As classic 90s superhero comic book-inspired cartoon shows go, nothing, or very few came close to X-Men. Whether it was the storytelling, arcs, design and presentation, it was well ahead of its time.

So when Disney decided to not just revive, but expand on stories told whilst slathering a modern coat on the much-beloved series first released in 1997, nostalgia was the main factor which brought a ton of viewers to tune in. But how does the show hold up once the layer of childhood wonder wears off? Marvel Studios Animation have a huge task at hand after finishing Season 1 on a high albeit a very convoluted ending.

X-Fact(or) or Fiction?

Thankfully for them and fans of the show and X-Men alike, it’s been solid. That said, fret not. This won’t be a long-winded review but instead, like each episodes in the X-Men ’97 show, a concise and precise.

Season 2 picks off with the X-Men scattered about in three different timelines which are significant for the big baddy, En Sabah Nur a.k.a Apocalypse. Having been the bane of the X-Men in season 1, mostly due to Magneto constantly switching sides, Apocalypse’s backstory and lore are explored deeper which, we believe, in turn will affect the X-Men franchise in many ways and years to come.

With over six thousand years separating them, the teams now have to find ways to not only return to the present, but also thwart Apocalypse’s plans which spell the demise of the X-Men. Despite the aforementioned ‘convoluted’ conclusion of the first season, the storytelling is very much linear, leaving little room for confusion. However, we do recommend first-time-watchers to rewatch Season 1 for clarity’s sake.

With an already stellar first season in the bag, there’s no visible drop-off with this second season save for what might be a subjective take; whether you enjoy the depiction of certain characters. There was dissatisfaction voiced about Wolverine’s character arc and role but we feel the show nailed it. Sure, Wolverine is one of, if not, X-Men’s most popular character but once he’s part of the squad; more of a bit player.

The VAs were stellar, befitting the characters they are voicing and animation-wise, still ahead of its contemporaries. The hardest task in reviewing this sophomore season of X-Men ’97 would be identifying faults, which are few and far between.

By now you would have concluded that X-Men ’97 is indeed worth investing your time in and with only three episodes released as of July 1st, there’s no rush to speedrun through it. We implore that you, at the very least, recollect the final arc of Season 1 before jumping straight into Season 2.

X/X = Perfect Landing

The sophomore season of X-Men ’97 retains the highs which made the original show a hit and why the revamped show worthy of the original series which originally aired in the nineties.

While not the perfect launchpad for new fans, Season 2 satiates the 90s cartoon aesthetic and flair like no other shows in the mid-2020s are able to replicate.

Final Score: 90/100