Magneto’s Twist on an Iconic X-Men Catchphrase Shows How Much He’s Grown

Warning: Contains spoilers for Resurrection of Magneto #4!!

Magneto has lived a turbulent life, moving through the ranks of villain and hero with singular skill, and he is no stranger to change. Death and resurrection have sharpened the divide between the old Max Eisenhardt and the new one, even while he contemplates all the ways he won’t change. Nothing embodies the difference quite as much as his greeting to the mutants rescued from Orchis.

Resurrection of Magneto #4 –- by Al Ewing, Luciano Vecchio, David Curiel, Jesus Aburtov, and Joe Sabino –- dives into Magneto’s first fight against Orchis, after Storm successfully resurrected him and the two defeated the Shadow King. Ororo sought out her friend because she was convinced mutantkind needed him in the fight against their enemies, and Magneto did not disappoint.

After freeing dozens of mutants held prisoner by Orchis, he received them warmly. Turning the iconic X-Men catchphrase around, he greeted them not as soldiers in a war, but as familiar faces, saying: “To me, my friends.”

Magneto’s Spin On “To Me, My X-Men” Shows His Path Forward

He Is No Longer Focused On Power & Control

“To me, My X-Men” is one of the most iconic phrases in comic history, uttered first by Charles Xavier and used as a rallying cry since its introduction. It draws mutants toward a central leader, frequently as they’re preparing for the next great battle or moment on the horizon. Most importantly, it puts one person at the head. Magneto’s twist on the phrase has a glaring difference, as he is there to be among the freed mutants, rather than lead them. He is “their Magneto” and although they are looking to him, he is not above them.

After his death, Magneto spent the afterlife recounting every death incurred in his name, whether he directly caused them or they came from someone acting on his behalf. Agreeing to return to the world meant deciding what kind of man he would be, which Magneto he would be, and his primary fear is that he will not change from the violent man filled with rage. In truth, he already has. This resurrected version of the Master of Magnetism does not see himself as a savior, separate or above those he is rescuing. He is there because he is needed and, as he says, they are his friends.

Magneto’s New Appreciation For Friendship Is Vital To The X-Men’s Future

Any Ally To Mutantkind Will Benefit

While Magneto has led teams and summoned others to his cause, he has often made his major moves and plans alone. His choice to trust others and work alongside them is a new approach compared to his earlier days, and he is already proving that he’s willing to extend that to those who need his aid, as he agrees to help Iron Man face more Stark Sentinels. Magneto’s spin on the classic “To me, my X-Men” catchphrase is a show of what he values most –- and just how far he has come as a hero.