X-Men: The Animated Series (1992-1997) is widely known as one of the best animated comic book series in history. So when Marvel announced the return of the series with X-Men ’97, we were all in. Guess what, we were not disappointed.
While Marvel has succeeded extremely well with the creation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, grossing nearly $30 billion over 33 movies, they have always fallen behind their rival DC Comics in the realm of animated series. While there are a few exceptions, most Marvel animated projects are sub-par at best. DC Comics on the other had has been able to succeed where Marvel has faltered. Is brining back the X-Men animated series the beginning of an era of success for Marvel in the world of animation? One can only hope.
With X-Men ’97, Marvel has truly outdone themselves. The visuals are stunning, bringing new life to these classic characters as we remembered them with a slight modern improvement. We knew what to expect with the animation as they hoped to continue the success of the 1990s show, but the first season was not only visually stunning but the story and plot were wonderfully executed.
The storytelling in X-Men ’97 is truly top-notch, with each episode building upon the last to create a cohesive and engaging narrative that is almost cinematic. The writers have done an excellent job of capturing the essence of the original series while also introducing new elements that keep things fresh and exciting. Fans of the original series will appreciate the nods to past storylines and character arcs while newcomers will find themselves drawn in by the compelling plot twists and emotional moments. Honestly, it’s nearly perfect.
X-Men ’97 not only pays respect to Saturday morning cartoons but also to the characters and dynamics of the X-Men team. Each member is given their time to shine, showcasing their unique powers and personalities. It’s been awhile since we have seen a new X-Men story grace our presence on screen and were delighted to see their favorite mutants back in action, facing new challenges and threats.
In addition to bringing back the look and feel of the original series, Marvel brought back some of the original voice actors to help seamlessly merge the final season from 1997 and the first season from 2024. Alison Sealy-Smith, Cal Dodd, Lenore Zann, George Buza, Christopher Britton, and Adrian Hough reprise their roles from the 1990s while Catherine Disher, Chris Potter, Alyson Court, Lawrence Bayne, and Ron Rubin returned to voice new characters. Ray Chase, Jennifer Hale, J.P. Karliak, A.J. LoCascio, Holly Chou, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Matthew Waterson, and Ross Marquand also joined the cast.
While the entire first season was outstanding from soup to nuts, the return of the original theme song with an update is worth the price of admission alone.
X-Men ’97 is a near-perfect season of not only animated television but television overall. The season caters to longtime fans as well as new viewers. It successfully captures the spirit of the original series while also pushing boundaries and exploring new territory. The animation is breathtaking, the action is intense, and the characters are as engaging as ever. Plus, that iconic theme song…damn!
The first season of X-Men ’97, created by Beau DeMayo, lasted 10 episodes and is available now on Disney+ in its entirety. The second season is in the works and by the sounds of it Marvel is hoping to go as long as they can.
