Marvel Animation Boss on Why X-Men ’97 is a Trailblazer: “We’re always standing on the shoulders of giants”
Diversity is monotony’s worst enemy. In the world of movies and TV shows, where every trope seems overdone and cliche, it’s hard to find a unique path that shows something the audience has never seen before. The solution? Trying different genres and formats. Marvel is excelling in this aspect by using its same old superheroes in varied formats. If fans are tired of live-action movies and shows, they will switch to animated ones that offer a wider stage for creativity. And if fans have seen a lot of one hero, they will start focusing on other prominent ones and give a much-needed break to the fans.
Dissecting the Appeal of the Latest Marvel Animation X-Men ‘97
It’s no surprise that the X-Men from the Marvel universe are now as famous as the Avengers, if not more. Fans are elated to see the mutant gang get the attention it deserves and even get merged into the MCU canon plots. With Deadpool and Wolverine set to release in just a few months, it made sense for Marvel to bring out the big guns and put mutants at the forefront of their offerings. Therefore, they released a brand new animated series called X-Men ’97 that pays homage to its predecessor X-Men: The Animated Series.
Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios Head of TV, Streaming, and Animation, posited the idea of reviving the 90’s classic show for Disney+. Kevin Feige advised him to include the original theme song and the cast from the previous show to ensure its success. What we see today is not a revival, but rather a sequel to the classic animated show. The X-Men are left without their leader, Charles Xavier, and they are struggling to find the best way to keep his legacy going.
Many things make X-Men ‘97 an instant success. Starting from its new-age animation that shows the 90’s era, fans get a taste of nostalgia gift-wrapped in advanced technology and animation. The success of What If…? and other recent series are proof of animation’s burgeoning influence on TV today. In a conversation with The Walt Disney Company, Winderbaum adds,
“One of the things that makes Marvel storytelling unique is that we’re always standing on the shoulders of giants. This is our opportunity with our new team to carry that torch. In a way, the narrative kind of mimics the creation of the show. There’s this idea of upholding legacy that’s inherent to the DNA of the project.”
This implies in terms of both the legacy superheroes from Marvel comics and the great animators who bring those heroes on screen. The new team working on the show has to carry on the work of great creators including Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Jim Lee, Eric Lewald, and Larry Houston. Winderbaum expressed great appreciation for them as they skillfully understood the brief and brought the comics to life.
What is X-Men ‘97 About?
The continuation of the X-Men animated series showcases the team of heroes who fight foes and keep the planet safe. At the same time, they are constantly at the receiving end of hate and negativity from the world because of their powers and genetic configuration. Facing challenges from all sides, the X-Men must band together to keep their leader’s legacy alive as well.
X-Men ‘97 continues the mutant adventures across the planet in a 10-episode-long season. It is created by Beau DeMayo, offering large chunks of nostalgia, taking viewers back to their childhood days. The superhero mutants may have come a long way since then, but the love fans have for them will always remain constant.
The first two episodes of the latest animated show X-Men ’97 are now streaming on Disney+.
