1 – The Strangest Podcast of Them All

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

You can find a visual companion to the episode – and links to recommended reading – on our blog.

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