March 27, 2024

X-Men ‘97 (2024)

A love letter to the original animated series, X-Men ‘97 is full of nostalgia, action, humour, and surprisingly mature writing that will appeal to longtime fans, and even newcomers of all ages. By: Kritchanon Tan Kian Wei

Genres: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Superhero, Animation

Distributor: The Walt Disney Company http://www.thewaltdisneycompany.com (818) 560-1000

Length: 10 x 30 minutes (Season 1)

Producers: Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Beau DeMayo, Danielle Costa, Sean Gantka

Production Companies: Marvel Studios Animation, Studio Mir

Description

This review is based on the two-part premiere of the ten-episode first season of X-Men ‘97. 

X-Men ‘97 is a sequel series, set after the series finale of X-Men: The Animated Series which ran for 5 seasons from 1992 to 1997, and features many returning voice actors.

Featuring Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase), Jean Grey (Jennifer Hale), Storm (Alison Sealy-Smith), Wolverine (Cal Dodd), Morph (J.P. Karliak), Rogue (Lenore Zann), Beast (George Buza), Gambit (A.J. LoCascio), Jubilee (Holly Chou), Bishop (Isaac Robinson-Smith) and Magneto (Matthew Waterson), this new animated series sees the X-Men facing new challenges following the supposed death of their leader, Professor X.

X-Men ‘97 retains the art style of the original series, only cleaning it up to present a sharper, more vibrant look.

Fans of the original will feel right at home here, whilst newcomers can still enjoy X-Men ‘97, though the sequel series does not give a recap of what happened beforehand. Even if you’ve never watched the original series, X-Men ‘97’s compelling narrative, combined with its witty humour, explosive action and excellent writing, makes the show a delight to watch, as evidenced by the show’s 100% critics score and 92% audience score (as of time of writing).

27 years later, X-Men ‘97 is a series that honours the spirit of the original, pleasing longtime fans who have grown up with X-Men: The Animated Series whilst appealing to newcomers with its quality storytelling, making both of these audiences excited for the ride that is to come with its remaining episodes, as well as future seasons which have already been greenlit.

Episodes 1 and 2 of X-Men ‘97 are now streaming on Disney+, with subsequent episodes airing weekly on Wednesdays until May 15. Season 2 is now in development, while a third season is currently planned.

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