'X-Men '97': Disney+ teases Forge's comic book-inspired storyline in riveting Episode 4
Contains spoilers for 'X-Men '97'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'X-Men '97' the revival of 'X-Men: The Animated Series', introduces new characters from the comics, including the mutant-hating X-Cutioner and Jean Grey's clone, Madelyne Pryor.
In recent episodes titled 'Fire Made Flesh' and 'Montendo/Lifedeath — Part 1' which were aired on Wednesday, April 3, another new mutant, Forge, made an appearance.
Forge, a mutant inventor, offers assistance to Storm (voiced by Allison Sealy-Smith) to regain her lost powers after a battle with the X-Cutioner. However, this introduction raises questions: Who is Forge, and could his arrival signal trouble for the X-Men?
Forge's relationship with the X-Men and Storm
Forge made his debut in Uncanny X-Men #184 by Chris Claremont and John Romita Jr, the same issue in which Storm lost her powers.
Their connection deepened in the Lifedeath story in Uncanny X-Men #186, revealing a romantic involvement marred by Forge's creation of the weapon that stripped Storm of her abilities (similar to what we saw in 'X-Men '97').
As further issues unfolded, Forge's backstory emerged, a Vietnam War veteran whose injuries activated his mutant powers, granting him the ability to comprehend and fabricate intricate machinery.
Utilizing his gifts, Forge crafted cybernetic prosthetics to replace his lost limb and leg.
However, Forge's past deeds returned to haunt him with the emergence of the Adversary, a demonic entity. Seeking vengeance for his fallen comrades, Forge inadvertently unleashed the Adversary by tapping into his latent magical talents, leading to dire consequences.
Later, the Adversary transported Forge and Storm to another realm, where he restored her powers.
Following the events of the Fall of the Mutants storyline, where Storm and the X-Men appeared to have perished, Forge aligned himself with the mutant team Freedom Force, which consisted of former members of the Brotherhood of Mutants.
During his time with Freedom Force, Forge even engaged in a romance with Mystique before being recruited by Banshee to assist in locating the missing X-Men. Upon rejoining the team, Forge continued to aid them and other mutant heroes in their ongoing battles.
Forge's X-Factor hinted at in 'X-Men '97'
In 'Lifedeath — Part 1' of 'X-Men '97', much of the story aligns with the comics. Storm distances herself from Forge after discovering his involvement in creating depowering technology, and both find themselves trapped by the Adversary in a living nightmare.
However, keen-eyed Marvel fans might have noticed Forge's connection to another superhero team. While showing Storm around his Dallas, Texas home, Forge's basement walls are adorned with photos of X-Factor, a team of mutant heroes.
X-Factor, previously seen in 'X-Men: The Animated Series', includes Havok, Cyclops's solar-powered brother; Polaris, who possesses control over magnetism; Wolfsbane, a shapeshifter; Quicksilver, known for his speed and as Magneto's son; Jamie Madrox, who can duplicate himself; and Strong Guy, nearly indestructible.
Unlike the X-Men, X-Factor enjoys government support and public adoration as heroes. Forge served as their government contact in the comics.
Originally, X-Factor comprised the original X-Men members: Cyclops, Beast, Iceman, Archangel, and Jean Grey. They initially posed as mutant hunters who secretly aided mutants, but later rebelled against their anti-mutant manager, Cameron Hodge.
'X-Men '97' hints at the formation of the original X-Factor, particularly with Cyclops questioning his role on the team and Jean returning after being cloned by Mr Sinister. Regardless, Forge might have a significant role in the rest of the season.
4 episodes of 'X-Men '97' are now streaming exclusively on Disney+ with new episodes airing every Wednesday.