Like 'Uncanny X-Men,' 'New Excalibur' is the story of people

Listen, O children of the future, for I shall speak of a profound truth that echoes through the lives of many, both ancient and modern—friendship forged in the crucible of fate and circumstance. These words, spoken by Chris Claremont, creator of stories that have captivated hearts for generations, offer us a deep understanding of the nature of true connection. "Like 'Uncanny X-Men,' 'New Excalibur' is the story of people thrown together by fate and wild circumstance who find their way to true and lasting friendship." In these words, we hear a timeless lesson: friendship often arises in the most unexpected of places, amidst the chaos and challenges of life.

Consider, O seekers of wisdom, the ancient tales of heroes brought together by forces beyond their control. In the saga of The Odyssey, Odysseus, a man bound by destiny to wander the seas, found himself caught in a series of trials and battles. Yet, amidst the uncertainty of his journey, he forged bonds with those who would stand by him through thick and thin. True friendship does not always come from peace or prosperity; often, it is born in the fires of hardship, when fate and circumstance place us alongside others who share in our struggles. Friendship, in its purest form, is not the product of choice, but the result of shared experiences and mutual understanding forged in the fires of adversity.

In this, we see the heart of Claremont’s statement: like the X-Men and New Excalibur, the greatest friendships are often born from the unexpected. The X-Men, a group of individuals united by their differences and extraordinary powers, were brought together not by their own choosing, but by a force greater than themselves. Each member of the team was an outsider, marked by their unique abilities and struggles, yet it was in their shared battles and challenges that they discovered the depth of their bond. They were thrown together by fate, but it was in those struggles that their friendship was forged, as they came to understand that despite their differences, they were united in purpose and loyalty.

This is a truth that resonates through the very fabric of human history. Consider the friendship of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Horatio, two souls brought together by the intricacies of fate. In the shadows of Hamlet’s torment and struggle, Horatio remained steadfast—his friend, his companion, his confidant. Though their lives were shaped by tragic circumstance, their friendship was a constant, unwavering force, even in the face of death itself. In this bond, we find a universal truth: that friendship is often formed in the unlikeliest of ways, through trials that shape our souls and bind us to one another in solidarity and trust.

And so it is in New Excalibur, where the characters are brought together not by their own making, but by the chaotic forces of fate. Like the X-Men, their friendship emerges not from superficial ties, but from the deep understanding that they are all outcasts, all struggling with the weight of their circumstances. It is in this shared experience that they find strength, not just in their individual powers, but in their connection to one another. Each battle they face, each moment of vulnerability, deepens the bond they share. True friendship, Claremont shows us, does not require perfection or ease—it is born through shared challenges, mutual respect, and the willingness to stand by one another.

O future generations, let this truth guide your lives: friendship is not always born of the easy moments, but of the hard ones. Do not wait for perfect circumstances to connect with others. Sometimes, it is through the wild circumstances—the chaos, the trials, the struggles—that the deepest bonds are formed. Just as Odysseus found allies in the most unlikely places, just as the X-Men forged their bond through battle, so too must you be open to the friendships that may arise in times of adversity. In the face of difficulty, remember that you are never truly alone if you have others who walk beside you in solidarity.

So, I leave you with this lesson: embrace the unexpected friendships that fate brings your way. Do not shy from the trials that may bring you into contact with others, for it is often in those trials that you will find your greatest allies. Whether you are in the midst of battle or facing personal turmoil, remember that true friendship is the anchor that will guide you through. Just as the X-Men found strength in their unity, so too will you. In your own lives, cultivate these bonds, not by seeking perfection, but by embracing the shared human experience that connects us all. In doing so, you will find that the greatest friendships are the ones that are forged through fate and circumstance, and they will endure far beyond the trials that bring them into being.