Superlative Superhero Shenanigans
Summary
X-Men ’97 continues the legacy of the classic 90’s show respectfully while giving us some genuine shocks, plenty of fights and action with a story that’s never less than engaging.
Plot: A band of mutants use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them; they’re challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future.
Review: I know I don’t normally review animated shows or movies too often as I prefer to keep the site about live action, but I feel like changing it up tonight as X-Men ‘97 is one of the best pieces of superhero entertainment I’ve seen for some time.
I loved the X-Men series from the 90’s which is somehow several decades ago and yet only feels like 5 or 6 years ago… how did that happen?
Anyway, X-Men ’97 is a near perfect update of the beloved show maintaining the epic theme tune which is my favourite television series music of the 90s. It’s so heroic and thrilling, promising an episode packed with action.
This show doesn’t shy away from violence at times surprisingly brutal and like so many movies and TV series these days, no one is safe where anyone could be killed at any moment. There are regular fights and even if it’s all animated it’s still beautifully done and genuinely exciting while never losing its heart as it explores themes of tolerance and prejudice.
There are genuine stakes here and a surprising emotional core that the live action X-Men movies rarely captured. They always focused on Wolverine as the main protagonist, but I always thought Cyclops was cool and to be honest, I am more team Magneto. You can totally understand his motivations after everything he has been through in his life. It’s no wonder he has such disdain for mankind; I do too and I’m not even a mutant… or am I?
I love how characters like Storm get their own storyline which we also never really got to see in the movies; I think Bishop is awesome as well and I would totally watch a movie about him.
I would love if in the new Deadpool & Wolverine movie we got a final battle sequence with a bunch of X-Men and the main theme kicks in. I would probably pass out as it’s really all we’ve wanted to see from the movies.
Logan/Wolverine is sidelined more here which I have no problem with as it’s nice to have to focus on some of the other characters for a change. I’ve always loved Mr. Sinister and he’s my favourite villain of the X-Men Universe; he was teased in the movies at one point but sadly he has never been done in live action.
The season ends on quite the cliffhanger with Beast’s “Oh Dear” hilarious understatement promising interesting times ahead in season 2.
Overall, X-Men ’97 is a top tier superhero show and continues on the story of the 90’s animated series with emotional moments, genuine stakes and plenty of action. Episode 5 is one of the best WTF moments I’ve seen in an animated series… ever.