The excitement surrounding Marvel’s X-Men ’97 is palpable, with fans eagerly diving into the new Disney+ animated reboot. As a sequel to the beloved X-Men: The Animated Series, many are curious if prior knowledge of the original series is necessary to enjoy the new episodes. The consensus? Not really. Even without watching the original series, X-Men ’97 stands strong on its own, offering a fresh yet nostalgic experience for both new viewers and long-time fans.
For those unfamiliar, X-Men ’97 picks up where the original series left off, set in the year 1997. This timeline is evident as Jean Grey, who wasn’t pregnant in the original series, gives birth in the second episode of X-Men ’97. The series does a commendable job of reintroducing characters and setting up storylines, making it accessible to newcomers.
However, for those who want a deeper understanding and richer experience, revisiting the original series on Disney+ can be beneficial. Characters like Mr. Sinister and Cable make their return, and familiar faces like Forge appear, adding layers of continuity and nostalgia.
For comic book enthusiasts, there are several recommendations to enhance the viewing experience of X-Men ’97. The premiere episode, “To Me, My X-Men,” draws inspiration from Jim Lee’s X-Men comics from 1991, particularly X-Men #4. The basketball scene in the episode is a direct nod to this comic. For those interested, the X-Men By Chris Claremont & Jim Lee Omnibus is a great collection to explore.
Episode 2, “Mutant Liberation Begins,” takes cues from Uncanny X-Men #200 by Chris Claremont and John Romita, which features the trial of Magneto. The episode mirrors many beats from this classic comic, making it a must-read for fans wanting to delve deeper into the storyline.
Episode 3, “Fire Made Flesh,” introduces some wild plot twists. To understand these better, the Inferno crossover event in the X-Men comics is highly recommended. This massive crossover, which affected numerous Marvel titles, is briefly adapted in the episode. For a comprehensive read, X-Men Inferno: Prologue and X-Men: Inferno are essential. These collections provide context and background, showcasing the chaos and drama that unfolded during this apocalyptic event.
For those intrigued by the Mr. Sinister/Baby Nathan/Madelyne Pryor plot, The Adventures of Cyclops & Phoenix by Scott Lobdell and Jeph Loeb offers a detailed backstory. This collection, though potentially pricey, fills in the gaps and provides insights into how Nathan becomes Cable and Mr. Sinister’s obsession with the Summers family.
X-Men ’97 follows a traditional release schedule, with episodes dropping weekly on Wednesdays at 3 am ET / Midnight PT. The first season consists of ten episodes, starting with “To Me, My X-Men” and concluding with “Tolerance Is Extinction, Part 3” on May 15, 2024.
The series has garnered praise from various viewers, regardless of their familiarity with the X-Men franchise. The action, humor, and animation have been highlighted as standout elements, making X-Men ’97 a hit among diverse audiences.
In the broader Marvel universe, changes are afoot with the X-Men titles. Tom Brevoort, the new Group Editor, has been vocal about his vision for the X-Men. Moving away from the Krakoa era, Brevoort aims to focus on individual X-Characters, potentially leading to more solo titles and stories. This shift is influenced by the characters’ growing importance to Marvel Studios.
Brevoort’s approach is to ensure that the X-Men line returns to its former glory on the sales charts. He emphasizes the need for characters to be relevant to the series’ concept, avoiding what he terms “fake books” where characters are misaligned to fit a narrative.
Hints about upcoming character developments and solo projects have been teased, with characters like Iceman expected to get more spotlight. Brevoort’s mission is clear: to elevate the X-Men back to their rightful place at the top of the comic book world.
As X-Men ’97 continues to captivate audiences, the hidden page in Marvel’s X-Men #1 has sparked speculation about upcoming villains. This teaser has fans eagerly anticipating future episodes and storylines, adding to the excitement and intrigue surrounding the series.
In conclusion, Marvel’s X-Men ’97 is a delightful blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling, appealing to both new viewers and long-time fans. With its engaging plot, dynamic characters, and nods to classic comics, the series promises an exciting journey for all.
Source: Bleeding Cool, Marvel Comics
