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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