5 key differences that set 'X-Men '97' apart from 'X-Men: The Animated Series'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Disney+ aired the first 2 episodes of 'X-Men '97', a revival of the beloved 'X-Men: The Animated Series' from the 1990s, on Wednesday, March 20. While it stays true to and brings back many elements from the original series, there are also some significant changes, many of which enhance the overall experience.
As a resurrection, 'X-Men '97' is primarily targeted at viewers who grew up watching the original series on Fox Kids during Saturday mornings, alongside other Marvel animated shows. While honoring the impressive legacy of 'X-Men: The Animated Series,' 'X-Men '97' incorporates some modern updates that cater to a more mature audience.
Brace yourself for an adventure that boldly charts new territory while paying homage to its predecessor's legacy.
Whether you're a devoted fan of the original series or a newcomer intrigued by mutants, here are 5 key differences between 'X-Men '97' and its predecessor, 'X-Men: The Animated Series'.
A new and modern title sequence
In 'X-Men '97,' the iconic title sequence from 'X-Men: The Animated Series' gets a revitalized treatment, with added detail and dynamism. While it remains essentially a revamped version of the original, there are notable changes.
The introduction of the X-Men team is reordered, now featuring segments dedicated to Bishop and Morph, along with some new fight sequences. Additionally, starting from the second episode, Magneto receives an introduction image.
The lineup of villains in the final shot is also updated to include those who appear in the series, unlike the original, which teased villains that never made an appearance.
Shorter season with longer episodes
A notable difference between the 90s animated series and 'X-Men ‘97' is the length of their individual seasons. The original show spanned 5 seasons from 1992 to 1997, with each season containing thirteen to nineteen episodes.
This longer format allowed fans ample time to immerse themselves in the world and get to know the characters. Each episode followed an episodic adventure format, offering new stories weekly.
In contrast, 'X-Men ‘97' takes a different approach with only ten episodes in its first season. This condensed format may disappoint some die-hard fans accustomed to longer seasons.
Additionally, the storytelling structure has shifted towards a more serialized approach, focusing on one overarching story throughout the season.
However, 'X-Men ‘97' presents an expanded storytelling canvas with longer episodes compared to its predecessor.
While 'X-Men: The Animated Series' stuck to the typical 20-minute episode format, 'X-Men ‘97' extends each episode to a full 30 minutes. This extra runtime allows for more intricate plots, deeper character exploration, and heightened tension.
The longer episodes provide room for nuanced storytelling, enhancing the viewing experience and offering a more mature, cinematic feel.
Character designs have been updated to be more suitable for modern age
In 'X-Men '97,' character designs receive a modern update while staying true to the beloved look of 'X-Men: The Animated Series.' Most characters retain their iconic appearances, with subtle tweaks like Storm and Bishop's updated hairstyles that draw inspiration from their comic book counterparts.
These changes pay homage to the characters' origins while enhancing their visual appeal. The most notable transformation is evident in Magneto, whose redesigned costume features a striking purple color and a prominent "M" emblem, closely resembling his iconic comic book depiction.
This careful balance of nostalgia and contemporary style breathes new life into the classic character designs while preserving their essence from the previous series.
Crafting a unified storyline
Unlike its predecessor, 'X-Men '97' takes on a different storytelling approach similar to long-form dramas. While 'X-Men: The Animated Series' often had multi-episode story arcs, these stories were usually contained within each episode.
However, 'X-Men '97' introduces a continuous storyline that spans across its episodes, connecting various plot threads and character developments. This change allows for a deeper exploration of themes, intricate character dynamics, and evolving storylines, resembling the serialized storytelling found in modern television.
By embracing this format, 'X-Men '97' delivers a more engaging and compelling experience, catering to an older audience.
Morph's non-binary identity
As fans of the original 'X-Men: The Animated Series' know well, Morph holds a special place in the hearts of millions. His tragic story and eventual death deeply affected viewers, making him one of the show's most cherished characters. Now, with 'X-Men '97,' we have the chance to see Morph again, but with a refreshing twist.
In this new series, Morph's portrayal undergoes a significant transformation. No longer limited to traditional gender norms, Morph emerges as a non-binary character, embracing a fluid identity that reflects the evolving landscape of representation and inclusivity in media.
This bold reinterpretation stays true to Morph's essence as a shapeshifter while also celebrating the diverse and complex nature of humanity.
The 'X-Men' franchise has never shied away from tackling challenging concepts, and the inclusion of non-binary representation in 'X-Men '97' is a welcome continuation of this trend. By embracing this aspect of Morph's character, the creators show a commitment to authenticity and inclusivity, elevating Morph's role within the series.
This evolution resonates with modern audiences and reinforces the ongoing relevance of the 'X-Men' franchise in addressing important social issues.
The first 2 episodes of 'X-Men '97' are streaming on Disney+