The concept of a mutant is a common trope in comic books and science fiction. The new phenotypes that appear in fictional mutations generally go far beyond what is typically seen in biological mutants and often result in the mutated life form exhibiting superhuman abilities or qualities.

DC Comics

In DC Comics, the term was first used in the 1980s by a fictitious race of extraterrestrials known as the Dominators when they appeared in the Invasion! mini-series. For instance, Captain Comet manifested his powers at the birth when a comet activated his "metagene", gaining his abilities by the time he was eight.

Marvel Comics

In Marvel Comics, genetic mutation has been used as an explanation for super-powers since the 1950s. Mutants have played a major role in Marvel Comics, particularly the X-Men and related series. In the Marvel Comics Universe, they are a heavily persecuted minority where most people fear and hate them. Marvel Comics redefines the term to beings who are in a higher stage of evolution known as "Homo superior" and are not yet accepted by the human race.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

In the universe of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mutants are essentially creatures with the genetic traits of two different animals. Usually, the mutations are caused by interaction with Mutagen, an alien ooze.

In other media

Literature

Television

Films

Print media