The following review contains spoilers for the animated Marvel and Disney project, X-Men ‘97.
Excitement and anticipation have been building around the release of X-Men ‘97, the latest animated show from Marvel Studios Animation. In recent years, Marvel projects under Disney have generated immense fan frenzy, with fans eagerly awaiting each new release. With X-Men ’97, there is not only the buzz of recent Marvel hype but also the weight of living up to the expectations set by its predecessor – X-Men: The Animated Series.
X-Men ‘97 not only meets these expectations but exceeds them, offering a fresh and socially relevant animated series while paying homage to the beloved original. It is a significant success for Disney and Marvel, with the first two episodes, To Me, My X-Men and Mutant Liberation Begins, promising smart and thrilling adventures ahead. For those who grew up watching X-Men: The Animated Series, viewing X-Men ’97 feels like a nostalgic trip back to childhood, evoking memories of Saturday morning cartoons. The show captures the essence of childhood nostalgia in its animation style and voice acting, creating an experience that resonates with fans of the original series.
When working with established intellectual property, there is always the challenge of appealing to both dedicated fans and newcomers to the franchise. X-Men ’97 succeeds in creating a world that is accessible to all viewers, whether or not they are familiar with X-Men: The Animated Series. The show introduces necessary world-building elements to acquaint audiences with the characters and setting, striking a balance between homage and innovation. Marvel’s approach respects the intelligence of its audience, allowing X-Men to dive into its narrative and characters without relying heavily on prior knowledge.
X-Men ’97 presents a story with high stakes and complex character dynamics. The loss of Professor Charles Xavier weighs heavily on the main characters, leading them to question their roles within the X-Men. The unexpected inheritance of the Xavier Institute by Magneto adds a new layer of intrigue, challenging perceptions of the iconic mutant. As the story unfolds, themes of identity and allegiance come to the forefront, setting the stage for a captivating narrative.
The animation of X-Men ’97 brings the characters and world to life with vibrant colors and dynamic visuals. The voice talent shines, with actors like Alison Sealy-Smith and Matthew Waterson embodying their characters with depth and nuance. The revamped theme music pays homage to the original series while adding a fresh twist, capturing the essence of the X-Men franchise.
The first two episodes of X-Men ‘97 are a testament to Marvel’s storytelling prowess and commitment to quality animation. The series captures the essence of the X-Men universe, presenting compelling characters and engaging stories that resonate with viewers of all ages. Don’t miss out on the latest adventures of X-Men ’97, released weekly on Wednesday mornings.