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Your favorite mutants are back! [Photo Credit: Disney+]
The X-Men are back!
The iconic team of mutants has returned to action with X-Men ’97 — the sequel to the beloved animated series X-Men.
With a mix of nostalgia and fresh adventures, the new series offers an epic journey into the world of Marvel’s mutants.
Whether you’re a diehard fan who watched the show every Saturday morning or a newcomer to the adventures of the X-Men, grab your favorite snacks and join us as we explore the thrilling world of X-Men ’97!
(By the way, this article contains spoilers, so if you haven’t watched the ‘90s animated series or read the comics about the brave mutants, get cozy and start exploring their stories!)
What Is X-Men ’97?
X-Men ’97 is the highly anticipated continuation of the iconic animated series X-Men.
The original series aired from 1992 to 1997 and it played a significant role in popularizing the X-Men characters beyond the world of comics.
The show was a massive hit with audiences, and X-Men ’97 continues the story of the X-Men in a style similar to the original series, hence the ’97 in the title — the reference to the year the original series ended.
The title also serves as a nod to the nostalgia many fans feel for the original series and the ’90s era of superhero animation.
The original series ended with a touching farewell between the X-Men and Professor Xavier, as they each embarked on their own journeys.
The team successfully defeated Magneto and prevented him from turning all humans into mutants.
However, the original series also left some questions unanswered.
Henry Peter Gyrich gravely injured Professor Xavier. Although it seemed that Professor X might not survive, Empress Lilandra saved him and took him to space for treatement by the Shi’Ar Empire.
With Professor X absent, a reformed Magneto assumed control of the Xavier Institute, leaving us wondering what will happen to the X-Men now that Magneto is in charge. Will Professor X make a return?
X-Men ’97 Characters
X-Men ’97 features all the popular mutants and their foes, including Wolverine, Jean Grey, Storm, Gambit, Jubilee, Beast, Cyclops and Professor X.
Cyclops and Storm are the main characters in the series.
Jean Grey, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Bishop and Beast also make appearances.
Of course, Magneto is there as the leader of the X-Men, after Professor X’s departure to the Shi’Ar Empire.
Gambit, Jubilee and Beast are featured as well.
Some members of the original cast members reprised their roles, which made longtime fans of the original series particularly happy. The stellar voice cast includes Cal Dodd as Wolverine, George Buza as Beast and Lenore Zann as Rogue.
The new series remains faithful to the original design and the cast looks almost identical to the counterparts in the ’92 series.
X-Men ’97 Characters
Now let’s get to know some of the characters appearing in X-Men ’97!
1. Wolverine
With his tough exterior and no-nonsense attitude, Wolverine is one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the X-Men universe.
As a mutant, he was born with special powers.
He has razor-sharp claws that he can extend from his hands. He looks SCARY when he pulls them out!
Wolverine also has regenerative abilities, which allow him to heal fast from injuries and recover from near-fatal wounds.
Wolverine sometimes acts as a lone wolf and prefers to work alone rather than as part of a team (we feel you, Wolvie). But he’s also fiercely loyal to his friends and will do whatever it takes to protect them!
2. Jean Grey
Jean Grey is renowned for her telekinetic and telepathic abilities, which make her one of the strongest female comic book characters.
She can move objects with her mind, read the thoughts of others and manipulate reality to her liking.
However, her powers can also be a double-edged sword, as they can sometimes be difficult to control — particularly when she is under stress.
In addition to her powers, Jean is known for her intelligence and compassion. She has a strong moral compass and is always willing to fight for what is right, even if it means putting herself in harm’s way.
3. Storm
Storm has the ability to control the weather, including wind, rain and lightning. You wouldn’t want to mess with her!
Storm is a natural leader and we’re excited to see her take on a prominent role in X-Men ’97.
She’s also known for her calm and level-headed approach to problem-solving, as well as her unwavering sense of justice and compassion. Together with her powers, these qualities make her a force to be reckoned with!
4. Cyclops
Cyclops is a central member of the X-Men and one of the team’s most iconic leaders.
He has a tactical mind and the ability to stay cool under pressure — even in the most dangerous situations.
Cyclops’ mutant power is the ability to fire powerful optic blasts from his eyes. He’s also an expert marksman, capable of hitting even the smallest targets with incredible accuracy.
Beyond his impressive combat skills, Cyclops is a deeply principled and dedicated leader who always prioritizes the safety of his team. He has a talent for balancing the diverse and colorful personalities within the group with his serious demeanor.
Over the years, Cyclops has faced numerous personal challenges.
He grew up without his parents, believing that they died in a plane crash, which has instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility for those around him.
5. Gambit
Gambit can manipulate and charge objects with kinetic energy. He hails from New Orleans and speaks with a distinct Cajun accent, which adds to his charm and charisma.
Gambit is known for his roguish and mysterious personality.
He often clashes with other members of the X-Men, but he is ultimately a loyal and valuable teammate who always has his friends’ backs.
Beyond his powers, Gambit is also a skilled thief. He has a complicated past and has been involved with various criminal organizations, which makes his multi-dimensional character all the more interesting to explore.
6. Jubilee
Jubilee is an energetic member of the X-Men team with the ability to generate pyrotechnic energy blasts from her hands.
She has an upbeat personality and a passion for pop culture, especially anything related to mall culture and fashion.
As one of the younger members of the X-Men, she often offers a fresh perspective to the team.
