Although “X-Men: The Animated Series” will always be remembered as a source of memes, the Fox series served as a springboard for one of Marvel’s most illustrious properties for a large number of millennial viewers. Along with renowned characters like the psychic Jean Grey and the saber-clawed Wolverine, “The Animated Series” provided an introduction to mutants as a potent allegory for oppressed populations before the emergence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the live-action blockbusters of the early aughts.
Since the MCU’s launch in 2008, the X-Men have been noticeably absent because of the complexities surrounding intellectual property rights. The merger was made possible by Disney’s acquisition of Fox, although the Mouse House has taken its time integrating its new resources. The first X-Men project to come from Marvel Studios, the division led by super producer Kevin Feige, is the animated series “X-Men ’97.”
Rather of forcing the X-Men onto an already-existing group, the program deftly reintroduces them on their own terms. Under lead writer Beau DeMayo, “X-Men ’97” is likewise unencumbered by any commitments to the ongoing MCU. (DeMayo was let off from the program lately, but he had finished work for the impending second season.) As a direct sequel to “The Animated Series,” which takes place toward the close of the previous millennium, the program may focus on appealing to nostalgia while reaching out to a fresh audience. Additionally, “X-Men ’97” can take more dramatic, off-kilter turns in its narrative while adhering to the fantasy elements of comic book storytelling and maintaining a solid emotional foundation for its characters.
In the “Animated Series” conclusion, a bureaucrat who opposed mutants shot and killed Professor Charles Xavier. Technically, he was shot almost fatally and sent to an alien planet for long-term treatment, but the first three episodes of “X-Men ’97” reduce this backstory to the mere fact that Xavier is missing. It’s unsettling to see an X-Men movie without Professor X, but “X-Men ’97” provides a link between the past and present with a strong cast of returning voice actors, such as Cal Dodd as Wolverine and Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm, who controls the weather.
Although Cyclops (Ray Chase) has uncomfortably taken up the position of de facto leader in Xavier’s absence, Jean (Jennifer Hale), his pregnant wife, believes the pair should think about pausing their efforts to save mankind in order to prioritize their family. As it happens, Xavier could have concurred. The last scenes of the film premiere show that Magneto (Matthew Waterson), the Professor’s old ally and arch-rival, has been selected as his heir. Magneto agrees to embrace a more benign vision of mutants coexisting with humans.
“X-Men ’97” gains its own personality immediately after this reversal, even though it’s followed and supported by a number of narratives that might individually stand alone as a full-length feature picture. The X-Men are forced to fight against Sentinel robots, a device that negates their abilities, and a psychic attack designed by their longstanding foe Mr. Sinister (Chris Britton) in 30-minute segments. One of the main protagonists is revealed to be a clone of themself in a casual manner at one point, while Magneto’s conversion to the X-Men is unexpectedly quick and easy. Even though the pace might be overwhelming at times, it’s also captivating when done in the original’s wonderfully retro, neon-colored, two-dimensional way.With this dense narrative, there is no time for things to lag.
In an attempt to introduce us to the team, “X-Men ’97” plays around with adding a new mutant, but their presence soon becomes superfluous. The whole “X-Men” franchise addresses the age-old issue of what an oppressed minority owes its oppressor, and certain characters—such as the Cajun card-thrower Gambit (AJ LoCascio) and the blue-furred scientist Beast (George Buza)—have a history that predates them. Although DeMayo has labeled shape-shifter Morph (JP Karliak) as nonbinary, their gender-neutrality seems more like an extension of their enduring ability than a clear deference to contemporary norms.
Soon enough, men will be a part of the MCU, with many of them coming through “Deadpool 3.” But it’s fun to get to know the X-Men again on their home ground before they’re utilized as a boost to a fading mothership.
The first two episodes of “X-Men ’97” are currently available for streaming onDisney+. New episodes will show every Wednesday.