Let’s head back to the 90s with X-Men ’97 by Marvel Comics and revisit the world of the hit X-Men cartoon, bridging the gap between the previous seasons and the new revitalization of the show!

X-MEN ‘97 #1

Writer: Steve Foxe
Artist: Salva Espin
Colorist: Matt Milla
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Editor: Jordan White
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: March 26th, 2024 

Previously in X-Men ’97: Charles Xavier set up a school for mutants who are hated and feared by the world they swore to protect. Peter Gyrich outed Xavier as a mutant and dealt him an injury that killed him. Now, the X-Men have to find their footing without Professor X as the world reacts to his supposed death.

X-Men ’97 #1 starts with practice in the Danger Room as Cyclops leads the X-Men to fight Magneto. However, he struggles to lead the team, especially Wolverine, who struggles to follow Scott’s orders. Before they can hash out their emotions, the Friends of Humanity kidnapped Dazzler, who was set to perform at the Xavier Memorial Concert. The team heads out, and Jean Grey noticeably stays behind. After rescuing Dazzler, they meet Valerie Cooper, a U.N. Liaison trying to actively repair relations with mutants.

Back at the mansion, Cyclops focuses on the team and ignores Jean Grey. Jubilee prepares for the concert with Dazzler, and Storm gets a haircut. As Jubilee, Rogue, Gambit, and Bishop fend off another attack on Dazzler, this time by the Nasty Boys, Cyclops learns that Jean is pregnant. After the embarrassing defeat, the Nasty Boys meet with Mister Sinister, who looks to attack the X-Men and search for new allies.

A lot has happened in this thirty-page comic, and I am living for the plotlines here. When I watched the new season of X-Men ’97 on Disney+, I was on board for the show. In fact, I watched it twice; I was so pleased with it and hit a nostalgia factor. I admit I still had a bit of that high when I sat down to read X-Men ’97 #1. It helped clarify the television series and had unique characterization and interpersonal relationships. Every character introduced here had a moment that stood out, and that is impressive ensemble cast management. Everything from the conflict between Wolverine and Cyclops to the flirty nature of Storm, Jubilee, and Bishop was masterfully executed and done in a way that wasn’t overwhelming to the reader. This was a breath of fresh air amidst the chaos of the current Fall of X run.

The art style attempts to mimic the television show, but the colors sometimes feel a little flat. So much so that I found myself enjoying the writing rather than looking at the images. It is hard to pinpoint if it is because the inker didn’t incorporate enough texture or if the colors didn’t shade enough, but the art style didn’t stand out for me.

I loved X-Men ’97 #1. I thought this was a great book with great ideas, but I wonder if it was just targeted at me, a 90s kid. But at the moment, it hit every story beat I wanted and appealed to me as a writer and storyteller. With that in mind, this comic gets a 4 out of 5 stars!

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X-Men '97 #1

80%

80%

On Board

X-Men '97 #1 hits the nostalgia feels while also appealing to my storytelling sensibilities as a 90s kid.

• Writing

  10
• Art

  7
• Coloring

  7
• User Ratings (0 Votes)
  0