In the nineties, X-Men: The Animated Series marked a major milestone in the revival of several of the most famous characters from the Marvel mutant saga. In particular, when you dig into them, they weren’t always the best version – or the most heroic – of a group of figures known for their extraordinary abilities. On the contrary, the production provided an opportunity to explore his behavior, ideals and contradictions from an adult point of view. Which served as the basis for the film saga, as well as the starting point for understanding several of the storybook’s most famous anti-heroes.
X-Men ’97 brings back some of that combination of the best comic elements and a mature point of view to achieve a nostalgic tribute. In other words, it is simultaneously the series as a generation remembers it, with the addition of a deep story about the characters in full-length. In fact, the group returns with most of its members, but they have all evolved in different directions.
X-Men ’97
X-Men ’97 is both a nostalgic tribute to the classic 1990s animated film and a new story that stands on its own. This time the plot becomes more complex as it deals with the issues of war between humans and mutants. And this is while the world of Charles Xavier’s school suffers a blow that will change all the characters in one way or another. This gives the series its best moments in the early chapters.
He reboot“, which makes no attempt to hide its connection to the program from which it is created, is a vehicle for nostalgia in the first three chapters. Much more, refreshing the universe with a sneak peek that will be explored in detail over the next seven episodes.
Namely: significant changes are taking place in the power hierarchy of the mutant world, which affects its relationship with humans. Charles Xavier (Ross Marquand), the main advocate of peace between the races and a peaceful society in which both can coexist, has disappeared. A fact that also connects the series with X-Men: The Animated Series and its controversial fifth season. All of the above came as a jarring shock to the multiracial, violent and biased context at the heart of the controversy. Creator Beau DeMaio tries not to lose the essence of the saga and spends a lot of time thinking about the consequences of what happened. It’s not just that Xavier is no longer the visible head of the team. The big question the show poses is immediately obvious. Did your work and efforts disappear with him?
A new leader for great stories
The above reasons Scott Summers / Cyclops (Ray Chase) no longer appears as a minor luxury item. Now he is a full-fledged leader. The one who will have to bear responsibility for the development of the school, which Xavier placed on his shoulders. Also, keep the superhero team united. And as if that wasn’t enough, take on the responsibility of being a father.
This last event, highlighting the importance of Jean Gray (Jennifer Hale) as witness to the beginning of a new generation, is the focus of the first episodes. Many questions arise about what power trait a newborn will inherit or what inheritance from the parents may affect him. lor it puts a new spin on the show’s usual questions of difference and discrimination.
What’s more interesting, however, is that the plot questions whether respect between mutants and humans is truly possible. The opening scenes show that the world Xavier left behind at least acknowledges each other’s existence. This allows Scott to drive the car during the first moment of change. the responsibility to answer the questions of your loved ones and calm the worries of others in the midst of uncertain times.
An updated and better told story
But X-Men ’97 it’s more than a tribute to a particularly successful production. His new chapters show him to be more ambitious and precise, dealing with the growing tensions between two antagonistic groups destined to oppose each other. The writing is smarter than the previous series as it looks at the growing animosity between mutants and those they are supposed to protect. In fact, some of the best scenes of the first three episodes combine the problems, problems and complexities of the previous version. Only now it’s getting more and more difficult. Scott must assume that, as the voice of reason, he is the only one capable of avoiding confrontation. But at the same time, protect your own from segregation and attacks.
So the show is about Xavier’s absence—and the cataclysm it means for Scott—and becoming a father. Between both things, a conflict is brewing with the human world. The scenario about the imminent birth of a child allows the plot to ask questions about how mutants should deal with rejection. Over and over again, Scott and Jean discuss how to cope with their responsibilities and an inherently hostile world.
Nevertheless, X-Men ’97 This isn’t just an attempt to stay tied to the ’90s series. On the contrary, although animation, introduction and the voices are the same – or very similar – to those of its predecessor, the plot has different problems. This new version of mutants is more interested in analyzing superheroes as a dysfunctional family. One who has just been orphaned – with a visible head and ideals – must therefore find his place. This is while the first and second chapters provide a brief excursion to show where each character is and what they are doing. The introduction is quick and skillful, allowing the third party to fully enter the story. Whatever happens next, now that Charles Xavier is gone.
The best is yet to come
The first three chapters are constructed so well that there is no doubt about the direction of the plot. This is it: a new order of power is approaching among human governments. Without Xavier as a counterweight, those who hate the unification of the races decide to take action. On the other hand, the existing government will take actions similar to those it considers its enemy, out of necessity. And mutants will be the first victims of this restructuring of interests and actions that need to be taken.
date high on Disney Plus now and save with an annual subscriptionwith which you can enjoy the entire catalog of TV series and films. Access to the latest issuesto the catalog star and the best National Geographic documentaries.
The animation, which purifies the spirit of the eighties, demonstrates in the first episodes what will become its strong point from now on. The action is more colorful and detailed than ever in the previous production. But besides this, there is the opportunity to delve into more complex topics. The extreme that X-Men ’97 makes this clear and is the element that currently prevents the story from becoming pure nostalgia for fans.
Source: Hiper Textual
