TV Review: ‘X-Men ‘97’

The series continues the storyline from the original without missing a beat. Combined with new animation, the first three episodes knock it out of the park.

Storm (voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith), Gambit (voiced by AJ LoCascio), Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase), Rogue (voiced by Lenore Zann), Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd), Bishop (voiced by Isaac Robinson-Smith), Beast (voiced by George Buza) in Marvel Animation's 'X-Men '97.'

(L to R) Morph (voiced by JP Karliak), Storm (voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith), Gambit (voiced by AJ LoCascio), Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase), Rogue (voiced by Lenore Zann), Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd), Bishop (voiced by Isaac Robinson-Smith), Beast (voiced by George Buza) in Marvel Animation's 'X-Men '97.' Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.

Premiering on Disney+ on March 20, ‘X-Men ‘97’ will pick up from where season 5 of the original series left off in 1997. The series consists of ten episodes with updated animation in the same style and features returning voice talents such as Cal Dodd, Lenore Zann, Alison Sealy-Smith, and George Buza reprising their roles.

Relate Article: Supervising Producer and Head Director Jake Castorena Talks 'X-Men '97'

Initial Thoughts

For those who grew up on the original 90’s cartoon, the anticipation for this series is high. ‘X-Men ‘97’ not only captures the heart and soul of the original but adds elevated animation and gripping storylines that’ll leave audiences wanting more. The familiar intro is refreshed but is still very similar to the 1992 series. Once the theme song kicks in, you’ll feel like you’re transported right back to that era, once again watching the characters you’ve grown up with.

The series will premiere with two episodes, then one episode releasing weekly after.

Story and Direction

'X-Men '97' supervising producer and head director Jake Castorena.

‘X-Men ‘97’ is created by Beau DeMayo, with Jake Castorena as supervising director. The series picks up exactly where the 1996 episode “Graduation Day” leaves off, where the X-Men bid farewell to their leader, Professor Xavier. In the new series, Scott Summers aka Cyclops, steps into the role to lead the X-Men, but not without some growing pains. Cyclops faces the challenges of constantly questioning whether he can be a good enough replacement for Charles, and with Jean Grey pregnant, do they stay with the team or pursue a private family life outside of all the fighting?

In its first episode, “To Me, My X-Men”, does a great job of moving things along within its 30 minutes run-time, setting up the obstacles the team will face, giving each character an adequate amount of screen time, and of course, plenty of action. Just like the original, the show’s overall theme focuses on the mutants trying to find a way to co-exist with the humans in peace, even though the humans continuously seek new ways to destroy them, using weapons like the Sentinal. Each episode teases the next precarious challenge for the X-Men to confront, leaving the viewers wanting more.

One of the most intriguing plots of this new series is how the X-Men continue on without their leader. In the official trailer, X-Men’s longtime nemesis Magneto shows up, announcing he will be taking over the school as it was “the last will and testament of Charles Xavier.” This interesting twist is handled so well, but one can’t help but second guess the true intention of Magneto.

Aside from the action, story, and cliffhangers, this series never forgets to have fun. It fully embraces the 90’s era dialogue and humor, and the fans will again get to see the banter between Wolverine and Cyclops.

Performances

Beast (voiced by George Buza), Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd), Morph (voiced by JP Karliak), Bishop (voiced by Isaac Robinson-Smith), Rogue (voiced by Lenore Zann), Gambit (voiced by AJ LoCascio), Storm (voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith), Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase) in Marvel Animation's 'X-Men '97.'

(L to R) Beast (voiced by George Buza), Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd), Morph (voiced by JP Karliak), Bishop (voiced by Isaac Robinson-Smith), Rogue (voiced by Lenore Zann), Gambit (voiced by AJ LoCascio), Storm (voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith), Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase) in Marvel Animation's 'X-Men '97.' Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.

The series sees the return of some of the original voices reprising their roles, such as Cal Dodd as Wolverine, Lenore Zann as Rogue, George Buza as Beast, and Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm. Catherine Disher also returns to the series but voices the character Dr. Valerie “Val” Cooper instead of reprising her role as Jean Grey, now voiced by Jennifer Hale.

The cast of old and new does an excellent job in the series by capturing the core elements of their respective characters. Their performances hook you right in and doesn’t leave you time to compare how they sound to the original. Storm has an updated look and combined with the powerful performance by Sealy-Smith, it’s hard to keep your eyes off her throughout the series. Perhaps one of the most fun characters to watch is Morph (JP Karliak), a mutant with the ability to shapeshift. His power makes the action scenes extremely entertaining, sometimes shifting so fast that if you blink, you’d miss it. While Morph has a ton of comedic moments, there are hints of darkness in a later episode.

Final Thoughts

Beast (voiced by George Buza), Rogue (voiced by Lenore Zann), Morph (voiced by JP Karliak), Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase), Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd), Gambit (voiced by AJ LoCascio), and Bishop (voiced by Isaac Robinson-Smith) in Marvel Animation's 'X-Men '97.'

(L to R) Beast (voiced by George Buza), Rogue (voiced by Lenore Zann), Morph (voiced by JP Karliak), Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase), Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd), Gambit (voiced by AJ LoCascio), and Bishop (voiced by Isaac Robinson-Smith) in Marvel Animation's 'X-Men '97.' Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.

This series hits hard with nostalgia. For those who grew up watching the original 90s animated series, it’s incredibly fun and refreshed with gorgeous animation. The characters feel just as we saw them last. New viewers who are completely unfamiliar with X-Men might have a harder time catching on as the series doesn’t take the time to explain the characters' origins or their powers. Regardless, the series is entertaining, the storyline (and twists) hooks you right in, and the show’s theme song is still one of the best theme songs around.

‘X-Men ‘97’ receives 9 out of 10 stars.

Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd) and Gambit (voiced by AJ LoCascio) in Marvel Animation's 'X-Men '97.'

What is the Plot of ‘X-Men ‘97’?

Picking up after the events of ‘X-Men: The Animated Series’ (1992–1997), the X-Men face dangerous new challenges following the loss of their leader, Professor X (Ross Marquand).