Summary

• X-Men '97 faithfully recreates the beloved X-Men: TAS, with many original elements and characters returning for a nostalgic reboot.
• The revival includes modern updates for a mature audience, changes to the title sequence, new voice cast , and updated character designs.
• X-Men '97 introduces longer episodes with a more detailed animation style and adopts an overarching narrative approach for a more engaging viewing experience.

While Marvel's X-Men '97 is a revival of the classic X-Men: The Animated Series that aired throughout the 1990s. As such, many elements from X-Men: The Animated Series have been faithfully recreated and reassembled. However, there are some distinct changes, many for the better.

other Marvel animated series. Consequently, X-Men '97 includes some modern updates more appropriate for a mature audience, while fully maintaining X-Men: TAS's impressive legacy.

10 Updated Title Sequence

The X-Men '97 Title Sequence Is A Thrilling Tribute To X-Men: TAS

X-Men '97 revitalizes the iconic title sequence from X-Men: The Animated Series, infusing it with enhanced detail and dynamism. Though essentially a revamped rendition of the original, there are some notable changes. The order in which the X-Men team is introduced is altered, including incorporating segments dedicated to Bishop and Morph, alongside some new fight sequences. Furthermore, starting from the second episode, Magneto is also given an introduction image. The line-up of villains in the final shot has also been changed to include those who appear in the series, unlike the original series, which teased villains that were never depicted.

9 Some New Voice Cast

Many Original Cast Returned

Many of the beloved original cast from X-Men: The Animated Series are making a triumphant return to reprise their iconic roles in X-Men ‘97. However, the ing of Norm Spencer and David Hemblen has led to the respectful replacement of Cyclops and Magneto. Additionally, the voices behind Jean Grey, Bishop, and Gambit have all been replaced. Notably, Alyson Court's return is marked by a shift as she respectfully steps aside from the role of Jubilee, advocating for authentic representation by suggesting the part be played by an Asian actor – though Court is scheduled to play a villainous Jubilee variant.

8 Updated Character Designs

Many Character Designs From X-Men: TAS Have Been Maintained

X-Men '97 adeptly modernizes character designs while honoring the beloved aesthetic of X-Men: The Animated Series. While maintaining the iconic looks of most characters, subtle updates, like Storm and Bishop's refined hairstyles, seamlessly integrate elements from their comic book iterations. These enhancements pay homage to their origins while enhancing visual appeal. The most significant transformation is seen in Magneto, whose revamped costume boasts a bold purple hue and a prominent "M" emblem, aligning closely with his famed comic portrayal. This thoughtful blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair breathes fresh life into the classic character designs.

7 Rogue & Magneto's Relationship History

X-Men '97 Teases The Pair's Controversial Romance

X-Men '97 boldly diverges from its predecessors by canonizing the controversial romance between Rogue and Magneto, as seen in Marvel Comics. Presumably occurring before the events of X-Men: The Animated Series, the revival tantalizingly teases their relationship, adding a layer of complexity to their dynamic. Notably, the show hints at Magneto's immunity to Rogue's powers, hinting at potential narratives but proffering no definitive explanation. This departure from the established canon adds depth to the narrative, exploring uncharted territory while remaining faithful to the source material, promising intriguing developments befitting X-Men ‘97’s more mature tone.

6 Bishop & Morph Are Full-Time

Bishop & Morph Appeared In A Handful Of X-Men: TAS Episodes

In X-Men '97, the X-Men team sees notable expansion with the inclusion of Bishop and Morph as full-time . While both characters made sporadic appearances in X-Men: The Animated Series, their roles have been solidified within the team. Morph's journey is particularly intriguing, seemingly killed in the series premiere (“Night of the Sentinels"), only to resurface under Mister Sinister's control before ultimately reing the team in the finale (“Graduation Day”). Similarly, Bishop, previously depicted as a time traveler entangled in various temporal narratives (including “Days of Future Past”), now finds a permanent place among the present-day X-Men without a definitive explanation.

5 New End Credits Music

X-Men: TAS Featured A Rock Music End Credits Theme

X-Men '97 diverges from its predecessor by employing a distinct end credits theme. Unlike the guitar riff-driven, 90s rock theme of X-Men: The Animated Series, the reboot opts for an orchestral arrangement. This departure adds a touch of grandeur and sophistication to the closing credits, bolstering the overall cinematic experience. The use of orchestral elements underscores the emotional resonance of each episode, alongside an updated version of the original’s end credits sequence. Through this subtle yet significant musical choice, X-Men '97 establishes its own unique identity while honoring the legacy of the beloved animated series.

4 Updated Theme Song

The X-Men: TAS Theme Is One Of The Most Iconic Ever

X-Men '97 preserves the iconic theme tune of its predecessor, faithfully retaining its melody while delivering it in higher audio quality. This revamped rendition maintains the nostalgic original perfectly but with enhanced clarity and depth. However, the rearranged character introductions prompt a subtle but notable change: the placement of sound effects. By adjusting these effects to align with the reorganized sequence of character appearances, the theme tune seamlessly integrates with the updated title sequence, providing a fresh rendition of the iconic theme song from X-Men: The Animated Series with modern audio technology and quality.

3 Longer Episodes

X-Men: TAS Episodes Were 20 Minutes Long

X-Men '97 presents an expanded storytelling canvas with its longer episodes, a departure from the format of its predecessor. While X-Men: The Animated Series adhered to 20-minute episode lengths typical of Saturday morning cartoons, X-Men '97 extends each installment to a full 30 minutes. This additional runtime allows for more intricate plot developments, deeper character exploration, and heightened dramatic tension. The extended episodes afford ample space for nuanced narratives to unfold, enriching the viewing experience and allowing for greater immersion into the world of mutants, and offering a more mature, cinematic experience.

2 More Detailed Animation

X-Men: TAS Episodes Habe Struggled To Retain Their Visual Quality

X-Men '97 elevates its visual presentation with a sleeker animation style, leveraging advanced technology to enhance detail and beauty. While maintaining the tradition of hand-drawn animation and utilizing many of the same talented crew , the series benefits from improved tools and techniques, resulting in more refined visuals. Notably, X-Men '97 adopts a widescreen format, providing a cinematic viewing experience that enhances immersion. This departure not only modernizes the presentation but also addresses previous visual quality issues that plagued X-Men: The Animated Series. The superior animation quality ensures that X-Men '97 captivates fully with its stunning visuals.

1 An Overarching Narrative

X-Men: TAS Had A More Episodic Structure

In a significant change from its predecessor, X-Men '97 adopts an overarching narrative approach akin to long-form drama. X-Men: The Animated Series often featured multi-episode story arcs and sagas, but these typically entailed stories contained within said episodes. In contrast, X-Men '97 unfolds a continuous storyline across its episodes, weaving together interconnected plot threads and character developments. This shift allows for deeper exploration of themes, complex character dynamics, and evolving storylines, akin to serialized storytelling in contemporary television. By embracing this format, X-Men '97 offers audiences a more compelling and engaging experience more appropriate for an older audience.