In this episode:
Mike and Ed discuss Magneto’s takeover of Santo Marco. Magneto is calling his (presumably) super-powered lieutenants “mutants”. Is that the term we should be using instead of “super-powered individuals”? It is definitely more catchy. Did he recruit his “mutants” or did he create them the way Dr. Doom did? And why did they abandon the country just as they seemed to be in full control of it?
In this issue:
Magneto has gathered four fellow mutants to his cause: Quicksilver, the Scarlet Witch, Mastermind, and Toad. Together, they take over the tiny island republic of Santo Marco. Professor X meets Magneto on the astral plane and pleads with him to stop attacking humanity, and to work with him for the betterment of all. Magneto rejects Professor X’s pleas for peace and cooperation. This leads to Professor X leading the X-Men to Santo Marco, where they plan to free the country from the iron grip of Magneto. The X-Men are outmatched by Magneto and his team, and while on the brink of defeat Professor X swoops in to save them. He shields them from an explosion and is likely concussed by it, and maybe even on death’s door. Magneto and his team leave the island.
Assumed before the next episode:
People are wondering whether mutants are made or born.
This episode takes place:
After Santo Marco has been freed from tyranny.
Episode 112 - What is a Mutant? (X-Men #4) -- February 1964