Marvel’s X-Men ‘97 Is the Best Animated TV Show of 2024 (Golden Issue Awards)

As someone who was a child in the ’90s and grew up with the original X-Men animated series, I can say without a doubt that X-Men ’97 is nothing short of a marvelous return to form. The show effortlessly captured the essence of what made the original so special while also elevating it to new heights.

2024 saw a wealth of impressive animated adaptations for comic enthusiasts, with both Marvel and DC properties spawning top-notch series. Existing shows like “What If…?” and “My Adventures With Superman” had new seasons, while fresh options such as “Creature Commandos” and “Batman: Caped Crusader” made their debut. Remarkably, the winner of this year’s Golden Issue Award lies in a unique category, being neither a completely new show nor a continuation of an old favorite. Instead, it managed to captivate viewers week after week with its blend of gripping action and dramatic storytelling.

And the winner for the 2024 egmr.ru Golden Issue Award for Best Animated TV Show is…

X-Men ’97!

For many viewers, the original X-Men animated series was their entry point into the Marvel Universe. Debuting on Fox Kids in 1992, the series offered a blend of superhero action with high-stakes drama. Fans didn’t just tune in to see the X-Men battle the Sentinels, Magneto, and Mr. Sinister; they were equally invested in the love triangle between Scott, Jean, and Logan, the ongoing trial of Hank McCoy, and the shocking death (and eventual resurrection) of Morph. Bringing back the show with its surviving cast might have seemed like a logical choice for Disney+, but there was a lot of risk involved, as well. Sometimes, memories are best left alone, and the original X-Men series had some lower points that are best left forgotten.

It’s great news that the revival of X-Men ’97 not only lived up to the brilliance of the original series, but surpassed it in many ways. Each week during its 10-episode debut season, viewers were hooked, with a gripping narrative, unexpected deaths, and plenty of suspense. The writers cleverly continued storylines from the initial show while also delving into unexplored comics material from over the years, some of which even post-dated the original series. Beloved stories like E is for Extinction, Inferno, Fatal Attractions, and Operation: Zero Tolerance were reimagined for TV, providing a fresh take on the 1992 X-Men cartoon characters and their adventures. The first season of X-Men ’97 was instantly recognizable yet modernized, offering an enhanced experience that few could have predicted.

As a dedicated movie critic, I must say, I was truly impressed with the reimagining presented in X-Men ’97. Unlike some previous interpretations, this series not only refreshed these timeless narratives but in certain instances, it elevated them beyond their original source material.

The X-Men animated series pioneered the first significant effort at interconnected storylines across various media beyond comics. It wove together shows such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Fantastic Four, bringing immense joy to weekend cartoon enthusiasts. While X-Men ’97 was tactful in not overwhelming with guest appearances, it successfully introduced characters that fit the narrative, from substantial roles for Captain America, to brief spots featuring Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson. The series wasn’t merely a revival of a single show, but a reintroduction to a universe that shaped many of our childhoods.

Instead of finding it challenging for the X-Men ’97 series to seem genuine to the original program, they managed to bring back numerous voice actors from the Fox series, such as Lenore Zann (Rogue), Cal Dodd (Wolverine), Alison Sealy-Smith (Storm), and George Buza (Beast). Although some roles required recasting, they brought in talented actors who effectively embodied their predecessors. The show also started with a modified take on the iconic theme song, reviving a tune that many X-Men fans can hum a cappella.

In summary, the staff at ComicBook selected X-Men ’97 as their top choice for the best animated TV show of 2024, and this decision was not made lightly. This series represented a significant effort by Disney+, and it succeeded in pleasing both longtime fans of the original show and those who were new to the series. With Season 2 on the horizon, everyone is eagerly waiting to see if it can maintain the high-quality standard set by the first season.

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2024-12-24 18:10