Jubilee is fiercely independent and possesses a rebellious streak, which sometimes puts her at odds with the more traditional members of the X-Men.
Despite her tragic backstory — she was orphaned at a young age — Jubilee remains a relatable and down-to-earth character. She brings a unique energy to the team, balancing her difficult past with a lovable and fun demeanor.
7. Beast
Beast has a distinctive appearance that sets him apart from his teammates, characterized by his blue fur and sharp claws.
He possesses impressive strength, agility and heightened senses.
Known for his intellectual prowess, Beast often serves as the team’s resident genius.
He has expertise in various fields such as science, technology and literature, and his vast knowledge frequently proves useful to the team during missions.
Despite his intimidating appearance, Beast is a gentle and compassionate soul who prioritizes the well-being of his friends and allies above all else.
He often acts as a mediator during conflicts within the team and is always willing to lend an ear to those in need.
8. Bishop
Bishop is a time-traveling mutant from a dystopian future, where mutants are hunted down and persecuted by humans.
In the present day, he joins the X-Men and becomes a valuable member of the team.
Bishop possesses the ability to absorb energy and use it as blasts. He also has enhanced physical abilities and access to advanced weaponry from his future timeline. Bishop is often depicted as a tough, no-nonsense character, and that’s just what the X-Men will need to fight Mister Sinister.
9. Nightcrawler
Nightcrawler sports a distinct appearance, characterized by his blue skin, yellow eyes and a prehensile tail.
He also possesses the ability to teleport over short distances.
Despite his unusual appearance, Nightcrawler is kind and compassionate and he often brings a sense of optimism to the X-Men team.
He is deeply religious and struggles with feelings of guilt and shame regarding his mutant abilities. His unique abilities were the reason he was persecuted by humans in the past.
Nightcrawler is also a skilled acrobat and fighter, with a strong sense of loyalty to his friends and teammates.
10. Professor X
Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X, is the founder and leader of the X-Men.
He is a mutant with powerful telepathic abilities that allow him to read and control minds, communicate with others telepathically and project powerful psychic energy.
Professor X is a compassionate and wise leader who created the X-Men to promote peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans. He has dedicated his life to advocating for mutant rights.
Aside from being a terrific leader, Professor X is also a renowned scientist and inventor. He has developed many advanced technologies and tools to help mutants harness and control their powers.
Despite his numerous accomplishments, he has faced many challenges and tragedies throughout his life.
He has lost many of his closest friends and allies, and he has struggled with his own morality and the ethical implications of his powers.
11. Magneto
Max Eisenhardt, also known as Erik Lehnsherr or Magneto, is one of the most iconic and complex characters in the X-Men universe.
He’s a mutant with the ability to control magnetic fields, which allows him to manipulate metal and create devastating magnetic waves.
What sets Magneto apart from other mutants is his ideology.
He believes that mutants are superior to humans and that they should rule over humans — not the other way around.
This has put him in direct conflict with the X-Men, who believe in peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans.
Magneto’s tragic past significantly shaped his character. As a child, he survived the Holocaust, which instilled in him a profound hatred of prejudice and discrimination. This trauma has driven his commitment to protect and empower mutants at any cost.
Despite his extremist beliefs, Magneto is not a one-dimensional villain.
He’s a nuanced character who often finds himself in morally ambiguous situations. He has, at times, fought alongside the X-Men, showing that his motives and loyalties are not always clear-cut.
X-Men ’97 Season One — Unity, Battles & Plot Twists
The X-Men ’97 premiered on March 20, 2024 on Disney+.
The first season includes 10 episodes, which both the audience and the critics loved!
The episodes delve into the story about mutant identity, leadership struggles and the growing tensions between humans and mutants.
They’re filled with unexpected plot twists and intense battles with classic X-Men adversaries — Sentinels and Mister Sinister.
Magneto’s moral evolution is well-depicted, and so is the theme of unity among the X-Men.
The new show also puts Cyclops at the center stage, allowing him to finally shine rather than be only a supporting part of other X-men’s storylines.
X-Men ’97 maintains the heart of the original series and offers action and emotion that feel both familiar and fresh, making the series perfect for fans of the original show and newcomers alike!
We already know that there will be a second season, which is currently in production. The third one has also been confirmed.
X-Men ’97 Season 2 — What We Know So Far
In the post-credits scene of the first season, Marvel set up the storyline for season two.
We see Apocalypse, the iconic villain, standing at Gambit’s grave and mourning the loss of mutants after Bastion’s attack.
Apocalypse might have a significant role in the upcoming season. We might see him recruiting mutants to form his Four Horseman
It’s going to be interesting to see who will join him — only mutants or perhaps even human superheroes.
As for the release date of season two, we can only speculate that we might get to enjoy the new episodes sometime during 2025. But Disney hasn’t confirmed any dates yet.
We’ll keep you posted!
A Recap On X-Men ‘97
X-Men ’97 is one of the most highly praised projects this year from Marvel Studios and Disney+.
The original series holds an iconic status and remains a fan-favorite for good reason.
The fact that X-Men ’97 isn’t a reboot but a sequel to the original is adds to the excitement surrounding the series!
The ‘90s show has left a lasting impact on pop culture and continues to inspire new generations of X-Men fans today. There’s no doubt that the new series appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers, generating enthusiasm for the legendary X-Men’s new adventures
