X-Men ’97 excels at using a storytelling device that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has faltered with in recent years. This was apparent during the popular animated series’ first season, and the Season 2 premiere drives this subtle difference home even further.
The first season finale of X-Men’ 97 found the heroes scattered across time after saving the Earth from a deadly asteroid impact. Half the team was sent to the far future of 3960 AD, where the villain Apocalypse had conquered the Earth. The other half were sent back to Ancient Egypt in 3000 BC. It is here that Apocalypse, still known as En Sabah Nur, has only just begun his campaign to overthrow an unjust pharaoh.
As the three-episode premiere unfolds, the fates of both teams are revealed, though the middle episode is incongruously devoted to showing what has become of the Earth in the absence of the X-Men. As with the X-Men ’97 Season 1, these episodes are full of Easter eggs referencing the comics. However, these nods to the source material are largely presented without commentary or explanation. This is far different and more effective than similar nods within the recent MCU.
Why X-Men ’97 succeeds where the MCU often overexplains
Since the end of Phase 3, the MCU has treated Easter eggs as exposition. The narrative often grinds to a halt so that things can be explained. A good example of this is the Illuminati of Earth-838 in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. While it is fun to see variant characters, they add little beyond explaining the Multiverse and serving as cannon fodder to Scarlet Witch.
Contrastingly, X-Men ’97 introduces Easter eggs purely as a nod to the 1990’s Marvel Animated Universe and as a treat for dedicated fans. A good example of this is the cameo by Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson from Spider-Man ’94 in the X-Men ’97 Season 1 finale. These nods do not distract from the narrative. Moreover, they allow more casual superhero fans to enjoy the show without feeling they have to do research beforehand. That belief, sadly, has become all too common as the MCU setting has become more complex.
X-Men ’97 Season 2 continues this trend, trusting in the intelligence of its audience and teasing without overexplaining. Comic fans know who Mother Askani is, but “Days of Past Future” drops clues to her connection to the X-Men without naming her. “A Force To Be Reckoned With” features cameos by multiple young Mutants (like Kid Omega and Monet) but recognizing them isn’t necessary to the story. And it is enough to know that the pharaoh Rama-Tut who opposes Apocalypse possesses advanced technology. Knowing he is a variant of Kang is unimportant. However, newcomers might guess his identity even before Rama-Tut calls himself “a conqueror.”
X-Men ’97: Season 2, Episodes 1-3 are now streaming on Disney+.
Originally reported by Matt Morrison for SuperHeroHype.
