see why.
Cyclops' Relationship with Professor X, Explained
Xavier’s Golden Boy - Who He Failed
When he was still the X-Men’s professor, Charles Xavier chose Cyclops as the team’s first leader. In the time since, it’s hard to argue againstCyclops being the X-Men’s greatest leader. Much of his greatness can be attributed to the guidance of Xavier, who has served as just as much of a surrogate father to Scott Summers as he has a coach and mentor. But those mixed-up roles are partially whythat relationship has become strained to this day. The older Scott became, the more he started to see Xavier for his true colors and flaws.
Xavier has done questionable things that have compelled Cyclops to kill him…
Professor X was never perfect, butXavier’s imperfections have classed him closer to being a villain than a hero. Xavier often kept monumental secrets from Scott, manipulated him and others, used his powers to get what he wanted, and committed heinous tactics behind Scott’s back that undermined Cyclops' leadership. Xavier has done questionable things that havecompelled Cyclops to kill him, with the final straw being Xavier’s role in Krakoa’s fall,solidifying him as the villainthat Cyclops has grown to think of him as.
Rogue’s Relationship with Professor X, Explained
Xavier Supported Her Non-Stop From the Start
While Cyclops' relationship with Xavier has only worsened over the years,Rogue’s relationship with Charles has never wavered. Their bond started on a particularly high note duringRogue’s origins as a villain. After draining Carol Danvers (then Ms. Marvel) of her powers, memories, and overall essence, Rogue started to spiral in ways that not even her friends in the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants could help. When Rogue had no one else to turn to, Professor X offered sanctuary and kindness when no one else would.
To see the “Raid on Graymalkin” crossover in full, pick up all four parts inX-MenandUncanny X-Men. Both series are available now from Marvel Comics!
When the X-Men doubted that Rogue was capable of change and questioned Xavier’s willingness to give her a chance, the professor never lost faith. He continued to champion Rogue and believe in her, to the point thatRogue was dedicated to proving him right. Xavier believed in her when no one else would. As Rogue tells Xavier inUncanny X-Men#9:“You were the first. You believed in me.“His faith never changed as Rogue evolved, either, as when he made the regrettable mistake of betraying Krakoa, he handpickedRogue to"avenge them.”
How Professor X Could Split the X-Men into a War
The X-Men Civil War Is Official
Both of their respective interactions with Charles Xavier have informed who Rogue and Cyclops are as people, heroes, and most of all, leaders to their respective teams. Xavier’s influence is especially on display during Cyclops and Rogue’s mid-battle argument inUncanny X-Men#9, whereCyclops chastises Rogue for including"kids"on her team. Scott has always been framed as a child of war, elected as leader of the X-Men by Professor X when he was just a boy. It’s understandable why he’d take such offense to drafting children into a war on mutants before they’re ready.
Alternatively, Rogue takes umbrage with the fact thatCyclops' team includes Magneto, someone who Rogue probably still feels spite towards thanks to her more villainous days with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.In Rogue’s eyes, Magneto failed her as a leader,while Xavier picked up the pieces as not only a leader, but as a father figure. It’s worth noting that while both parties viewed Xavier as a father figure, Cyclops spent more time with and was closer to Xavier as the leader of the team.
Maybe We Were Wrong: Marvel’s Cyclops vs Rogue Rivalry Is the Perfect X-Men Showdown
Cyclops & Rogue are the perfect leaders of the next generation’s mutants. However, their rivalry may risk the collapse of what little they have left.
Knowing Xavier for longer and more closely likely gave Scott more opportunities to see Xavier’s worst traits. His biases aside, Cyclops has good reason tokeep Xavier locked up, but regardless of the reasoning, the two X-Men leaders are clashing over a talking point that both are passionate about. The last time such a clash between leaders happened in the Marvel Universe, a Civil War broke out. As long as Charles Xavier remains imprisoned, readers can expect such a Civil War between the twoX-Men,CyclopsandRogue, to be imminent.
Uncanny X-Men#9is available now from Marvel Comics.
X-Men
The X-Men franchise, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, centers on mutants with extraordinary abilities. Led by the powerful telepath Professor Charles Xavier, they battle discrimination and villainous mutants threatening humanity. The series explores themes of diversity and acceptance through a blend of action, drama, and complex characters, spanning comics, animated series, and blockbuster films.
