“X-Males: The Animated Sequence” could have an everlasting influence as meme fodder, however to many millennials, the Fox present was a gateway into one in every of Marvel’s most venerable franchises. Earlier than the live-action blockbusters of the early aughts, and definitely earlier than the rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “The Animated Sequence” supplied a primer on mutants as a robust allegory for marginalized teams, plus iconic characters just like the saber-clawed Wolverine and telepathic Jean Gray.
Because of the intricacies of mental property rights, the X-Males have been a conspicuous absence from the MCU since its inception in 2008. Disney’s acquisition of Fox opened the door for an integration, however the Mouse Home has been affected person in deploying its new belongings. The animated collection “X-Males ‘97” marks the primary X-Males title to originate from Marvel Studios, the unit captained by energy producer Kevin Feige. Neatly, the present reintroduces the X-Males on their very own phrases, somewhat than grafting them onto a pre-existing ensemble. Underneath head author Beau DeMayo, “X-Males ‘97” can also be freed of any obligations to the MCU’s continuity. (DeMayo was just lately fired from the present, however had accomplished work by an upcoming second season.) As a direct follow-up to “The Animated Sequence” set close to the top of the final millennium, the present can dedicate its energies to doing proper by a nostalgia object whereas introducing itself to a brand new viewers. And as off-canon animation, “X-Males ‘97” can take larger, wilder swings in its story, staying true to the fantastical nature of comics writing whereas remaining grounded in characters’ feelings.
Within the finale to “The Animated Sequence,” Professor Charles Xavier was fatally shot by an anti-mutant bureaucrat. Technically, he was near-fatally shot and spirited off to an alien world for long-term care, however the first three episodes of “X-Males ‘97” simplify that background data into the easy truth of Xavier’s absence. An X-Males with no Professor X is jarring, however “X-Males ‘97” gives a bridge between previous and current in a deep bench of returning voice actors, together with Cal Dodd as Wolverine and Alison Sealy-Smith because the weather-controlling Storm. In Xavier’s absence, Cyclops (Ray Chase) has uneasily assumed the function of de facto chief, however his pregnant spouse Jean (Jennifer Hale) thinks the couple ought to take into account stepping again from saving humanity to deal with their household. Xavier, it seems, could have agreed. The premiere’s ultimate moments reveal the Professor’s chosen inheritor is his former good friend and arch-rival Magneto (Matthew Waterson), who agrees to undertake a extra peaceable imaginative and prescient of mutants’ coexistence with humanity.
This reversal immediately is sufficient to give “X-Males ‘97” its personal identification, although it’s accompanied and adopted by a slew of storylines that might every anchor their very own function movie. Right here, they’re squeezed into 30-minute increments, because the X-Males face obstacles that embody Sentinel robots, a weapon that neutralizes their powers and a psychic assault engineered by longtime nemesis Mr. Sinister (Chris Britton). At one level, it’s casually revealed {that a} main protagonist is definitely a clone of themselves; even Magneto’s conversion to the X-Males’s facet of issues is surprisingly swift and fuss-free. The tempo could be dizzying, however when rendered within the pleasantly throwback, neon-colored, two-dimensional model of the unique, it’s additionally partaking. There’s no time for issues to tug when the plot is that this packed.
“X-Males ‘97” toys with introducing a brand new mutant to function our introduction to the crew, however their presence rapidly proves pointless. “X-Males” as a complete offers with the timeless query of what an oppressed minority owes its oppressor, and particular creations just like the blue-furred scientist Beast (George Buza) and Cajun card-thrower Gambit (AJ LoCascio) have reputations that precede them. Form-shifter Morph (JP Karliak) will get a slight makeover, however whereas DeMayo has described them as nonbinary, their gender neutrality comes off extra as an extension of their longstanding superpower than a conspicuous nod to trendy mores. The X-Males are coming to the MCU quickly sufficient, many by the use of the upcoming “Deadpool 3.” However earlier than they’re used as a shot of adrenaline for a flagging mothership, it’s a pleasure to reacquaint ourselves with the X-Males on their house turf.
The primary two episodes of “X-Males ‘97” at the moment are streaming on Disney+, with remaining episodes airing weekly on Wednesdays.