During his Winter Term course, Dr. Nick Miller, Middle School English Teacher, invited his seventh- and eighth-grade students to step into a captivating world of mutants through the lens of the X-Men. Students in his course entitled « Exploring Comics and Culture via the X–Men, » studied the cultural significance, social commentary, and artistic evolution of the X-Men franchise. « The franchise is not only one of the most beloved superhero series in comics history, it is also deeply relevant to contemporary society, » Dr. Miller explains. « Its lasting impact comes from its use of the ‘mutant metaphor’—portraying the X-Men as misfits or outsiders—which often resonates with those who feel different or marginalized. Indeed, conflicts between mutants and ‘normal’ humans in X-Men stories are often likened to real-world struggles over issues of identity and belonging. »
With this context in mind, Miller’s students journeyed through various phases of the X-Men universe, from its beginnings in the 1960s comics to its modern adaptations in film and television. « Through our analysis of key characters and stories, we uncovered themes of diversity, identity, and prejudice woven throughout X-Men mythology, » Miller adds.
As a culmination of their Winter Term studies, students designed their own mutant characters, following in the footsteps of MICDS alumnus Jim Lee ’82—one of the most celebrated artists in X–Men comics history. The project went beyond character creation to become a vehicle for students to explore themes of identity, belonging, and justice. Drawing from the X–Men universe, students contemplated how their mutant characters navigate challenges and prejudices in their fictional worlds. « This exercise sparked discussions about real-world experiences with discrimination, difference, and self-acceptance, » details Dr. Miller. « Students connected their characters’ stories to themes discussed throughout the term, including identity formation, social prejudice, and personal empowerment. Students used their mutant characters as a lens to examine their own perspectives and experiences. This approach allowed them to engage with sensitive topics in a way that felt both personal and universal—demonstrating how storytelling and art can serve as tools for self-reflection and social commentary. Through this project, the seventh and eighth graders showed how art can help us understand ourselves and our relationship to the world around us, a lesson that resonates with both Jim Lee’s legacy and our School’s commitment to developing thoughtful, empathetic individuals. »
Check out the mutant characters created by our Middle School students below! They used AI art generators to fashion visual references of their original mutant characters.
Two students shared what surprised them in the course. « I learned that it is hard to think of a character that is super powerful but also has some drawbacks from his power, » pondered Zander Bean ’30. Seventh grader Ryan Plaskett ’30 shared, « My top takeaway from this course was the mutant metaphor to the civil rights cause. I never realized that the X-Men were based on the civil rights movement. »
How eXciting to eXplore such important topiX in the universe of the X-Men during Winter Term 2025! ThanX to Dr. Miller for offering such a creative and fascinating course!