In an essay for Marvel, John Jennings, a professor of media and cultural studies, reflects on the 1982 graphic novel “X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills” by Chris Claremont and Brent Anderson, which is being re-released this year in a two-part extended cut. “Solving for X: ‘God Loves, Man Kills’ Through the Lens of Now” examines how issues of racism, prejudice, and discrimination in America were explored in the graphic novel through the form of an X-Men parable, and the enduring relevance of the story today in the wake of recent protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

In “God Loves, Man Kills,” antagonist Reverend William Stryker sets out on a crusade to eradicate mutants, including the story’s heroes, the Uncanny X-Men. Jennings draws comparisons to American history with examples of “othering” communities on the basis of race, religion, gender, and identity to legitimize oppression. Despite the parallels, Jennings asserts that “God Loves, Man Kills” is a story of hope that can resonate with readers today.

Jennings is an Eisner-award winning graphic novelist and founder of Megascope, an imprint of Abrams ComicArts, which is dedicated to publishing speculative graphic novels by and about people of color. His latest graphic novel, an adaptation of Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower” co-created with author Damian Duffy, was released in January.

Read Jennings’ full essay here: https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/solving-for-x-god-loves-man-kills-through-the-lens-of-now 

^{Header Image: Cover of "X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills Extended Cut (2020) #1" (Marvel.com)}