For a long time, the X-Men were missing from the Marvel Cinematic Universe due to a corporate disagreement between Marvel Studios and Fox, who previously owned the film rights. It was strange that such popular characters from the comics and '90s X-Men animated series were not part of the growing Marvel film world. The animated show played a big role in sparking the era of modern superhero movies. Thankfully, Disney has now reunited the characters under their ownership. The new Disney+ series "X-Men '97" is a nostalgia-fueled continuation of the beloved cartoon, catching fans up on what their favorite mutant heroes have been up to. While some aspects are different now the show is back, it retains the heart and adventure that made the X-Men such icons of the 1990s. Fans both new and old can enjoy seeing Wolverine, Storm, Rogue and the others back in animated action once more as part of the greater Marvel story.
There was nothing quite like the X-Men: The Animated Series when it first premiered in 1992. It introduced young viewers to Professor Charles Xavier and his school for gifted youngsters. Over the course of 5 seasons and 76 episodes, the show drew from iconic comic storylines like "The Dark Phoenix Saga" and "Days of Future Past". When the animated series ended, it left Charles Xavier's students to determine their own paths forward. As some of the most powerful superheroes, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm and Rogue saved humanity countless times while battling enemies like Magneto. The new Disney+ series "X-Men '97" picks up at an interesting point in the X-Men's story. Their heroic acts have started to change public opinion about mutants. The United Nations has even moved to shut down the mutant-hunting Sentinel program. Fans get to see what's next for these beloved characters in the nostalgia-filled continuation of the classic '90s cartoon.
While X-Men '97 continues the story of the original 90s cartoon, it does a good job of welcoming new viewers too. It introduces Roberto da Costa, a young Brazilian mutant with the power to control the sun. Roberto fills a role like Jubilee did in the classic show. In the original, Jubilee was a teen on the run from dangerous robots after her adoptive parents rejected her for being a mutant. The X-Men took her in and she found a new family. In this new series, Roberto is running from an anti-mutant group when he's saved by Jubilee and the other X-Men. They bring him to their secret home and school located in upstate New York. This provides an easy starting point for anyone unfamiliar with the franchise to jump in and get to know these heroes as they welcome a new friend into their ranks.
In the early episodes, the series uses Roberto's newcomer perspective to reintroduce characters like the time-traveling Bishop to both new and returning viewers. However, it doesn't take long for the show to hit its stride. It delves deeply into the personal stories and relationships between the long-serving X-Men. With Professor X believed to be gone, Cyclops takes on leadership with a new seriousness and focus. Jean Grey is expecting a baby now, changing her priorities. While she cares greatly for Wolverine and the team, Xavier's absence also makes her wonder if it's time for her to move on to the next chapter. Diving into the interpersonal dynamics between beloved characters like these draws you smoothly into the nostalgic continuation of the classic cartoon. It's exciting to see how fan favorites have evolved since the 1990s while still retaining the heart of what made them icons.
In the first couple episodes, written by Beau DeMayo, X-Men '97 launches a storyline familiar to longtime fans - showing how periods of peace and acceptance are often fleeting for mutants. The series draws clear parallels between mutant oppression and real-world racial discrimination. While this metaphor has always been a core theme in X-Men comics and the original show, it feels especially notable now. For years, Marvel Studios' movies mostly avoided addressing heavier topics like racism directly. So it's impactful to see this revival spell out explicitly, repeatedly and unflinchingly how mutants represent marginalized groups. At a time when such issues still very much resonate, bringing back this classic property provides an opportunity to continue exploring meaningful messages of fighting for equality and understanding between all people.
While supervillains endanger mutants and humans alike, the series also highlights how terrorist acts often stem from societies influenced by close-mindedness. Characters like Henry Gyrich, who equates tolerance with destruction, represent such extremist views. Magneto, once a megalomaniac himself, helps the show delve deeper into these concepts. No longer a one-dimensional villain, he has become a more complex figure in the X-Men's lives as someone reflecting on both past mistakes and hopes for the future. By portraying Magneto as a multidimensional man continually evolving, the revival succeeds in making him feel like a character who has matured just as much as the years passed between original episodes. These types of dynamic character developments enhance the thoughtful exploration of prejudices, reconciliation and building a more just world for all.
While knowledge of the original 90s X-Men cartoon helps one enjoy the nostalgia of X-Men '97, it is not required to appreciate the revival. The creative team has succeeded in crafting a new show that feels right at home among Saturday morning cartoons of the era. For every meaningful line of dialogue, there are playful or exaggerated ones that give it a sense of fun. At times, the series embraces the cheesiness of its predecessor - which young viewers loved. Speaking of which, the classic cartoon introduced one of the coolest theme songs ever. Composers The Newton Brothers pay homage to that signature sound with their score. It expertly enhances dramatic action scenes and flashy superhero battles to keep viewers energized. Whether revisiting old favorites or coming to the X-Men for the first time, fans of all ages can enjoy this supercharged animated adventure.
The action sequences allowing characters like Cyclops and the X-Men to showcase their abilities are where the series truly shines visually. Produced by talented animation studio Mir, these battles are dynamic and powerful to watch. However, there is some contrast as slower scenes can come across as a bit rigid at times. It's clear the revival took inspiration from the iconic original cartoon's visual style. But where backgrounds receive highly detailed depth and lighting aims for realism, the characters themselves occasionally seem less animated in comparison. Overall though, the animated superheroics are impressive and true to the high-flying spirit of the 1990s X-Men. Both new and returning fans can appreciate how faithfully the revival captures what made the property so visually exciting while also pushing boundaries with its production values.
The pacing of X-Men '97 is a bit different than the original 90s cartoon, for a couple reasons. As a Disney+ show, it's not structured around traditional ad slots. Also, the first season only includes 10 episodes, which shapes the storytelling. The classic series always moved along at a swift, energetic pace akin to comic books. However, X-Men '97 covers its initial storyline rather quickly by the finale, feeling a tad rushed. Still, both young and returning fans can surely appreciate how it stays true to the action-packed spirit that made the X-Men so enjoyable in the 90s, while also crafting a revitalized continuity for the characters. With any luck, future seasons may have more room to explore these beloved heroes and their exciting adventures in even greater depth.
The fast pace of the storytelling may not slow down much within this initial season. However, in an era where some feel larger Marvel projects have lost their footing, the brisk plotting ensures X-Men '97 remains lively and propulsive. Marvel is always striving to rediscover the spark and heart that made their early works so beloved. In that same spirit, this revival knows exactly what it aims to be - a celebration of what fans loved about the classic 90s X-Men. By staying true to its own clear vision, X-Men '97 invites nostalgia for a time when adaptations could focus purely on great characters and stories, unencumbered by expectations from a wider movie universe. Overall, it's exciting to see the X-Men jump back into action in a way that retains the freedom and fun that made the property so memorable for a generation of fans.
The all-star voice cast of X-Men '97 includes veteran actors Eric Bauza, Gil Birmingham, Christopher Britton, George Buza, Alyson Court, Cal Dodd, J.P. Karliak, Ross Marquand, and Chris Potter. They bring these beloved mutant characters to vivid life once more. The first two episodes are available now on Disney+, ushering in the highly anticipated revival. Each Wednesday more adventures await as new installments continue the nostalgia-filled journey. Both longtime fans and new viewers can tune in to experience this animated tribute to the unforgettable X-Men of the 1990s animated series.