The X-Men, under the guidance of Professor Charles Xavier, champion the harmonious existence of mutants and humans alike. They set an example for others, demonstrating that even though they are often feared and misunderstood by society, they opt to defend and serve a world that frequently shuns them. This noble stance has rallied numerous characters from the Marvel universe, both mutant and non-mutant, to their cause or to back them in their quest.

Central figures like Wolverine and Storm epitomize the X-Men’s ethos. They are the epitome of the notion that those deemed misfits can rise to become champions and visionaries. The Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, the X-Men’s educational abode, offers sanctuary for mutants and an environment where they can master their abilities and channel them towards the collective benefit.

Drawing inspiration from the Civil Rights Movement, the X-Men comics have served as an allegory for combating racism, intolerance, and bigotry. Professor X and Magneto are often likened to Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, symbolizing contrasting ideologies in the pursuit of rights and recognition. The narrative has struck a chord with numerous readers who have encountered discrimination or felt marginalized, delivering a story that advocates for diversity and the significance of advocating for justice. The X-Men inspire individuals to accept their distinctiveness and strive for a society that honours diversity instead of fearing it.

Furthermore, the X-Men’s philosophy has permeated beyond comic book pages, influencing films and TV series, thereby broadening their message of optimism and solidarity to a wider audience. Their tales have ignited discussions on equity and justice, motivating people to engage in their localities and endorse initiatives that foster inclusiveness.

The One Man’s Worth storyline is a compelling exploration of the X-Men’s crucial role in the world. This two-part episode plunges into a what-if scenario, imagining a reality without Professor Charles Xavier, the X-Men’s founder.

In an inspiring plot twist, villains Trevor Fitzroy and Bantam time-travel to 1959 and eliminate Professor X before he can establish the X-Men. This single act sends the timeline spiralling into a dystopian future ravaged by war, showcasing a world plunged into turmoil without the X-Men’s influence. Mutants face even harsher persecution than in the original timeline, underscoring the gravity of their plight.

This narrative arc poignantly underscores the X-Men’s mission to bridge the divide between humans and mutants. It’s a vivid portrayal of how one group’s commitment to equality and justice can shape a brighter future, emphasizing the weight of the X-Men’s endeavours in striving for an inclusive world.

In the aftermath of an explosion at the college where Charles Xavier was in hiding, Bishop, Shard, Wolverine and Storm are determined to travel back in time once more. Their mission is to save Xavier from death and prevent the war-torn timeline. However, before they can act, they’re ambushed by racists angered by the destruction at the diner. Following the clash, Wolverine feels defeated and requests Bishop to return him to his original timeline. Yet, Storm convinces him to persevere. Bishop is concerned that Xavier’s death might have already altered his timeline.

This concern becomes reality when they arrive in 2055 to discover Master Mold ruling, with Forge appearing unusually robotic. Forge is reluctant to reveal his time machine to the mutants, leading to a confrontation with an intruding robot. Despite the tension, Shard convinces Forge to attempt a journey back to 1959, but tragedy strikes as both Shard and Forge fall to Nimrod before the time leap can be made.

Trevor Fitzroy and Bantam, in a tense conversation with Master Mold, discover a deadly plot against Fitzroy. Armed with this knowledge, Fitzroy aids the time-traveling mutants’ escape from the Enforcers and entrusts them with a holographic message for his 1959 self.

In a 1959 flashback, Xavier, post-diner altercation, encounters Bishop and uncovers his awareness of a planned explosion meant for Xavier. The team heads to the college, catching Fitzroy and Nimrod in the act of bomb placement. Bishop confronts Fitzroy with the holographic warning from the future, prompting a return to their time, along with Nimrod and Bantam. Wolverine’s quick thinking sends the bomb harmlessly away. The time-travellers, saved by their temporal bracelets, face a poignant moment as Wolverine and Storm choose to vanish from existence with a final kiss.

Fast forward to the present, Xavier, Wolverine, and Storm relish a peaceful picnic in New York City, blissfully unaware of the turmoil that once was.

In a twist of fate, Bishop, who is deeply troubled by the prospect of Xavier’s assassination, ironically becomes the one who fires the fatal shot in the Messiah Complex storyline of the comics.

The Sentinel ‘Enforcers’ and Forge are depicted with designs reminiscent of their Age of Apocalypse counterparts.

After entrusting an alternate Storm and Wolverine with their own destiny, Bishop attempts to return to the year 2055. However, as revealed in the Beyond Good and Evil storyline, his journey does not go as planned.

At the conclusion of the episode, Xavier’s expression suggests a faint recollection of Bishop, Storm, and Wolverine from the year 1959, hinting at a mysterious connection across time.

One Man’s Worth (Part 1) | Proteus (Part 1)