When it comes to superhero movies, the biggest question seems to be: Marvel or DC? I mean, I get it, those are the main universes and comics, but there is a niche group within this overlying question that seems to get ignored: Mutants.

I’ve always thought that the most interesting and thought-provoking group of “superheroes” were the X-men and the idea of mutants in general. To be honest, I didn’t even know the films or the concept was a part of the Marvel universe. I don’t think it meshes quite as well with the “popular” heroes.

And it definitely doesn’t fit into the whole Teammate vs Teammate storyline the way that both the Avengers and Justice League groups do. The fact is, the X-men movies provide an array of heroes, villains, and, even better, anti-heroes.

(Sorry comic fans, but those storylines are way too confusing)

I admit that the older X-men movies can be a little hard to watch simply due to graphics and production, but the cast is great and if all you want is a strong buff dude, Wolverine, A.K.A. Hugh Jackman, is more than satisfactory.

The unique abilities of mutants allow for more diverse characters, powers, and storylines. These are characters who have lived and struggled to accept themselves and their abilities. These stories cover identity, loss, friendship, and so much more than the big explosions we’ve come to expect from superhero movies.

The order to watch the movies can get a little messy; alternate timelines and time-travel will do that, but this franchise allows the audience to grow with the characters. You will be able to connect with them to the point where Hugh Jackman’s last performance as Wolverine in "Logan" (2017) will probably bring you to tears. (I bet you can’t guess who my fav character is…)

The X-men and the mutant franchise is what gave us the R-rated anti-hero movie "Deadpool" (2016), whose success allowed for Logan to also be R-rated. While this may not seem like a huge deal at first, the reality of the matter is that these movies provide new formats and methods of telling the stories.

Everyone needs some kind of superhero in their life, and X-men accounts for the growing presence of relatable characters, despite their exaggerated jobs, in popular culture. I don’t relate to the perfectly presented, mainstream heroes, like Superman or Captain America, but the complexity of the character creations in the X-men universe makes you forgot that they have their abilities.

The truth is, the X-men movies are compelling in a way that mainstream Marvel and DC movies are not. If you take away their superhuman abilities, I would still watch.

So, if you haven’t seen the X-men movies, give them a chance. Even if you’re a hard-core DC fan, (Batman’s pretty cool), these movies and characters have something to offer everyone.

If I’m forced to choose one: Marvel or DC, I technically have to choose Marvel. But, I stand by the thought that the mutant universe is its own niche, one that surpasses the general debate.