Essential X-Men, Vol. 4 (Marvel Essentials) (V. 4

Freaks. Nature's mistake. Mutants. They are born different, with characteristics and abilities that make them outcasts. Gathered together by telepath Professor Charles Xavier, the X-Men are sworn to protect a world that fears and hates them. Call them mutants, or Children of the Atom. Or call them the next genetic step for mankind. They are the X-Men. And this is their story.