Timing is everything, so it’s no surprise that X-Men ’97, the comic series, is out today just a week after the animated series launched. This new comic serves as a prequel to the animated show, revealing what the X-Men were up to and connecting some dots. You’ll feel right at home once you crack this comic open, especially since it’s the same creative team behind X-Men ’92: House of XCII.
A couple of things are apparent from the very first scene in this issue. First, Steve Foxe understands the dynamics of these characters, and it doesn’t stray a bit from the original series in that regard. The other is how artist Salva Espin’s style perfectly embodies the cartoony look with clean lines and simpler backgrounds. Fans of the cartoon will have no problem picking this up and enjoying it.
As far as the plot goes, there’s plenty of action and interpersonal intrigue. Jean is trying to get Cyclops’ ear, but he’s too focused on the team to give her the time of day. She’s got something to tell him, and if you’ve watched the new animated show, you can probably guess what it is. It’s also fun to see Cyclops and Wolverine duke it out. Their relationship continues to be unhealthy, yet they respect each other.
Nice to see these two still hate each other.
Credit: Marvel
There are multiple fight scenes in this issue alone, starting with a Magneto battle in the Danger Room. Dazzler factors into the later conflicts as she’s become a target of the Friends of Humanity. Espin makes sure each mutant gets something to do, with Jubilee getting some of the cooler fight choreography. Matt Milla excels at slapping this book with bright, cartoony color choices.
This issue doesn’t quite escape the slightly unnecessary feel of the story being told, though. Since it’s a prequel, we know where things like Jean’s secret are going, and the issue doesn’t dig too deeply into the larger world. It’s enough to connect to the new show, but doesn’t tread its own ground. The biggest way it defines itself is the reveal of a major supervillain by the end of the issue. We’ll see how far the story takes him, but fans of the show will be dying for more from him, and that’s likely enough of a draw to keep reading.
X-Men ’97 #1 is the perfect complement to the new animated series. It may retread a few things in the new episodes, but it also functions as a way to give us more stories in this universe. It also plays well as a prequel; it’s unfortunate that we don’t have the entire series already while the show continues!
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