As a longtime fan, Marvel just reminded me that X-Men’s iconic leaders, reestablishing why he’s one of the publisher's premiere mutant heroes. Scott’s leadership qualities are on full display in Marvel's current X-Men run, bringing back a level of assertiveness which I believe defined the character’s most iconic eras, and established him as the perfect mix of Charles Xavier and Magneto.

X-Men #10 – written by Jed MacKay, with art by Netho Diaz – takes place after Raid on Graymalkin crossover, and features O*N*E preparing to siege the X-Men’s base in Alaska. Just before they attack, Cyclops and his field team return from Graymalkin, and Scott opens a line of communication with the enemy.

What I love about the ensuing exchange is the way that Cyclops' tactical manipulation reiterates what makes the character so compelling, while highlighting what he has learned from both Professor X, and Magneto.

The Latest Era Of X-Men Comics Has Made Me Realize Why Cyclops Is The Team's Greatest Leader

X-Men #10 – Written By Jed MacKay; Art By Netho Diaz, Ink By Sean Parsons; Color By Fernando Sifuentes; Lettering By Clayton Cowles

Scott’s demeanor in X-Men #10 stands out to me, as it reminds me of just how cunning Scott can be with his plans. For Scott, planning on the defensive isn’t enough. The Hellions Protocol, in which Scott sends the Hellions to attack O*N*E facilities across the states, proves that he can plan for the offense just as well. Additionally, his understanding that total war between the X-Men and the United States government would result in mutually assured destruction, as well as his willingness to exploit these facts to get Lundqvist to back off, which to me, demonstrates his tactical fortitude.

Scott’s dialogue in X-Men #10 brings his charismatic, assertive nature back to the forefront, reminding me why Scott has earned his reputation as one of the X-Men’s greatest leaders and strategists.

I should point out, these aren’t new traits for Cyclops, During the Utopia crossover in 2009, written by Matt Fraction, Cyclops successfully outmaneuvered and outplanned Norman Osborn, forcing him into a position where he had no choice but to let go of his plans to bring down the X-Men, as doing so would destroy the heroic image Norman was trying to maintain at the time. The aftermath of this event also allowed Scott to create Utopia as a mutant nation, which helped to further ensure the X-Men’s survival and served as another victory for them.

Scott’s dialogue in X-Men #10 brings his charismatic, assertive nature back to the forefront, reminding me why Scott has earned his reputation as one of the X-Men’s greatest leaders and strategists. While he had a few similar moments during the Krakoan Age, it’s clear that these attributes are more prominent in From The Ashes. Additionally, his handling of the situation brings back some of his hardline edge, which I think defined some of his best eras, making it clear why he remains one of the de facto leaders of the X-Men.

As A Character, Cyclops Has Always Been Defined By His Relationships With Xavier & Magneto

Scott Summers Synthesizes The Two Defining X-Men Characters

More than that, this moment reasserts my belief that what makes Cyclops such a perfect leader for the X-Men is that he’s a synthesis of Charles Xavier and Magneto’s approaches, rather than wholly taking from one of them. As a result of the trials Adopting some of Magneto’s tactics, as well as taking a more hardline stance towards the survival of mutants, were necessary for him.

Scott still has the idealism and belief in coexistence which Charles has, and those beliefs make people flock to him as a figurehead. However, Scott also has Magneto’s cunning and pragmatism, which makes him willing to cross lines that Charles wouldn’t consider crossing, such as making plans to destroy the United States government in the event of any government agent killing him, or implying that his death would make the Phoenix come to Earth for vengeance. While Scott’s fight hasn’t changed, the methods he uses for that fight have changed, with him fighting for Xavier’s dream using Magneto’s methods.

Cyclops' Continued Prominence In The X-Men Franchise Is A Result Of Incorporating The Best Attributes Of His Mentors

What He's Learned From Xavier & Magneto

As a result, Scott stands out as an especially trusted leader among the X-Men. After the events of X-Men: Schism by Jason Aaron, Cyclops stood as one of the two notable leaders of the X-Men. Magneto, himself an iconic leader, has willingly followed Cyclops on multiple occasions, deferring to his leadership despite his own status as a leader. Consistently, it’s been made clear that the X-Men see Cyclops as a leader to be trusted, even over more iconic figureheads such as Charles Xavier and Magneto.

Cyclops combines the idealism of Charles Xavier with the realism and pragmatism of Magneto. In doing so, Scott establishes himself as an impressive leader and tactician.

Cyclops combines the idealism of Charles Xavier with the realism and pragmatism of Magneto. In doing so, Scott establishes himself as an impressive leader and tactician, with his method of handling Lundqvist demonstrating how, while he’s still looking out for humanity, he won’t neglect fighting for his own species and their place in the world. Additionally, his understanding of mutually assured destruction makes it clear why O*N*E shouldn’t pick a fight with the X-Men. From the ashes of Krakoa, Marvel has confirmed, for me, why Cyclops is the leader the X-Men need.