Cyclops, Wolverine and the rest of the X-Men have relocated to San Francisco, and the San Francisco Chronicle rolls out the welcome wagon with not one but two articles. The first points out several references to The City in Uncanny X-Men #500:

The comic has much more of an insider’s vibe. Marvel Comics artists will be visiting San Francisco frequently to get a feel for the fashion, architecture and even the way residents walk and talk. There are no cable cars in the first issue, but the artists did include a KRON TV news truck and a panel where the iconic mutant Wolverine walks through Noe Valley. The heroes make their base in the concrete bunkers beneath the Marin Headlands and join the protest of a controversial art installation at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Perhaps most significant, they seem to appreciate San Francisco’s much publicized (and recently criticized) role as a sanctuary city.

“San Francisco is now a mutant sanctuary,” X-Men group leader Cyclops proclaims, near the end of Issue 500. “Any of you - and your family or loved ones - are invited to join us here, and know safety and protection our kind has never known.”

The second is an interview with editor Axel Alonso, the “driving force behind the X-Men’s move”:

Q: The mutants seem to be blending into the city easily. During a Gay Pride Parade or Bay to Breakers, their colorful costumes will seem almost understated.

A: Look at (X-Men member) Angel. Now he can walk down the street with his wings out. I think you’re going to see a bunch of characters that are enjoying their newfound freedoms, because their differences are embraced by the culture.

Q: Is there a chance we might see one of the X-Men come out?

A: Yes. Yes. The city being what it is, certain characters whose sexuality might have been ambiguous are going to feel free to be who they are. I will qualify and say that I never go into the situation with a mandate or an agenda. It has to come along naturally. We’re not going to rush into it. But I see it happening.

I think a visit to Isotope or Comix Experience is in order …

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