Our first ever relationship episode focuses on Charles Xavier and Magneto. Find out why these two frenemies keep coming back to each other. Plus Anthony & Doc discuss the corollary between these two and MLK/Malcolm X. Listen now!

SHOW NOTES:

Issue 46 – Relationship between Charles Xavier and Magneto

• Background (6:56)

  • Introduced as mortal enemies in The X-Men #1 (Sept. 1963)
  • Xavier was the head of the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters, while Magneto was the mutant extremist trying to eradicate mankind
  • Later revealed that they were old friends working together to help Holocaust victims in Israel – neither knew the other was a mutant at first, but they learned of their powers and parted ways, knowing their views were incompatible
  • After decades of villainy, Magneto begins to change his mind on humans – eventually turns himself in to be judged for his crimes
  • A dying Xavier asks Magneto to watch over the school, which he does for a time
  • Magneto eventually returns to his evil ways after the world refsues to accept his reformation
  • Since then, Magneto has continued to fight for domination over mankind, but will ally with the X-Men if he feels they’re doing what’s best for mutantkind

  • Issues (12:01)

  • Magneto’s hatred and distrust of mankind stem from suffering through the Holocaust – PTSD?

  • Xavier’s optimism – where does it come from? (19:00)
  • Why does Magneto continue to defend Charles even though Charles stands opposed to him? (31:35)
  • Comparison between Xavier/Magneto and MLK/Malcolm X (38:00)

  • Treatment (53:00)

  • In-universe

  • Out of universe (58:43)
  • Skit (66:49)
  • End

References:

• Popcorn Psychology episode on The Empire Strikes Back - 3:20
• Into the Knight - Anthony guest spot - 3:50
• Spaceballs - "Merchandising!" - 5:00
• TV Tropes - Then Let Me Be Evil - Anthony - 10:44
• Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development - Doc - 18:50
• TV Tropes - Glass Cannon - Doc - 21:46
• Hamilton - "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story" - Doc - 50:20
• James Carville & Mary Matalin - Anthony - 59:05

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