Why is Cyclops/Scott Summers so Disliked: A Critical Analysis

The character of Cyclops, also known as Scott Summers, has been a subject of mixed opinions and criticism within the X-Men universe. Many fans have grown to dislike him over the years, primarily due to his self-righteous and naive actions and decisions. This article will delve into the reasons behind Cyclops's controversial reputation and explore how his character has evolved over time.

Self-Righteous and Annoying

Many fans see Cyclops as a self-righteous annoyance. The character often appears as if he believes his decisions are always right, leading some to argue that he is not a good leader. In the X-Men series, he is often portrayed as the "play leader" of the X-Factor team, which can come off as pretentious and overbearing.

Abandonment and Betrayal

One of the most significant factors contributing to Cyclops's dislike is his past actions. For instance, abandoning his wife and child to pursue Jean Grey can be seen as a betrayal and a lack of responsibility. Similarly, his betrayal of Jean with both Psylocke and the White Queen has only furthered this negative perception. These choices highlight Cyclops's selfishness and moral decline.

Declining Heroism and Arrogance

As the years have passed, Cyclops's actions have increasingly portrayed him as less heroic and more as a terrorist. His decisions often lead to the destruction of his own race and even the human race. His arrogance and egocentrism have made him less relatable and less admirable. Readers see him as a leader who clings to the mantle of leadership despite his numerous flaws and mistakes.

Copy of the Worst Traits of Magneto

Cyclops's character became more like a copy of the worst traits of Magneto over time. His decisions and behaviors reflect a more sinister and selfish version of the character he was originally meant to be. This transformation has made him less interesting and less interesting to follow, as readers expected him to be a moral leader.

The Pitiful and Decadent Leader

While Cyclops attempts to maintain a facade of leadership, he is often seen as a mere poser. His actions and decisions have led him to become less of a hero and more of a flawed individual who makes poor choices that affect not just the X-Men but the world at large. This has made him a less appealing and less exciting character for many fans.

Comics vs. Movies: Disputable Influence

Some argue that the movies have contributed to Cyclops's unpopularity, but the majority of X-Men fans come from the comics and cartoons. Adopting Cyclops from the comic version to the movie version can make him appear as a flawed character, but this does not explain the universal dislike he faces. In my opinion, the comics version of Cyclops, with his evolving character and moral decline, is mainly responsible for his unpopularity.

Conclusion

Cyclops's unpopularity is primarily due to his self-righteousness, multiple betrayals, and declining moral character. His transformation has made him less relatable and less interesting to many fans. While the movies play a role, it is the way the comics have portrayed him that has contributed to his controversial status. Fans of each franchise often root for different aspects of the characters they love and appreciate their unique qualities.