Review Contains Spoilers for X-Men ’97: Season 1
X-Men ’97 faced the daunting task of living up to the beloved original X-Men: The Animated Series without relying too heavily on nostalgia. Luckily, the series manages to strike a balance, delivering a compelling continuation that stands on its own merits while also honoring the original.
Acting as a sort of X-Men: The Animated Series – Season 6, X-Men ’97 serves as a great entry point into this animated world. The story kicks off with Charles Xavier’s absence, leaving Cyclops and the X-Men to navigate new challenges without their mentor. The return of Magneto brings about complex conflicts and explores themes of family and responsibility, particularly for Cyclops and Jean Grey.
X-Men ’97 hurtles through a jam-packed first season, adapting various comic storylines like “The Trial of Magneto,” “Lifedeath,” “Fatal Attractions,” and “Operation: Zero Tolerance” in just 10 episodes. The show efficiently condenses these intricate comic events into animated form, keeping the narrative fast-paced and engaging.
What truly sets X-Men ’97 apart is its focus on character development amidst the superhero spectacle. The series delves deep into the personal struggles of the X-Men, showcasing complex arcs for characters like Magneto, Cyclops, Storm, and Rogue. It avoids fixating too much on Wolverine, a common pitfall of the original series.
While the breakneck storytelling may sideline some characters and rush certain plotlines, these are minor quibbles compared to the overall success of X-Men ’97. The show effectively adapts iconic Marvel storylines, presenting a fresh take on familiar material. Villain Bastion, in particular, receives a compelling reimagining.
Visually and audibly, X-Men ’97 excels in capturing the essence of the original series while adding new layers of animation and sound design. The dynamic fight scenes draw inspiration from various sources, resulting in visually stunning and action-packed episodes.
Read Every X-Men ’97 Episode Review
The voice cast of X-Men ’97, both returning and new members, delivers strong performances that blend superhero action with character-driven drama. The familiar voices from the original series add a nostalgic touch, while the newcomers breathe fresh life into the beloved characters. Theo James’ portrayal of Bastion stands out as particularly impactful, adding depth to the formidable Sentinel villain.