One of the most popular iterations of the X-Men was the animated series that ran from 1992 – 1997. Whether, you caught it every Saturday morning, watched the reruns or ‘borrowed’ the VHS tapes from older siblings, it was a staple in households who loved X-Men! It was made popular because of its great storytelling, vibrant animation and wide variety of featured mutants hitting our televisions each week. X-Men ‘97 is a direct sequel to the original show with a little space in between the original and new. I am here to dive into the main characters and highlight comic stories that I think showcase that character the best!
(Editors Note: This post was written after viewing episode one to minimize spoilers, but does contain a minor spoiler in the next paragraph.)
In the passing of Charles Xavier, the school and team are left in the hands of Erik Lensherr a.k.a. Magneto. Magneto first appeared in X-Men #1 (1963), written by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. In this we see him as an adult however if you want to learn more about how he became Magneto, I recommend X-Men Magneto Testament (2008) #1-5. We see Erik as a child where it is revealed how his mind and body started manifesting into the mantle of Magneto. It is a Marvel Knights title so parental advisory is recommended! If you want to see a Magneto that is similar to how we see him in X-Men ‘97, I recommend Uncanny X-Men #200 (1985). This was dubbed the Trial of Magneto, though that name was later reused for another story in 2021. We see him go on trial as terrorists are demanding he be freed. If you are just looking for a powerful, radical Magneto, his 2014 run dubbed “Magneto” was a 21-issue run that showcases him fighting for Mutant kind and showing why his name should be feared.
The other team leader is Cyclops a.k.a. Scott Summers, the oldest of the Summers brothers. He also first appeared in X-Men #1 (1963). We see him take on the role of a leader right from the get go, showing his refined leadership and control over his powers. One of the best runs to show how he takes on the leadership mantle is Astonishing X-Men (2004) by Josh Whedon, specifically issues #1-12. This dives into the beginning of the status quo of Cyclops as true leader of the X-Men and the Institute, without Xavier around. Another great Cyclops story is the Messiah Trilogy, roughly right around the same time as Astonishing X-Men, this showcases truly what Cyclops is capable of. This is collected in X-Men Milestones: Messiah Complex (X-Men: Messiah Complex One-Shot (2007), Uncanny X-Men #492-494, X-Men (vol. 2) 205-207, New X-Men (2004) 44-46, X-Factor (2005) 25-27) and X-Men Milestones: Messiah War (X-Force/Cable: Messiah War (2009) #1, Cable (2008) #13-15, X-Force (2008) #14-16, X-Men: Future History – The Messiah War Sourcebook (2009) #1.
Jean Grey is often looked at as one of the most popular mutants with her vast range of power. She has had many mantles over the years that have been popular including Marvel Girl, Phoenix, and Dark Phoenix. She also has been there since the beginning having her first appeared in X-Men #1 (1963). Most people look at her and know her for her iconic moments as Phoenix in movies and comics, but she has some moments that are way cooler than that! Following the aftermath of her time as Phoenix, X-Factor #38 (1986) is one of her most interesting battles as she fights her clone, Madelyne Prior who has become Goblin Queen. It showcases Jean’s Powers in a fight worth reading! Plus, Goblin Queen is talked about making an appearance in X-Men ‘97! If looking for a Phoenix style story following Jean Grey, I recommend Phoenix Resurrection The Return Jean Grey (2017). This five-part mini ushered in the return of Jean and showcases her connection with the Phoenix force where she shows she’s more than just the Phoenix force.
Rogue a.k.a. Anna Marie, is often seen and paired with long time partner Gambit a.k.a. Remy Etienne LeBeau. Both share a chemistry that many have known as the X-Men couple besides Jean and Scott and Logan. Rogue first appeared in Avengers Annual #10 (1981) by Chris Claremont. Gambit first in story appearance is in The Uncanny X-Men #266 (Aug. 1990) by Chris Claremont though he did appear in The Uncanny X-Men Annual #14 (1990) by Chris Claremont prior to #266 due to a release error. One of the more significant and fun Rogue runs would be X-Men #188-204 (2004) by Mike Carey. This is the start of Carey’s run, leading her own team vs Children of the Vault and Marauders. His whole run showcases her leading capabilities and is great for Rogue’s character. For Gambit, while not a run, the best version of his character is in X-23 by Marjorie Liu (2008). It is one of his most well written supporting roles and gives him this big brother energy that I feel makes you appreciate the character the most. Now I put these two together because the best issue for both of them together is X-Men Gold #30 (2018) by Marc Guggenheim. While controversial, I think it showcases their love in the best way possible and spins them truly as fan favorite characters. It is further shown in Mr. and Mrs. X (2018) by Kelly Thompson.
