Fans of the X-Men ’97 TV show can get even more via Marvel Comics’ prequel series by the same name. There are a couple of reasons to like the series, like how the first issue properly set up the main villain, Mr. Sinister. He’s got a horde of villains backing him as the cover gives away with a Sabretooth vs. Wolverine showdown. Meanwhile, Wolverine is steaming from the news that Jean Grey is pregnant. The drama doesn’t stop in this animated series universe!
X-Men ’97 #2 opens with a news briefing of where we left off, which is apt since the “previously on” of the animated show is so iconic. Mr. Sinister is pissed his attack didn’t work, but he’s more than happy to know his new project inside Jean is on the way. Longtime X-Men fans will know who that is, but even newbies can get the gist.
Steve Foxe continues to write a great series with plenty of nods to the animated show, ensuring each character sounds like themselves. That includes the natural-born leader of Cyclops, who is tough and even tougher when his baby momma is under attack.
A few emotional scenes keep the fans of these characters intrigued, including Jean and Cyclops excited for the baby and a quick scene between Storm and Wolverine. These moments feel tender and strike a familiar cord. That’s X-Men through and through. Since this is a prequel, we kind of know where things are going, but it’s still nice to see character work happening. Heck, even seeing Rogue jealous of Gambit eyeing Dazzler comes with some fun baggage when you know what happens in the new show.
Gambit, you dog.
Credit: Marvel
There’s plenty of action to be had with a ton of underused mutant villains popping up. I mean, how many folks remember Siena Blaze? Sabretooth is in there, and he offers up some nice Wolverine hatred. The good guys vs. the bad guys in the form of teams is a nice change of pace. Foxe clearly put some thought into the powers and how they’d interact.
Art by Salvador Espin continues to be perfect for a comic based on an animated series. The cel-shaded look mimics the show with plenty of detail to go with it. Facial expressions are spot on as well like Rogue’s carefree and fun attitude or the subtle notes from Jean, who is concerned Cyclops is risking limb to save her.
We’re two issues in, and I already wish this four-issue series was ongoing. Foxe nails each character, and Salva is the perfect artist to bring out the animated show’s charm in comic book format. Accept no substitutions. X-Men ’97 is the real deal and a perfect complement to the animated series.
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