New X-Men in Marvel Comics's Deadly Genesis
Ed Brubaker Writes 4 Superhero Origins in Graphic Novel Miniseries
Nov 18, 2008
Written by Ed Brubaker and drawn by Trevor Hairsine and Mark Silvestri, Uncanny X-Men: “Deadly Genesis” picks up directly after “M Day,” the catastrophic event in which a large percentage the mutant population is stripped of their powers. “Deadly Genesis” was released in 6 issues from January-July 2006.
The series was released to commemorate the groundbreaking Giant Size X-Men #1 issue, released 30 years prior to Deadly Genesis’ debut. Giant Size X-Men #1 was a single issue event that saw the discovery of a new team of X-Men mutants, including Banshee, Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus, Thunderbird and Wolverine. The issue revitalized a waning X-Men franchise by adding new members, who were notably international in origin.
“Deadly Genesis” Ret-Cons Giant Size X-Men #1
In the style of Giant Size X-Men #1, “Deadly Genesis” introduces 4 mutants from the island/mutant Krakoa. Ed Brubaker uses retroactive continuity (“ret-conning”) to explain that these 4 mutants, called Darwin, Sway, Petra and Vulcan, were actually discovered by Professor Xavier before those originally found in Giant Size X-Men #1. Due to unfortunate circumstances, the mutants were either killed or were consolidated into Vulcan’s consciousness and blasted into space by Polaris.
Third Summers Brother to X-Man Cyclops and Havok Revealed: Vulcan
“Deadly Genesis” not only explains missing events from Giant Size X-Men #1, but it also served to answer the long-time mystery of who the 3rd Summers brother is. As is revealed, Scott (Cyclops) and Alex Summers (Havok) have another, very powerful brother: Gabriel, aka Vulcan.
The reason no one remembered the incident of finding these 4 new mutants was because losing Vulcan was so painful to Cyclops that Professor X thought it was best to make everyone forget they existed. “Deadly Genesis” reveals a darker and controlling aspect to Professor X’s character.
4 New X-Men Mutants: Petra, Sway, Darwin and Vulcan
Unfortunately for many readers who were excited have new X-Men join the team, 2 new members quickly met some form of demise since their introduction.
Petra- Petra had the ability to manipulate earth, in much the same that that X-Man Storm can manipulate weather. She was taken under the tutelage of X-Man Moira MacTaggert and Professor X. She was sent to Krakoa with Darwin, Vulcan, and Sway to save the original Giant Size X-Men mutants. After saving Darwin and Vulcan from a volcanic eruption, Petra was swallowed by the volcano and killed.
Sway- Sway was born in Hong Kong and was also sent by Moira MacTaggert to save the original team of mutants on Krakoa. Sway had the ability to stop and review time. The island also fatally wounded Sway, whom, along with Petra, in her last moments used her powers to dramatically rescue Darwin and Vulcan from certain death.
Darwin- Darwin fared better than his female teammates, largely due to his mutant ability to adapt to any situation in whatever way allows him to live. If he is drowning, for example, Darwin can grow gills. His essence kept Vulcan alive after he launched into space by Polaris’ blast (in GSXM #1). After his return from space in “Deadly Genesis” #2, he is separated from Vulcan.
Darwin has had several adventures in the X-Men universe, including taking roles in the 12-part X-Men series following “Deadly Genesis”, in addition to the World War Hulk, Messiah Complex, and Secret Invasion storylines.
Vulcan- Gabriel Summers, aka Vulcan, was the most crucial character to come out of Brubaker’s “Deadly Genesis” series. The powerful 3rd brother to Cyclops, Vulcan can manipulate all forms of energy. Bearing a major grudge upon his return to Earth, Vulcan planned to take over the Shiar Empire, and spent the next 12 Uncanny X-Men issues following “Deadly Genesis” trying to do so.
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