X-MEN ‘97 -- A Wonderful Revitalization

Review by Adam Donato

(L-R): Morph (voiced by JP Karliak), Storm (voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith), Gambit (voiced by AJ LoCascio), Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase), Rogue (voiced by Lenore Zann), Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd), Bishop (voiced by Isaac Robinson-Smith), Beast (voiced by George Buza) in Marvel Animation's X-MEN '97. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.

In a day and age where any franchise with an ounce of nostalgia is rebooted for every last dollar the studio can possibly muster, X-Men '97 feels like an exception to the rule. A universally beloved show returns with the same voice cast and picks up right where the show left off. Think about how many iterations of these characters exist. This show may be the peak representation of these characters. That's really special. When every studio is desperate to give audiences exactly what they want, this feels like a satisfying fulfillment of that desire. 

First-time viewers of this show need not be worried — especially if you're caught up with most of the movies. The necessary spoilers from the finale of the original show are reiterated effectively. The plot picks up right where the first one lets off but avoids alienating the uninitiated. The plot of this particular season arguably stands toe-to-toe with any X-Men story told on the big screen. Familiar characters who have been exhausted of storylines are given new life here as they're turned on their heads. The stakes feel like they're as high as ever, and it's all thanks to the solid character development. ​

(L-R): Jubilee (voiced by Holly Chou), Morph (voiced by JP Karliak), Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd), Storm (voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith), Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase), Rogue (voiced by Lenore Zann), Jean Grey (voiced by Jennifer Hale), Gambit (voiced by AJ LaCascio), Bishop (voiced by Isaac Robinson-Smith), and Beast (voiced by George Buza) in Marvel Animation's X-MEN '97. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.

Choosing just one standout character is not an easy task, as several characters have the opportunity to shine here. Those who have only been exposed to these characters through the movies would be surprised to see that the sun doesn't rise and set with Wolverine here. He has plenty of moments to shine, and seeing him in the classic costume is awesome. Magneto is another usual suspect given even more depth as he is forced to turn a new leaf. It's really gripping stuff. Formerly underused characters like Cyclops and especially Storm are used to their fullest potential here. The whole team is balanced splendidly. There's real character drama here that is unmatched by at least half of the films. 

The animation style and the theme song help to turn back the clocks for fans of the nineties show. If the first three episodes were in film form, it would be one of the best superhero movies of the last few years. It's a nostalgia binge that hits just right and is treated with the proper amount of respect. It's sure to inspire new fans of the original series, and especially with the release of Deadpool and Wolverine this summer, more fans will revisit some of the hit X-Men films. Hopefully, this release will instill confidence in Marvel Studios, as they're currently experiencing a dip. 

X-Men '97 is now streaming on Disney+ with two episodes, with new episodes streaming every Wednesday. Three out of ten episodes reviewed.

Rating: 5/5