Honestly, I've hated what the X-Men franchise has done to Charles Xavier in recent years. He went from being a loving father figure and teacher to a paranoid, conspiracy-ridden war criminal, making me think Marvel had ruined the good Professor’s name for good. But now, as the X-Manhunt event wraps up, I have to it—Charles Xavier has finally been redeemed, and I couldn’t be happier.

...Xavier’s dream is more alive than ever.

In X-Manhunt: Omega #1 (2025)–by Murewa Ayodele, Gail Simone, Gleb Melnikov, Federica Manciń, & Enid Balám–Charles Xavier and his newly resurrected wife Lilandra are nearing their escape from Earth as Cyclops’s X-Men are in hot pursuit.

In previous installments of the event, it was revealed that Xavier had been suffering from a growing brain tumor that had warped his fears and moral judgment over the past few years. However, after Lilandra removes the tumor, Charles returns to Earth to give his children a proper goodbye—leaving both the X-Men and me in tears.

Marvel Has Finally Redeemed Charles Xavier

X-Manhunt: Omega #1 (2025)–Written by Murewa Ayodele & Gail Simone; Art by Gleb Melnikov, Federica Manciń, & Enid Balám; Color by Brian Reber; Lettering by VC’s Travis Lanham

Like I said before, I’ll be the first in line to say that I haven’t liked the gradual, but radical, degradation of Charles Xavier’s character . I’ve written multiple articles about my disdain for these choices and have even talked about my frustrations with the current X-Men writers themselves. While it has made for some dynamic and unpredictable storytelling, I’ve longed for the days when the X-Men could rely on their infallible leader to guide them with strong moral conviction. And frankly, I don’t think we’ll see that in Xavier soon. But I do believe his image has been restored.

After Lilandra’s successful surgery, Charles awakens slightly dazed but more clear-headed than he’s been in years. Despite the ongoing feud with his children and their conflicting feelings toward him, Charles finds the courage to face them and say goodbye. Soon, the leaders of the modern X-Men , many of whom have considered Charles their family, descend upon his location to hear the Professor’s final words. As Cyclops continues to insist that Xavier turn himself in, Charles simply responds, “I’m retiring,” before delivering one final heart-felt message to mutants across the world.

"Thank You for Being Everything I Ever Hoped and More..." – Charles Xavier

Charles Xavier's Dream Is More Alive Now Than Ever Before

“I tried to heal the world. I failed.

We are all of us, the sum of our greatest triumphs and our deepest failures. As well as the long ghost walk in between. The others will look to you. All of you. For guidance, for protection, for comfort. They do not ask for perfection. They only ask that you be there when they need you.

To the rest of you around the world. No more fighting each other. Fight for freedom. Fight for justice. Do not fight your brother. Look upon your sister with patience. Help others. And ask for help when it is needed.

And for pity’s sake… please build another school.

Thank you for being everything I ever hoped and more than I could ever have dreamed.”

These are the final words of Charles Xavier . Even as I write them out, I struggle not to be tearfully swept by the gravitas of his sentiment again. His shame for his crimes and his sorrow for his fractured family ring heavily throughout his speech. Charles knows there’s nothing he can do to repair his reputation on Earth. He also understands that, no matter what he does moving forward, the damage is already done. As long as he remains, the world will continue to fear mutants. His goodbye isn’t just a tearful farewell—it feels almost like a eulogy.

Xavier, ever the loving teacher he truly is, wants to leave an even greater message of hope. He believes that he and Magneto have trained their children to take charge, and he has hope that the next generation will succeed where he failed in unifying the world. He clings to this hope because his dream is already blooming in the hands of his successors. While Cyclops and Rogue train the next generation of X-Men, heroes like Ms. Marvel are creating strong, community-oriented homes for both mutants and humans to come together. In truth, Xavier’s dream is more alive than ever.

The X-Men Have Forgiven Professor Xavier

The World Wept When Charles Xavier Said Goodbye

All that said, it’s not just Xavier’s touching words that have moved me, but the reactions of the rest of the X-Men. Every X-Men comic that has debuted since Krakoa’s collapse has built to this moment. Every hero has had their mixed feelings about Xavier’s actions. Rage, fear, despair, and loneliness have plagued the X-Men as old allies have turned against each other. But together, for the very first time since Krakoa, the X-Men’s leaders gather under one rallying voice of clarity. For the first time since Krakoa, they are a family again.

Wolverine lays down his claws , saying that his heart can’t handle more pain. Cyclops, despite his anger, buries his flowing tears underneath his visor. Emma Frost can’t help but let tears loose as she says goodbye to her fellow teacher for the last time. And Rogue, the most tragic of them all, can’t find the strength to muster her farewell. As Xavier and Lilandra board their ship and set for the stars, we’re left with Rogue’s final thoughts set against the black void of space: “Goodbye, Professor.”

The X-Men Are Finally Unified Once More

The Next Generation of X-Men Officially Begins Now

For the first time in a long while, it feels as though Xavier’s dream has returned. While he may have ed the responsibility of pursuing that shared future to his family, the vision of a unified world will always belong to Charles Xavier. Like any good parent, he only wishes to see his successors live happy, healthy, and free from fear. Charles’s mistakes can’t be undone, but his hopes and dreams live on in those he loves. And they, in turn, have accepted this responsibility—now, the dream is theirs.

As a fan, I’m thankful to Marvel, writers Murewa Ayodele and Gail Simone, and every other incredible talent that has brought the X-Men back to this point. While Charles Xavier may be gone, it feels like the family has been brought back together. The ashes have finally settled, and the anger has melted into sorrow, but from that sorrow, a new hope is born. There may be nothing Xavier can ever do to make up for his past treachery, but the X-Men have something new that once died in the fires of Krakoa: A dream.

X-Manhunt: Omega #1 (2025) is now available from Marvel Comics!