Sanctuary is a two-part episode in 90s X-Men animated series based on Chris Claremont’s last story for nine years. In all honesty, the comic despite its high sales feels critically underwhelming. So how does the TV show fix everything?
X-Men Sanctuary Plot
The premise is Magneto has a home on Asteroid M having grown tired of his battle against humanity. This is mainly because after decades of trying, humanity is nowhere near closer to tolerating mutants. Even Professor X begins to doubt his dream. A number of mutants including a group lead by Fabian Cortez decide to join Magneto. Unfortunately with the nuclear weapons Magneto has in place, the UN is ready to blow up his base. To prevent all out war, the X-Men try to sneak in and disarm the missiles. However Cortez and his accolytes cause trouble for both sides. Cortez unlike Magnus is a full-on human hater more than willing to use the less militant Magneto as a martyr for his campaign. Magnus upon Cortez’s betrayal leaves himself to die with Asteroid M as he allows the X-Men to flee.
Comic Problems
Comic reviewer Linkara points out a few problems with the first issue of the comics. Aside from the obviously aging artwork by Jim Lee, there are some glaringly subtle flaws. From how the X-Men jump at the first sign of possible trouble to Magneto making some very poor decisions. But even taking some nuclear missiles from a submarine pale in comparison to what he does later. But let’s get the list down first.
When Cortez’s team wants to follow Magneto to Asteroid M, they begin their assault by attacking the X-Men and wreaking havoc in Madripoor. Madripoor was once a country that enslaved mutants but the comics have it step away from that. But these are a distraction to the real stakes. Because of some weird situations, Magneto learns that Moira MacTaggert tried to change him in his infant state. Comics are weird like that.
So he abducts Moira and when the X-Men go to Asteroid M, Magneto brainwashes one team of X-Men into his cause. This is a betrayal of character as part of what makes Magneto such a compelling villain is that he never wants to force mutants under him. Especially when a greater villain exists in Cortez; he leaves Magneto and his team when the missiles are about to strike. This is all before he has a chance to establish his character.
X-Men Sanctuary Has Higher Stakes
In the show, Cortez and his team of Acolytes get into the action after Magneto makes his big announcement. Tired of dealing with humanity any further, Magneto goes on to gather mutants for his fortress at Asteroid M. Naturally upon arriving in Madripoor he fights but causes no deaths even when Sentinels show up. Neither does he force anyone on or off board. Magnus also shows the NASA pilots who were caught up in Asteroid M’s construction respect, planning to send them back unharmed. Because again Magneto knows better than to start pointless conflicts.
Cortez, disappointed that they’re not taking the fight back to regular humans, begins his campaign. With Cortez able to restore and enhance powers he shows how much control he has over Magnus. Think of how drug dealers have power over junkies. When the fights are over and with the X-Men around, he enacts his plan to use Magneto as a martyr.
After draining Magneto of his power, Cortez jettisons Magnus’ quarters to frame the arriving X-Men. Having everything he needs, he’s ready to declare nuclear war. The X-Men now finding themselves in a difficult situation have to stop the launch while rescuing the captured Gambit. Fortunately they have unlikely allies in the form of Amelia Vought and Magneto ready for payback.
Magneto The Gray
The show redeems Magneto by reminding the audience that he’s not really a supervillain. Despite his lairs and more militant mindset Magnus believes in finding sanctuary for mutants. That means not causing anymore trouble than necessary if it means freeing mutants from captivity. He however will never start a war, fight one maybe but not start one. Having lived through the holocaust during WWII, Magneto prefers to solve conflicts quickly without retaliation. He’s controversial sure, but he does make good points on his stand. Even Professor X decides to separate mutants from humans in Jonathan Hickman’s run after losing too much. But they never need to force anyone to do anything. That’s why Professor X still considers Magneto a friend instead of an enemy.
Cortez The Killer
Cortez meanwhile is a genuine psychopath who believes in mutant supremacy because of how it would benefit him. For Cortez, it’s not about survival but domination. So much so, he’s willing to use Magneto as a platform for his campaign. In fact Magneto’s the only reason the Acolytes follow Cortez. As his powers display, Cortez is a parasite who manipulates others to get what he wants. Whatever he can’t get up front, he takes. All the while letting others suffer for his hardships. It’s that exploitation that translates to extremism.
Sanctuary Is More Than A Name For X-Men
The main takeaway from Sanctuary is not whether a dream will die but where those dreams lie. For Magneto, mutant supremacy proves to be too much trouble as he loses the respect of his children. So he opts for segregation instead, because only fools fight for a lost cause. Something Cortez is too greedy to see for himself which sets Magneto’s newer dreams back.
Then there’s Professor X’s dream of coexistence. It’s a noble one but one that gets sidetracked so often because the X-Men focus more on fighting for survival rather than their rights. Yet it’s also a dream that coincides with some other people’s dreams. Cyclops and Jean Grey are on their way to getting married while Wolverine finds a family in the X-Men. Even Amelia who separated from the Professor for her own survival leaves Cortez to find her own dream. One that sets her on a path that coincides with the X-Men.
And so the message of X-Men and Santuary isn’t about just sharing your dreams with others but hoping your dreams are compatible. Because that helps find the most important people in life among the worst.
Thanks for coming to the end and as always remember to look between the panels.