This continuation of X-Men: The Animated Series (1992) was not a show I was particularly excited about, but I knew I’d check out because I like the X-Men. I always liked how they made me feel less alone because when you grow up knowing that you’re different in some ways and that your differences can make you a target, having a band of mutants who use their gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, is quite inspiring.

As much as I love the X-Men, I don’t think I have ever seen how The Animated Series ended with Xavier nearly dying in an assassination attempt before he’s taken to space to be healed by the alien Shi’ar Empire. But X-Men’97’s premiere swiftly caught me up and immersed me into the X-Men world without its founder, leader, and protector of mutants and humans alike, Professor Charles Xavier.

Boy oh boy was I not ready for how good this show is. X-Men’97 has succeeded in surpassing all expectations with this first season. At first, I thought the narratives were going at breakneck speed glossing over many famous comic book arcs but overall narrative arcs are rich and captivating. They boldly extend to unexplored stories while remaining faithful to the essence of the original show and the comics. The action sequences are thrilling, with each battle choreographed with precision, flourish, and dynamism that does justice to these mutants’ powers.

The characters are developed well, each with arcs that explore their internal conflicts and motivations in an empathetic and nuanced way. Some internal conflicts were more interesting than others but I was always entertained. Magneto’s is particularly poignant here as he was handed the leadership of the X-Men. The way this show captured the constant struggle between his desire to protect his own species and his respect for Xavier’s more peaceful vision was *Chef’s kiss*.

The attention to detail, both in the animation and the script, is striking. I loved the easter eggs, the cameos, each plan, and each dialogue seems to have been carefully designed to enrich the X-Men universe and pay tribute to its vast legacy. The show is rich with the story and complexity of the characters that long-time fans appreciate and that newcomers will enjoy.

In the end, X-Men’97 offers an unforgettable viewing experience that pulls at your heartstrings. The series manages to be both nostalgic and innovative, paying tribute to what made the franchise successful while propelling it into the future.

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