The X-Men animated series, which aired from 1992-1997, returns in glorious fashion in X-Men ’97.
Featuring excellent animation, great voice acting, and wonderful music, X-Men ’97 is nearly perfect technically. The surprise is the impressive storytelling and character development in the first two episodes.
Cyclops, Storm and Magneto are the main focuses in these episodes. Scott Summers (Cyclops) struggles to balance wanting to lead the X-Men with starting a family with Jean Grey. Ororo Munroe (Storm) is treated as the god-like threat she is while kickstarting a new journey for Ororo following her heroic actions in the 2nd episode. Finally, Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto) follows a similar path to Scott. He, too, is thrown into a role as the successor to Charles Xavier. However, Magneto accepts the role of leader of the X-men and attempts to follow the example set by Xavier.
The X-Men have always symbolized portions of society demonized for their differences. The X-men have been allegories for racism and sexual orientation in the past. X-Men ’97 continues the progressive message by mirroring real-life events.
The animation is impressive, especially in the fight sequences, where every team member gets moments to shine. Some of the highlights are the beast showing off his intellect and might, Gambit augmenting Wolverine claws, and Cyclops using his optic blast to land safely without a parachute.
The only problem in these two episodes was the introduction of Sunspot in the premiere. I appreciate the symmetry of kicking off the reboot, similar to the first franchise. The premiere of X-Men: The Animated Series introduces Jubilee, while Sunspot is the newbie in X-Men ’97. Unfortunately, Sunspot is dull and pales compared to Jubilee’s youthful energy. However, he serves the purpose of allowing Cyclops to shine. It’s hard to be too disappointed.
Overall, the impressive storytelling combines with novel animation and delivers a special continuation of the 90’s animated series.
X-Men 97 Episodes 1-2 Review Score
9.0 – Outstanding
With the overview out of the way, here’s a closer look at episodes one and two of X-Men ’97. The reboot is streaming on Disney Plus.
To Me, My X-Men Review
The Premiere episode begins shortly after Xavier’s disappearance at the end of the animated series. A teenager, Roberto de Costa (Sunspot), is being held captive by a radical anti-mutant group: Cyclops, Storm, and Bishop, with Cyclops being the focus of the fight.
After heading back to the mansion, now-ousted Showrunner Beau DeMayo quickly gets the audience up to speed with the current state of the X-Men. Jean and Scott are expecting. Scott is trying to follow in Xavier’s footsteps and lead the X-Men. Expectedly, Wolverine takes exceptions to Scott’s leadership.
Aside from the team, Jean and Scott struggle to raise a family safely. Jean wants to raise their child away from the dangers of the X-Men. She urges Scott to leave the team. Scott wonders who would lead the team if he did.
Using Cerebro, Jean figures out that Boliver Trask financed the anti-mutant group with Sentinel weaponry. With the location in hand, the X-Men launch an assault on the compound, destroying a bevy of Sentinels. There are some great lines and terrific moments, the best of which is Cyclops ordering Storm to give the Sentinels the forecast.
Overall, episode one does a great job of setting up the current state of the X-Men and then delivers a great cliffhanger that throws everyone for a loop. Magneto is at the mansion and reveals everything—the house, school, the X-Men—belongs to him.
Mutant Liberation Begins Review
As good as the first episode is, Mutant Liberation Begins considerably ups the stakes of X-Men ’97. The opening scenes show Magneto saving humans and mutants. He saves a human from a falling Ferris wheel. Then, he invades an anti-mutant group’s hideout, saving mutants in the process while not killing any of the humans.
Cyclops can’t stand Magneto’s presence. To Magneto’s credit, he seems to agree with Scott’s sentiments but is trying to honor Charles’s wish. Meanwhile, the UN isn’t happy with Magneto running the X-Men and decides to put the master of magnetism on trial. Magneto teases the UN troops by nearly clipping them with their choppers, but peacefully surrenders.
In a heartbreaking scene, Jean reveals a sad secret to Storms. She wishes for her future child to be a human to avoid the suffering she and other mutants face. Storm offers unwavering support for Jean and makes Storm’s tragedy resonate better.
The hearing at the UN bears a striking resemblance to the January 6 Insurrection. The anti-mutant group can’t even stand that Magneto is getting a trial. They launch an attack on the capital. All of the X-Men are in attendance except Jean and Wolverine. Once Jean enters labor, Morph helps Cyclops get to the hospital while Wolverine gives Jean a ride.
Storm and Magneto team up to decimate most of the anti-mutant group’s forces. However, one X-Cutioner, gets fires a shot at Magneto. Storm cuts in front of Magneto and takes the brunt of the blast, which removes her powers. Magneto takes X-Cutioner and the UN members to space. He reminds the UN he would have destroyed X-Cutioner without a second thought. Magneto wants to be better and asks them not to make him break that promise.
Jean delivers her baby while Storm leaves the X-Men.
Episode two ends with a different Jean at the Mansion’s door asking for help, confusing everyone.
X-Men ’97 final thoughts
Overall, terrific writing, strong animation and smart nostalgia help make X-Men ’97 one of the best reboots in recent memory.
The Review
PROS
- Wonderful animation style.
- Strong voice acting with Matthew Waterson shining standing out as Magneto.
- Terrific writing and excellent monologues.
- Cyclops, Storm and Magneto are awesome throughout the first two episodes.
CONS
- Sunspot's pretty dull.
