As many fans know, the X-Men have been killing people on a regular basis since the 70's. While most of the big name Comics would never featured the heroes killing, the X-Men are one of the few that did. I have heard many comic fans say that they don't like heroes that kill. How do you feel about it? Do you like it? Not like it? Don't care?

Personally, it don't bother me that they do. Most of them have ever been portrayed as blood thirsty anti-heroes, they have just been left no choice. They also have some of the few heroes that we have seen accidentally kill. We have seen mutants come into their powers and kill their friends, as well as mutants losing control of the powers and killing on accident like we have seen with Jean and Storm in the 80's. Then there is the whole losing their free will and killing, which is a plot devise that I am sick of, but as long as Apocalypse is around we will probably continue to see it happen.

I am cool with it...

Its not a big deal IMO. It almost seems kinda stupid for heroes to keep locking up criminals and villains only for them to keep escaping. I mean of you had Sabertooth in your sights after he killed a dozen people and you decide to let him off because you want to play all noble and not kill, then he goes and massacres a dozen more, then in my opinion you would be just as at fault as he is.

While I don't want all the x-villains dying off, I do think sometimes killing is warranted. So a reform first but kill if necessary approach is what I favor

lol

The X-Men are vigilantes who protect and guide the mutant species. They do this primarily through violence and giving patronizing speeches.

Is it any surprise that everyone wants to kill them, or that they're forced to kill in return?

I want them to at least feel conflicted about killing. Taking a life is a big deal.

@tristanheron: Claremont usually did a good job with that. Especially with Colossus, Storm, and Magneto. Even Wolverine seemed to feel conflicted about killing due to how it could effect Kitty. Most writers since him have been hit or miss though.

@immolation: Agreed about Claremont. His wordy writing style with internal monologues is beneficial in this case. The reader and the X-Men themselves knew where everyone stood on the issue, and cared about it.

I agree with this. It makes me think that the heroes who would imperil civilian's lives on a constant basis by not permanently destroying a villain that is too powerful to be held by the authorities are in the wrong line of work.

As Lt. Cmdr Elizabeth Paula Shelby said: "If you can't make the big decisions...I suggest you make room for someone who can."

i'm cool with it as long as its sufficiently justified.

I don't like the kill just to swiftly end a villain's life kinda thing. Claremont's X-Men weren't like that. Killing to put a big dramatic finish and is totally justified and is part of that person's character, then I would totally go for it.

I accept it. Sometimes it's necessary. As long as they take no pleasure in it and it's done quickly and humanely. I love seeing tormented X-Men being forced into killing people out of necessity - hence, why my favourite character is Elixir.

Depends.

Sure why not

every hero has killed people from time to time. it happens.

Currently X-Men killing someone is regular thursday.

Well, Storm killed many during her past years so I guess I like it.

true enough lol

Even kids

@christianrapper: That was not the point.

Haha. I can't believe I missed this response. They definitely love their patronizing speeches.

Wolverine killed heaps of humans when they were mistreated in Genosha (right after Fall of the Mutants). Can't say he wasn't wrong to take them down.

I'm cool with it. Not only does it bring depth to the story, some people honestly deserve it. Especially in the movieverse.

@roddy2010: Stop throwing shade at Mystique.

"*snickt* happens"

The X-Men do what must be done. There are fans like myself who wish the X-Men were treated fairly, but ever since that fateful day in the 90s when the rights were sold away mutants have been fighting for their very survival and not just equality and acceptance. We even had to endure the particular travesty and retcon in the ultimate universe of mutants not being an evolution but an experiment. We lost genosha, utopia, our unity, painted our best leaders as villians even when they were right. And in the most recent embarrassment we have been chemically castrated. In response to this treatment I have no issue with the x men killing, and if they could leap off the page im sure they would do a number on the anti mutant monsters in marvels house of ideas

@sprior93: For that movieverse monstrosity, I will cast an eclipse...