Best of 2024: X-Men ’97 Scratched a Modern Saturday Morning Cartoon Itch

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It’s no secret that I’m deeply fond of Saturday morning cartoons. I view those times as a sort of forgotten craftsmanship, and X-Men: The Animated Series stood out as a masterpiece in that era. However, those were the days gone by. In 2024, there were several decent comic book adaptations on TV, but none quite evoked the feelings and exhilaration like X-Men ’97 did – a show that breathed life into the past and made it feel as if it was happening right now for me.

To put it simply, X-Men ’97 isn’t just a trip down memory lane for those who loved the original cartoon. Instead of being a reboot or a poorly executed sequel, it’s a continuation that aims to resonate with both new and longtime fans. The creators of X-Men ’97 recognize that many viewers have grown up since the original series ended, but they want to preserve the essence of those childhood stories while adding a touch of maturity without drastically altering the overall tone. In other words, X-Men ’97 continues the story only a few months after the original series finale, but it does so in a way that appeals to older fans who are looking for a more mature take on their beloved characters.

In an interview with AwardsDaily, executive producer Brad Winderbaum shared that one of their key objectives while creating the show was to evoke the same emotions viewers experienced when watching the original X-Men series. He explained that while the core themes remain X-Men related, they slightly intensified the drama to recreate the nostalgic feeling many had as children watching the show. Winderbaum also mentioned that everyone involved in X-Men ’97 were fans of the original series and thus infused the Saturday morning vibe throughout the writing, voice acting, and visual style of the show. Essentially, they aimed not to create something new but rather something that feels familiar – a revival of the original X-Men series. To ensure authenticity, they understood that matching a certain level was crucial to satisfy fans who are themselves invested in the series.

First up, securing the introduction was crucial – it’s like holy ground for many X-Men fans. The “Previously on X-Men” segment sets the stage perfectly. Moving forward, bringing back the original voices proved challenging due to some actors passing or no longer fitting their characters. Yet, I must say, the newcomers nailed it! It was a pleasant surprise to see some familiar faces stepping into different roles.

The animation has undergone a significant upgrade too. Initially, certain aspects seemed strange, but once in motion, the overall presentation feels dynamic and smooth, with a hint of anime style that harmoniously complements the original design and bold lines. The vibrant color scheme is a treat for the eyes, and the action sequences are electrifying, showcasing our heroes using their powers imaginatively – something not always achievable in live-action.

In a similar fashion to the initial series, the writers have reworked significant storylines for the animated adaptation, fitting “The Trial of Magneto,” “Fatal Attractions,” “Inferno,” “Lifedeath,” and “Operation: Zero Tolerance” into ten episodes. They’ve also hinted at other plot points that may become more important in future episodes.

1) The series continues from its previous installments, exploring intense storylines and challenging themes, while using our fond memories as a backdrop for an emotional impact. The benefit of not airing on the Fox Kids’ Saturday morning schedule is that it allows for more mature content, such as some violence, stronger language, character development including pregnancy, and fewer restraints during action scenes. In essence, X-Men ’97 matures with its original fans without crossing into explicit adult themes (graphic violence, nudity), maintaining its roots while remaining accessible to a diverse range of ages.

The show hasn’t lost its classic campiness; it’s rooted in comics from almost three decades ago. Although the dialogue may seem a bit hokey at times, particularly with Storm’s lines, they suit her character perfectly and remind us of our childhood excitement. There are moments when I find myself eagerly raising my fist, as if transported back to my old viewing days. The writing maintains its quality while staying true to its purpose. Occasionally, the episodes become so packed with action that the emotional scenes seem a bit over-the-top, but this is part of what makes us invested in the characters.

In this updated version, most characters underwent not only combat enhancements, but also improvements in their personalities, interactions, and story arcs. As a child, I was one of few who appreciated Cyclops, but he seems to have garnered many more fans now, and this cartoon might be among his best portrayals. The characters’ emotional struggles, including the complex love triangles that sometimes make it feel like a mutant soap opera, are almost as significant as the fights to safeguard the future. It appears that these characters are all progressing in their personal lives, evolving due to their experiences, and we seem to be spending more time with them – except for Bishop who was abruptly written off – as no single character monopolizes too much screen time (hint: Wolverine). The X-Men are an intriguing and varied ensemble of heroes who don’t always agree, their lives can be messy, and they’re not shy about showing it, which makes them more entertaining than some other well-known groups.

Wow, this series has given Bastion an amazing new edge! I’ve always admired him as a villain, but this show takes it to another level with its ’90s nostalgic charm. They’ve really nailed the way to portray him effectively. He seems more menacing in this adaptation than any of his comic book appearances.

“Tolerance is Extinction.”

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always appreciated the social commentary woven into the X-Men universe. These characters aren’t shy about standing for something significant, and even if it wasn’t intentional from the start, they’ve become symbols of tolerance throughout their journey. The franchise never shies away from grayscale issues, presenting a world where right and wrong aren’t always clear-cut. It’s refreshing to see such complexity without being overly preachy. This nuanced approach is nothing new for X-Men fans; it’s just another testament to the relevance of their stories in our real world, even when they revolve around superhuman beings.

The aim wasn’t to create something as great as the initial cartoon series, instead, we intended to develop fresh stories that would keep us eagerly anticipating the next episode like we did before. However, it’s important to note that X-Men ’97 isn’t flawless. It seems that many viewers have concerns about what was left out rather than what made it onto the screen. The series moves quickly and can feel as though it’s hurrying through some of its most compelling storylines, barely giving time for emotional moments to resonate. The original show had more episodes to work with, but perhaps a slower pace is still necessary. Some episodes seemed overly ambitious or the characters felt out of place, particularly during Xavier’s space segments. I’m in the group that believes the X-Men are stronger without Xavier being a recurring figure.

I’m still convinced that what we got was truly amazing – a nine-week run of a brand new cartoon series which provided me with an incredible experience. Spending time discussing episodes with friends, dissecting certain scenes, brainstorming potential plot developments, and revisiting old story arcs all brought joy. The excitement grew as I eagerly awaited each new episode, my anticipation reaching a boiling point before I settled down in front of my screen for the next installment. If only they had scheduled these episodes to air on Saturday mornings! In today’s world where it’s all too easy to focus on negativity and assume that everything new will be disappointing, X-Men ’97 managed to keep me from dwelling in pessimism.

Since the very first teaser, it became clear to me that something extraordinary was unfolding, reminding me of the enchantment I’d feel every Saturday morning as a kid. It may not surpass the original, but it’s certainly on par, serving as an authentic follow-up for fans who cherish the original, crafted by people equally passionate. This wasn’t merely satisfactory; they could have easily done less, yet now our beloved mutants get to continue breaking boundaries and honoring their source material. Despite some behind-the-scenes challenges, I’m thrilled beyond words for season two. While there were many impressive shows this year, none sparked the excitement in me like X-Men ’97 did.

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2025-01-07 00:11