Magneto

Magneto (real name unknown, alias Erik Magnus Lehnsherr) is a Marvel Comics character, known as the main adversary of the X-Men. He first appeared in X-Men #1 (September 1963). more...

He was created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, though subsequent X-Men writer Chris Claremont did much to develop the character.

Possessing the ability to control magnetism, Magneto is one of the most powerful mutants in the Marvel universe. He is arguably one of the most morally complex supervillain characters in American comic books. A Holocaust survivor, his main prerogative is to protect the mutant race as their self-proclaimed savior (and many mutants view him as such, so much so that at one point when he was assumed dead he became a martyr in the mutant community). His motives are often justified, but his way of carrying out his actions are often not. Characterizations of Magneto have varied throughout the years from villain to anti-hero to even superhero. But he is most often shown as a militant leader and has waged war and engaged in acts of terrorism when he felt it was for the benefit of mutantkind.

This puts him at odds with former friend Charles Xavier, whose X-Men seek peaceful coexistence with the rest of humanity. Magneto has led his own teams of followers dedicated to his cause, including the Brotherhood of Mutants and Acolytes.

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