X-Men 97 Early Reviews: ‘New and X-Traordinary Rebirth’ Must-See | web series

A week before its Disney+ premiere, X-Men 97 has already had a mix of good and bad news. Marvel’s animated series is set to revive the popular X-Men: The Animated Series from the 90s, continuing its story arc into the modern day. However, the man behind its visual design, Beau DeMaio, showrunner and executive producer, was fired before it even premiered on its preferred OTT platform on March 20. DeMaio completed work on seasons 1 and 2 before leaving the Marvel space. He was also excluded from the series’ exclusive Hollywood premiere on March 13. The reason behind the studio’s break with the creative is still shrouded in mystery. At this time, its connection to the upcoming series and its potential future seasons is unclear.

The 90s Fox Kids cartoon ended with the presumed death of Professor Charles Xavier, while other related X-Men such as Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Jean Grey, Beast, Jubilee and others continue to fight in a world that sees. They are like abominations. The Disney+ series is set to pick up where it first left off. Although DeMaio’s exit casts doubt on the future of the series, the first season will still air next week. Critics and industry insiders who were privileged to attend exclusive screenings shared their words about the fantastic experience, the upcoming premiere with endless praise and more.

Early X-Men 97 Reviews

Critics with early access to the first three episodes of Marvel’s upcoming animated title have already hailed X-Men 97 as a must-watch. Celebrating the continuation of the iconic 90’s X-Men: The Animated Series, the new iteration manages to blend all the best of the decades-old story with modern vitality. To round up what the TV show did well to bring the fan favorite to life, here are some of the plus points that critics are highlighting.

Also read | Jujutsu Kaisen creator breaks down misread claims in new character descriptions

A long story

Labeling the new release a “dream come true,” critics couldn’t stop raving about the episodes running during the standard run. The expanded time frame reportedly allows the characters’ emotional conflicts to take center stage instead of overshadowing anything monumental. One online rave even labeled the effort as a near-premiere of “Director’s Episodes.”

Due to the wide time window, the pacing of the episodes seems to be done well, leaving enough room for better and more patient storytelling. So far, what has been a win-win situation for fans despite the original X-Men Awakens controversy is starting to feel like a “proper sequel” to where the old series left off.

Overall, Disney’s new 97 series kept the original sense of epicness with a long narrative. Unlike today’s shorter seasons, the first three episodes of the X-Men revival are said to be trying to create “a big season arc, if not longer.”

Based on the drama quotient, the series has it all: love triangles, comedy, serious commentary and explosive action developments. One positive review also emphasized that X-Men 97 would leave fans with no choice but to root for Cyclops. Magneto, on the other hand, maintains a sensational sense of presence. The first three episodes are expected to deliver surprising revelations and leave you with dizzying cliffhangers that dive deep into the history of the X-Men.

Also read | A fan casting of Professor X-Magneto was recently confirmed by Giancarlo Esposito

Improved animation

The views of some experts spoke about how the series has gained a mature edge and the dialogues have also become more thought-provoking than before. The series continues to assert that despite being superheroes, the X-Men characters have a vulnerable side that causes them physical and emotional pain. Aside from delivering on the nostalgia quotient, the series seems to have gone above and beyond and creatively harnessed the strengths of the characters, which will appeal to old and new fans alike.

Fans of the old show will be able to follow the evolution of the characters and the action scenes. Some critics even went a step further to reassure anxious fans who have been waiting for the series premiere that there’s no need to worry, as the new addition sees the OG characters as you remember them, only better.

Opening credits

A valid nostalgia hit for everyone who watched the exclusive series screening in a theater full of fans. Another review of X-Men 97 on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Hearing the X-Men theme clash over a theater full of fans screaming gave me chills.” The all-new introduction seems to have faithfully recreated the beauty of the original series’ work. Still, some new character bits and other introductions paved the way for plenty of easter eggs.