Set in 1997, a year after “X-Men: The Animated Series” ended. Our heroes continue to embark on adventures without the guidance of their mentor, Professor X/Charles Xavier. Bishop & Morph are now full fledged members. The team rescue and recruit teenage mutant, Sunspott/Roberto da Costa. Our heroes reunite with their archenemy, Magneto, battle their enemies, Master Mold, Bastion, Mojo & Mr. Sinister.
The revival series under, “X-Men ‘97” officially streamed in 2024 (same year Indiana Jones and the Great Circle came out) on Disney Plus. it received critical acclaim from critics, fans and streamers alike. A second season is now streaming. As an X-Men fan since I watched the ‘90s cartoon, I’m excited for three things.
- A fighting game called, “Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls will be released in August 6, 2026.
- Insomniac Games’ Wolverine is coming in September 15, 2026 exclusively on PlayStation 5.
- Avengers: Doomsday will feature some of the OG X-Men cast teaming up with The Avengers, Fantastic Four & Thunderbolts to square off with Doctor Doom. It’ll be released on December 18, 2026
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Powerful & Weak Aspects
Powerful: Voice Actors reprised their roles and they all did a splendid job for their respective voiceover performances.
Rey Chase & Holly Chou both did a decent job for their respective voiceover performances as Cyclops & Jubilee.
Animation upgrades the show’s hand drawn style. Especially the Opening Credits now featuring Bishop & Morph.
Action Sequences are awesome. Seeing each member combining their powers makes me wanna replay “X-Men Legends” and its sequel “Rise of Apocalypse.”
Funny Moments made me laugh.
The Newton Brothers (Daredevil: Born Again) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Chemistry between team members serve as the main highlight.
Every team member has their epic moment. Wolverine doesn’t overshadow them. Unlike the films, Cyclops gets some good fight scenes and using his leadership skills.
Pacing for each episode felt natural.
Shocking Moments will make you gasp. Can’t tell you all about ‘em. You’ll have to see for yourself.
Morph shapeshifts into various familiar characters.
Season 1 takes elements from Chris Claremont’s run such as “Lifedeath,” “The Trial of Magneto,” “Operation Zero Tolerance” & “Mutant Massacre.”
If you’re an X-Men nerd like me, there’s a ton of Easter Eggs.
Season Finale sets up Season 2.
Weak: I have two gripes listed in Episode 4 and the three-part finale, Tolerance Is Extinction.
Episode 1 – To Me, My X-Men
First episode’s title is named after a battle cry.
Sunspot is rescued and recruited by the team.
A callback to the pilot with Cyclops saying a “NOT” joke. I guess he made a NOT joke before “Borat.”
Wolverine & Gambit perform an awesome team combo.
Episode 2 – Mutant Liberation Begins
Magneto attends a trial at the United Nations. Suddenly, all heck breaks loose.
Something bad happened to a focal character.
Magneto delivers a dramatic speech.
Not really a spoiler, Jean Grey gives birth to her son, Nathan. As you may know, he’s Cable.
Episode 3 – Fire Made Flesh
A big reveal involving Jean.
Mr. Sinister hatches a scheme.
This episode has some horror vibes.
A familiar face appears towards the end.
Episode 4 – Motendo/Lifedeath Part 1
Alive: In the first half, Jubilee & Sunspot are transported into a video game designed by Mojo. In the second half, Storm spends time with Forge.
Dead: Jubilee & Sunspot have an early romance. They barely know each other.
Episode 5 – Remember It
Tensions rise when Genosha is attacked by mutant hunting sentinels.
Rogue justifies her reason to touch Gambit without draining his powers.
Nightcrawler reunites with his old teammates.
This episode will make your jaw drop. If you know, you know.
Episode 6 – Lifedeath Part 2
In order to save Forge, Storm attempts to face her fear of claustrophobia and battle a demonic creature.
A flying scene felt satisfying.
An important figure returns to Earth. You know who.
Episode 7 – Bright Eyes
Our heroes mourn the loss of a teammate.
Rogue goes on a solo mission.
Sunspot visits his parents in a matter of having an open-minded relationship regardless of his mutant heritage.
A new threat raises the stakes.
Episodes 8-10 – Tolerance Is Extinction Parts 1-3
Alive: Our heroes battle Bastion & Magneto. The former has the power to control sentinels and turn people into sentinels.
We learn about Bastion’s background.
As usual, Magneto offers the team a choice. Either join him to wipe out humanity or fight him.
The big battle on Asteroid M kept me on the edge of my seat. Asteroid M battle earns Bonus Points. Has more internal and external conflict than these horrendous 2024 superhero flops.
- Madame Web
- Venom: The Last Dance
- Kraven the Hunter
- Bill Skarsgård as The Crow
- Joker: Folie à Deux
Last scene sets up Season 2.
Stay tuned for Part 3’s Mid-Credits Scene.
Dead: Somehow Jubilee can breathe on space. I know it’s a cartoon, but this is supposed to be a serious one. This ain’t “Jimmy Neutron.”
The Final Verdict: A-
X-Men ‘97’s first season is a worthy revival of a beloved ‘90s cartoon show. I’m glad Marvel Studios took their time and effort revising the cartoon to craft a compelling storyline. I’m glad I spent my time viewing all ten episodes. 2024 wasn’t a good year for superhero films. It wasn’t a bad year in other forms of media. Good ones listed as proof superheroes in 2024 was a great year.
- Deadpool and Wolverine
- Marvel Rivals
- X-Men ‘97: Season 1
- My Hero Academia: You’re Next and its 7th season
- The Penguin
- Creature Commandos
- My Adventures with Superman: Season 2
If you’re trying to get caught up on X-Men ‘97’s second season, watch all ten episodes of Season 1. 2026 is a good time to be alive as an X-Men fan. Can’t wait for Wolverine’s PS5 game and my favorite superhero team back on the big screen in Avengers: Doomsday.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 