Marvel's X-Men comics have subtly hinted that mutants have not only existed, but been both numerous and prolific, for longer than any comic book fan had previously thought. Which means even before the world considered mutants to be the evolutionary "next step" of humanity, they were already taking it. People just didn't know they were mutants at the time...
The pseudo-scientific idea behind the evolutionary "step" was best explained in a 1996 miniseries, The Further Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix, in which one 19th century geneticist suggested evolution can sometimes happen at startling speed. While there are indeed some ancient mutants - such as Selene, Apocalypse, and Exodus - these have been viewed as evolutionary precursors to a larger shift. The assumption has been that these early mutants were few and far between, with evolution accelerating in the present. But the newest X-Men comic book may change the belief forever.
This week's Excalibur #1 subtly reveals the previously unknown history of mutants on Earth. The establishment of the mutant nation of Krakoa has had a reflective effect on Avalon, an ancient and mystical realm that is the source of Captain Britain's powers. King Arthur, ruler of Avalon, has disappeared; he's been supplanted by Morgan le Fay, who has declared war on the mutant race. Or as she refers to them: "witchbreed."
It's a familiar term, lifted from Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert's popular Marvel 1602 miniseries. Published in 2003, this classic story envisioned an alternate history where a time traveling Captain America was stranded in the year 1602. His presence led to time going into flux, with archetypal heroes - ranging from the Fantastic Four to the X-Men - being created in the Dark Ages rather than in the present day. Both peasants and gentry considered mutants to be "witchbreed," cursed beings who had created by sorcerers and devils, and were fit only for death.
Marvel 1602 was essentially your typical alt-universe, but Excalibur #1 has just made the term "witchbreed" part of the mainstream Marvel Universe. Marvel's version of Morgan le Fay was born in the sixth century; this means mutants were common enough back then to be victims of persecution. On the face of it, Excalibur #1 appears to be suggesting that the history of anti-magic violence - from the Valais witch trials of the 15th century to French legends like the Beast of Gévaudan - was partly directed against mutants. Of course, there's intense irony in Morgan le Fay tossing out the ancient "witchbreed" slur - she herself is a dark sorceress, who has consorted with demons in the past.
Marvel Studios is currently considering how to introduce the X-Men into the MCU. This may hint at a convenient way; by suggesting that mutants have always existed, they've just been confused with withcraft and sorcery, and mutants have typically been put to death when their abilities were discovered. Perhaps by the present day, the mutants of the MCU have learned to build their community in secret, hiding from the public eye - at locations like Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
Excalibur #1 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.