X-Men ’97 Review: Like most kids, my introduction to X-Men was also through the animated series. While I might not have sat down week after week to watch the series, when I did want to step into the X-Men world, I was recommended the show. Years on, several good and bad X-Men movies later, you would think that the childlike joy of seeing an X-Men animated show would have long gone. But as the first episode of X-Men ’97 unfolded, the nostalgia seeped into my veins and I was thrilled to see the mutants back.
Marvel Studios Animation revived X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997) and added a new layer of paint to create X-Men ’97. As the trailer has already revealed, X-Men ’97 begins where the ’90s series ended — Professor X is no longer at the X-Mansion, as revealed in the Graduation Day episode (Season 5, aired in 1997). The new series, streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in India, reveals that Scott Summers aka Cyclops has taken it upon himself to lead the X-Men. With Storm, Wolverine, Gambit, Rogue, Jubilee, and Beast in the house, Scott is still learning to walk the rope of leadership. But in the process, he is also preparing for fatherhood.
The first episode opens with Scott and a heavily pregnant Jean preparing to welcome their child. Meanwhile, the X-Men learn to live without Professor X. They are still amidst the battles of mutants vs humans, with humans protesting their existence. Amid this all, Magneto makes a comeback. As the trailer revealed, Professor X leaves behind everything he owned to Magneto in his will. Once an anti-hero, the X-Men are shocked to see Magneto taking charge. However, as the episodes play out, we get to see that not only is the story moving forward from the 90s set up but there are also several interesting characters and developments in store for X-Men fans.
While I will refrain from revealing any spoilers (yes, even the ones revealed in the trailer), I can tell you that you are in for a fun ride. The series is an upgrade from the ’90s series, especially in terms of visuals. The makers keep the essences intact but upgrades it enough to meet the present standards of animation.
In terms of writing, X-Men ’97 boasts of a gripping storytelling. The series doesn’t fluff around unnecessarily and keeps the focus on the story which works brilliantly for the series. It keeps you engrossed. The writing doesn’t hamper the original approach of the series thus instilling the sense of nostalgia.
The voices behind each character — Cal Dodd, Lenore Zann, George Buza, Catherine Disher, Chris Potter, Alison Sealy-Smith, Adrian Hough, Christopher Britton, Alyson Court, Lawrence Bayne, and Ron Rubin — elevate the experience brilliantly.
X-Men ’97 is a welcome move from the studio who now owns the characters in a time when most of their series have not panned out the way many were expecting. The series is going to have everyone talking and will also give fans, who are waiting for X-Men in MCU updates, a much-needed treat.
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