While one of the original X-Men (first appearing in X-Men #1 (1963) as well) and probably one of the smartest, Beast a.k.a. Hank McCoy is a difficult to find a good run with. He is one of the original 5 that has gone through the most character change in recent years with many people starting to hate him as a character. His earlier runs are where he appears as his best version. S.W.O.R.D by Kieron Gillen (2009) is a four-part mini-series that spins from Astonishing X-Men handles Beast in one of his best stories yet. I do recommend starting at Astonishing X-Men (2004) by Josh Whedon and continuing that run to get the most out of S.W.O.R.D but not a requirement.
One of the first Mutants we are introduced to in the original show, Jubilee a.k.a. Jubilation Lee is a mutant who recruited herself to the team by following the X-Men back home after being saved. She first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #244 (1994) written by Chris Claremont. One of her main stories to check out would be Generation X (1994) by Scott Lobdell. It is a 75-issue run with many Jubilee focused issues, including finding people involved in the murder of her parents. It is a great way to see her young and get major character development. Following that, if looking for a leader like role, Generation X (2017) by Christina Strain is a great run to see her lead and teach a new generation of X-Men.
From being married to Black Panther to being one of the most popular and strongest on the team, Storm a.k.a. Ororo Munroe is a powerhouse who is often put in positions of power/leadership whether a team or planet. She first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975) by Len Wein. A great early mini-series is X-Men Worlds Apart (2008) by Christopher Yost. We see a powerful and cunning storm go through hardship as many of her titles start to clash and she must investigate a murder. It is a great mini to show off her many titles and roles. One of her most iconic moments appear in S.W.O.R.D (2020) by Al Ewing. In this run we are on the recent terraformed planet of Mars as we are seeing Storm step up into a seat of power. While a short run of only 11 issues, it is a great way to see her lead and continue in X-Men Red (2022) by Al Ewing where we focus on her and the planet of Arakos.
The time traveler of the team, Bishop a.k.a Lucas Bishop, comes from a future of hunting down mutants. His first appearance is in Uncanny X-Men #282 (1991) by John Byrne and Whilce Portactio. A great start on learning more about Bishop is his origin story titled, X-Men: The Times and Lives of Lucas Bishop (2009) by Duane Swierczynski. This was a three-part mini-series going 50 years into the future to learn about Bishop and his family and who the green-eyed monster is. For a more recent story during the Krakoan era, I feel Marauders (2019) by Gerry Duggan is a great story plus who doesn’t want to see him gallivanting as a pirate? Overall, Bishop has had some solid stories and it’s hard to pick as he’s become a key member in stories over the past 15 years.
Unfortunately, the X-Men with the smallest comic appearances is Morph a.k.a. Kevin Sidney. While he goes by Changeling in the comics he doesn’t appear long in the comics. First appearing in X-Men #35 (1967) by Roy Thomas, he starts off as a villain working for the Organization Factor Three. Later betraying the organization and working for Charles before his death, 7 issues after his first appearance. Not much is known about him but if you would like to read about him start with his first appearance and go until his death in X-Men #42 (1968).
Saving the most well-known for last, Wolverine a.k.a. James Howlett and a.k.a. Logan. His first appearance is argued by many as he makes a cameo in Incredible Hulk #180 and his first full appearance in Incredible Hulk #181 both by Len Wein. Personally I’m team Incredible Hulk #181 as his first appearance. He has had many great stories over the years, though if looking for a long run I highly suggest Wolverine (1988) written by Chris Claremont, Peter David, Archie Goodwin, Jo Duffy and many others. It ran for 189 issues and is a highly regarded Wolverine run. Some key arcs in it include The Dying Game from issues 87-100, Not Dead Yet from issues 119-122 and Shadow of Apocalypse from issues 133-149. Another popular run is Old Man Logan (2016) which ran for 50 issues and was written by Jeff Lemire and Ed Brisson. This takes on an older, more dystopian version of Wolverine exploring a different realm where many heroes were killed. My last recommendation for him is Death of Wolverine (2014) by Charles Soule. One of the most anticipated events of its time, definitely one of his top mini-series!
Lastly if you are just looking for excitement for X-Men ‘97 #1 by Steve Foxe released a few weeks ago, acting as a prelude to the new show so definitely check it out! You can check out other X-Men animated stories such as X-Men 92 (2015) and X-Men 92 House Of XCII (2022) to continue learning more about the animated universe! Thanks for diving into all of these X-Men with me!
