Things to Remember before Watching X Men 97
#10: Mutant-Human Relations
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From the very beginning, a leading plot point in “X-Men: The Animated Series” has been the rocky relationship between humans and mutants. Professor Xavier’s team of uncanny heroes fought tirelessly to end mutant discrimination and close the book on anti-mutant legislations. However, due to increasing fear, prejudices, and rampant anti-mutant sentiments, their efforts were never fully successful. In fact, the final episode of “X-Men: The Animated Series” saw tensions boil over so much that Professor X was brutally attacked by Henry Gyrich, an anti-mutant campaigner. “X-Men ’97” will likely continue to focus on human’s strained relationship with mutant kind and whether they can ever truly co-exist.
#9: Professor X Is Gone
Throughout “X-Men: The Animated Series,” the mutant team of heroes was led by Professor Charles Xavier – that is until the show’s finale. You see, when Xavier was attacked, his injuries were so severe that they were deemed to be fatal. The Professor’s life was ultimately saved, however, by his longtime love-interest Lilandra. The empress took Xavier to her home world where alien technology would be able to keep him from dying. While his fate on the planet is unknown, it is evident that Professor X has not returned to Earth in “X-Men ’97.” His absence is likely to affect everyone on the team in a variety of major ways.
#8: Morph Is Back
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While “X-Men: The Animated Series” ended with Professor X’s exit, it ushered in the return of Morph. The character went through the ringer on the series, starting with his supposed death in “Night of The Sentinels.” This was followed by his shocking return in “Til Death Do Us Part.” Under the influence of baddie Mister Sinister, Morph had to overcome inner turmoil to regain his identity. However, the troubled mutant was still conflicted and chose to flee. He eventually returned to rejoin the team in the finale, getting some words of encouragement from Xavier in the process. Back on the side of good, the shapeshifter will be a principle player on the team in “X-Men ’97.”
#7: Bishop’s Role
When advertisements for “X-Men ‘97” showed that Bishop would be part of the series, fans were ecstatic. But what role did the character play in the original series? For starters, Bishop was not a member of the X-Men team, this despite having made quite a few appearances. A time traveler, Bishop took part in many fan-favorite episodes that dealt with apocalyptic futures, such as “Days of Future Past” and “Time Fugitives.” However, his time-traveling journeys always ended with him returning to his own “time.” But, with “X-Men ‘97” placing him on the main roster, it looks like he’ll be sticking around for the long-haul!
#6: Magneto’s Mutant Island
By the end of “X-Men: The Animated Series,” Magneto had successfully claimed his mutant sanctuary - the island of Genosha. The island was shown throughout the series, including a memorable season one episode where the so-called mutant friendly location saw mutants being enslaved. With mutant slavery continuing at Genosha, Magneto ultimately helps free the prisoners in the season four “Sanctuary” storyline. By the time we get to the original series finale, "Graduation Day," Magneto had gathered his mutant army on Genosha, ultimately claiming it as his mutant refuge. We think it will only be a matter of time before “X-Men ’97” shows us the latest goings on at the former slave-island.
#5: Scott and Jean’s Relationship
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While “X-Men: The Animated Series” featured its fair share of explosive battles and action-packed clashes, it also zeroed in on romance from time to time. Of course, the show’s most prominent love birds were that of Jean Grey and Scott Summers (Cyclops) – this despite Wolverine’s interest in Jean. After getting engaged at the close of the first season, the pair solidified their love in Holy matrimony. “X-Men ’97” will see the relationship still intact. In fact, the couple is going to have a baby. With Jean pregnant in the continuation series, fan theories suggest that the child could end up being the time-traveler from the future, Cable! However, this remains to be seen.
#4: The Dark Phoenix Saga
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Speaking of Jean, it’s important to note the tumultuous journey the character went through on “X-Men: The Animated Series.” The show is lauded by fans and critics alike for its telling of the monumental “Dark Phoenix Saga,” – a story arc ripped from the comics. Through two sets of multi-episode storylines, the series laid out Jean’s inner torment at the hands of the Phoenix Force. She subsequently died but was brought back in a touching moment where each member of the X-Men gave a small piece of their life to save their teammate. With this storyline being such a high point for the original series, many people hope that “X-Men ‘97” will mine more narratives from the “Dark Phoenix Saga.”
#3: Where’s Apocalypse?
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“X-Men: The Animated Series” featured many formidable foes for Professor X’s team of heroes. One such threat was Apocalypse – a seemingly immortal being with exceptional strength. Like so many villains, Apocalypse wanted to rule the world, and made plenty of attempts to do just that in the series. And, it’s likely he’ll give it another go in “X-Men ’97.” But where is the villainous mastermind? The last we saw of him was in the episode "Beyond Good and Evil Part 4: End and Beginning.” After his attempts to control the entire timeline using mutant psychics was thwarted, Apocalypse’s Lazarus Chamber is destroyed – trapping his consciousness in the Astral Plane. We have a feeling he’ll find his way out though…
#2: Jubilee Is a Full-Fledged Member
From the very first episode, “X-Men: The Animated Series” shone a spotlight on teenage mutant Jubilee. Running away from home to evade the Mutant Control Agency, Jubilee is saved from a Sentinel attack at a shopping mall by the X-Men, who ultimately take her in. After thorough training sessions and plenty of adventures in her own right, the character flourished, eventually developing into a formidable member of the team. Heck, even her costume “matured” by the end of the series. It’s safe to say that Jubilee has now “fully graduated” and will play a pivotal part in the team dynamic in “X-Men ’97.”
#1: Magneto Was Very Close to World Domination
Magneto has always had a complicated relationship with Charles Xavier, and in turn, The X-Men. And, with Professor X gone, “X-Men ‘97” will see the “Master of Magnetism” take over Charles’ role as leader. But, fans should know that Magneto was on the brink of world dominance when “X-Men: The Animated Series” came to a close. When he heard of his friend's condition at the hands of the anti-mutant campaigner however, Magneto called off his battle plans to help save his former friend. Mutant dominance was not so far out of reach though – thanks to a substantial army. We’re pretty certain Magneto will have a hard time putting those bad feelings towards humans aside in “X-Men ’97.” What aspects of “X-Men: The Animated Series” do you hope to see carried over into “X-Men ‘97”? Share your uncanny thoughts in the comments below, bub!
