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(There will be no spoilers in this analysis/review, so don’t worry, and go watch this exceptional series!)
In X-Men ’97, nostalgia took flight as iconic characters from the beloved 90s cartoon returned to screens this past March, proving that when done right, nostalgia can reignite the magic of the past. It has been great to experience the enchanting blend of childhood memories and captivating storytelling as our X-Men confront formidable threats and forge and maintain enduring bonds.
This is a promotional poster from the 90’s series
X-Men 97 is nothing short of fantastic. The show’s revival has received critical acclaim and that’s all thanks to the brilliant and enhanced animation designs, riveting storylines, and the expansion of the show’s original premise that instantly captured the viewer’s attention. With this in mind, I’ve noticed that when shows are revitalized they sometimes don’t live up to the standards of their fans because those fans place high expectations on television series that had a significant impact on their childhood. In other words, when nostalgia is done right, it is delightful, and therefore a continued reverence can be shared with future fans. Consequently, the legacy of the show will attract younger generations and since X-Men has cemented itself as a staple in comic book history, there are themes that younger fans can resonate with, notably the family aspect that I always found endearing and the concept of discovering one’s identity even when confronted with constant scrutiny.
And this is a promotional poster for the revival.
Fortunately, I finished rewatching the original series before the revival was slated to be released, so there were things I immediately recognized during the first episode. For one, I appreciated the continuity and how the show concluded the storyline revolving around the Jean Grae/Phoenix saga. As mentioned earlier, I’ve enjoyed the riveting storylines which placed the X-Men again at odds with foes that did everything in their power so the X-Men would meet their demise. And even though there were losses, the X-Men’s unwavering disposition kept them standing and always ready to fight for the betterment of a society where humans and mutants could coexist. The indignation and hostility experienced by the general public during the original series run are still present but amplified which makes for compelling storylines. Conversely, one aspect of the show a friend of mine pointed out to me was that the costume designs in the series were inconsistent. Meaning, that the characters went from wearing their attire from the ’90s series and then would constantly switch to the costumes worn in the ’80s. Furthermore, some may find it cumbersome to listen to some cheesy dialogue that was prevalent throughout the 90’s series, but this doesn’t interfere with nor hinder the storyline. This seldom happens and shouldn’t take away from your viewing pleasures. Regarding the dialogue, the voice acting is impeccable, especially eloquent speeches from Professor X, Magneto, and the Beast was something to marvel at (no pun intended) and it always had my full attention.
Ultimately, the creators of X-Men 97 have revived and delivered an all-time classic with vigilance and a keen focus on providing nostalgia for a new era of entertainment, specifically in the Marvel Universe which has expanded exponentially in the last twenty years and has seen its fair share of successes and disappointments. If you’re a fan of X-Men, then I implore you to watch this exceptional series because there should be no excuse for you not to reconnect with Marvel’s team of greatest mutants.
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