As X-Men ’97 delves into the origins of the beloved X-Men franchise, it’s no surprise that nostalgia plays a significant role in the show. Fans of the beloved comics will quickly recognize the iconic characters and storylines, with the latest episode taking a humorous nod to the team’s early days. Cyclops’ quip about Cable’s new costume sparks a humorous exchange, referencing the 2000 film adaptation’s memorable exchange. The tongue-in-cheek remark not only highlights the advancements in the superhero genre but also underscores how the X-Men have moved beyond their humble beginnings.
As fans tune in, they’ll notice subtle changes to the team’s attire. Cyclops and Jean Grey return to their roots, donning outfits reminiscent of their early days as students under Charles Xavier. Wolverine, Nightcrawler, and Storm’s new designs draw inspiration from the 1975 issue of Giant-Size X-Men #1, which catapulted the X-Men to Marvel Comics stardom. Meanwhile, Jubilee sports a black bodysuit, a nod to her vampire-centric storyline, while Cable’s outfit pays homage to his appearance in the 2000 fighting game Marvel VS Capcom 2.
A Still From X-Men ’97 (Via IMDB)
The show is more than just a retrospective for comic book enthusiasts – it also nods to significant events in the X-Men’s history. Showrunner Beau DeMayo revealed that X-Men ’97 would pay tribute to the 1989 animated pilot, Pryde of the X-Men, which brought the X-Men together to battle Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants. This animated pilot drew heavily from Chris Claremont’s run on the X-Men comics, cementing its place in the franchise’s history.
In a nostalgic move, the show references the 1990 video game X-Men, developed by Activision, which featured the X-Men fighting against Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants. Fans can now stream X-Men ’97 on Disney+ in the United States, with the Season 1 finale premiering next Wednesday. As X-Men ’97 continues to weave its narrative threads, it’s clear that the show’s creators are committed to honoring the franchise’s rich history, while also boldly pushing the boundaries of the X-Men’s mythology.
