X-Men versus the Marauders! Can Cyclops take up the reins of leadership as everyone deals with the death of Professor X? Find out in X-Men ’97 #3 by Marvel Comics!
X-MEN ‘97 #3
Writer: Steve Foxe
Artist: Salva Espin
Colorist: Matt Milla
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Editor: Jordan White
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 22, 2024
Previously in X-Men’ 97: A prelude to the new Disney+ TV show, X-Men ’97 bridges the gap between the 90s cartoon and the new series. Cyclops has taken over the team of X-Men as they fight against Mister Sinister, who has put Sabretooth in charge of a team of evil mutants, the Marauders!
X-Men ’97 #3 starts with the X-Men fighting the Marauders and the return of Morph to the X-Men! We are introduced to Carl Denti, who will become the X-Cutioner. Denti attempts to arrest all the mutants here while Morph, Wolverine, and Storm fight off Sabretooth and his Marauders. Meanwhile, Rogue accidentally absorbs Siena Blaze’s powers and struggles to control them. Gambit jumps in to calm her down and help her work through the influx of energy. Beast, Jean Grey, and Cyclops prepare to fend off the school from Hazard. As Hazard breaks in, Jean Grey undoes the damage he caused and drives him away.
Dr. Valerie Cooper shows up and arrests Denti while apologizing to the X-Men. When they return to the school, Jean Grey finally reveals to the team that she is pregnant.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to review the X-Men ’97 title. When the first issue came out, I was caught up in the show’s hype, but as my initial interest died down, the comic felt like it lost its main selling point. This comic doesn’t have the same weight because I know how it resolves within the television show. The secret of Denti? I know who he is. Jean Grey’s pregnancy? I already know what storyline that leads too. So, as I read X-Men ’97 #3, what do I have to look forward to? I’m not sure what to focus on. The art style hits a bit of a nostalgia factor, but I know that the plotline will not resolve itself in the miniseries’ final issue. The comic is well-drawn and written but should have been released before the show’s premiere.
This is a solid book that came out at the wrong time. I’m not sure who makes the scheduling decisions, but if the Marvel team had placed this before the X-Men ’97 television show premiered, maybe even as a trade, it would hold a lot more significance. With that in mind, X-Men ’97 #3 gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Dear Spoilerite,
At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.
X-Men '97 #3
X-Men '97 #3 is a solid book that came out at the wrong time.
-
Writing5
-
Art8
-
Coloring8
Christopher Rondeau is a storyteller based in Tulsa, OK. Finding himself with little work, he ended up creating a job as a Game Master full time on the internet. Chris spends most of his days reading everything he can, writing bad fiction, and watching old Digimon cartoons with his daughter. Sometimes you can find him Dungeon Mastering a podcast or streaming on twitch. Recently, he has completed his Master's degree with a focus on collaborative storytelling. Find out more at https://rondeaucreator.com