The X-Men are a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. it became one of the most recognizable and successful franchises of Marvel Comics. In the Marvel Universe, mutants are humans who are born with a genetic trait called the X-gene which grants them natural superhuman abilities. They gain this ability or abilities usually during puberty. Due to their differences from the majority of humanity, mutants are subject to prejudice and discrimination and many X-Men stories feature social commentary on bigotry and justice.