With the revival of the critically acclaimed and generation-defining X-Men ‘97 series streaming on Disney+, we are reintroduced to our favorite classic Marvel mutants remastered to a 2024 glean. The show remains true to its 90s origins. It does take clear inspiration from original outlines penned by the late Stan Lee and writer Chris Claremont in a superb rendition of the classic story’s origins.
Pay attention to the thrilling action combat sequences and endearingly campy dialogue exchanges. Also, look out for the retro yet polished character designs, outfits, and healthy pacing. When doing so, it’s easy to find yourself engrossed in the tale as old as time all over again. Especially with Professor Charles Xavier’s original X-Men, including Cyclops, Jean Grey, Wolverine, Rogue, Storm, and Beast.
But what I have found to be the most gratifying in the show’s 10 aired episodes is its dedication to remaining true to its core. This is done not only through entertainment media but as a way to address real-world societal issues and points of contention. This happens through the tribulations of characters by way of solid subtext.
Our ‘mutations’ are what make us human
It is not a recent debate that Stan Lee’s nor Chris Claremont’s original concept for X-Men was meant to be a social commentary dressed up in flashy, fantastical storytelling. The legendary comic author(s) were never ones to shy away from standing against injustice or sociopolitical dissonance. They did this while not sugarcoating the topics of redemption and people growing from their mistakes and misconceptions.
However, reintroducing X-Men during the current state of world affairs is almost poetic in its timing. More people are running today from the threat of overstimulation and search for a sense of identity and belonging.
Ideals vocalized decades ago in a cartoon featuring as much hyperrealism as it does contingent tragedy finding an audience here in 2024 speak volumes. This focus right now is on how much still needs changing in society. Within the slew of 30-minute runtimes, X-Men ’97 analogizes social issues including homophobia, race and class inequalities, ableism, affairs of the heart, and more.
True to the X-Men origins
Through the timeless retelling of a classic chronicle, X-Men ‘97 presents itself as another comfort show option for escapism for both new and old fans. With new episodes airing every Wednesday while the season is running, we can only hope Stan Lee’s pleas for unity, companionship, and human empathy find a place in this day and age.
Personally, I would love for more X-Men content to be put into production and released for consumption. But I also believe that for the reasons mentioned above around what makes this production so great, X-Men is the crowning jewel of Marvel comics. It should be handled with great care. If you haven’t watched it yet, then I highly recommend it.
With the first season ending, I can definitively say this reintroduction of X-Men ‘97 has found exactly the reaction it sought. I can now reflect on its nuggets of wisdom while eagerly awaiting Season Two.
About the author
My name is Darrion Boone, and I am a writer of both trade and impassioned calling! I express myself through my words and make use of the same to highlight all manner of art and escapism media that speaks to me, and I hope, through my writing, to bring attention to such art deserving of conversation and intrigue.
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