Mutant
A mutant is a lifeform that has a non-trivial genetic difference between itself and its parent or parents.
- See also: Mutation
In the fictional Marvel Universe, a mutant is one who has special powers that originate from genetic mutations. Within the Marvel universe most mutants are feared and reviled by the majority of humans. Some fear them simply because they are different, as Nazis viewed Jews. Many other people fear mutants because they are seen as the next stage in human evolution, who will make normal humans extinct; some can pass their traits on to their offspring. As for the mutants themselves, there are some who believe in peace between mutants and humans (like Professor X of the X-Men), and others who either believe that mutants are superior and destined to rule the world (like Magneto of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants) or simply hate humans because humans hate them.
In the Marvel Universe, mutations most often come in the form of physiological modifications to allow for some capability not normally possessed by homo sapiens, the ability to affect and control some form of matter or energy, or increased/altered mental abilities such as telekenesis, precognitive abilities, telepathy, teleportation, or the modification of others' mental processes. For example, the Angel has wings which allow him to fly, Pyro can control fire, and Jean Grey is telekinetic and a telepath.
Mutants play a tremendous role in the Marvel Universe. For one thing, some of the most well known superhero teams like The X-Men and the now disbanded X-Factor are comprised of mutants and fight to protect mutants and humans. For another, some of the greatest villains like the robotic Sentinels were created by humans in order to eradicate mutants. Furthermore, many of the Marvel Comics' inter-series crossovers occurred because of mutants, like The Morlock Massacre and Days of Future Past. Even still, most mutants' powers do not manifest until they hit puberty, and some mutants with latent powers do not immediately have control over them when they first manifest themselves. Sometimes, especially if the mutation is especially powerful or dangerous, out-of-control incidents occur and further humans' fear of mutants.
Even non-mutant superheroes are affected by mutant persecution as they have a chance of giving birth to mutant children. Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman of the Fantastic Four have a son, Franklin Richards, who is a mutant. Franklin's mutation may have come about due to his parents' powers. It is known that many of the genes which cause the particular types of mutation in the Marvel Universe are passed through the parents' genes.
Mutants play a smaller, but still substantial role, in the DC Comics universe, where they are known as metahumans. Mutants also are a frequent topic in other comic books, and in many science fiction stories.