“X-Men ’97” has emerged as one of the standout TV shows of the year after completing its 10-episode first season on the Disney+ streaming platform, with a second season already confirmed. The series revives the Saturday-morning X-Men cartoon that aired during the 1990s and has surpassed expectations.

Set in the Marvel universe, “X-Men ’97” brings a fresh take on the nostalgic original series, maintaining the slightly limited animation movements characteristic of the 90s show but enhancing it with frequent close-ups, vivid colors, and more outlandish visuals. Unlike the serialized storytelling prevalent in many Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, “X-Men ’97” employs week-to-week cliffhangers reminiscent of classic comic book serials.

The animated series includes cameo appearances from other Marvel characters like Daredevil, Spider-Man, and Captain America, without these crossovers overtaking the primary narrative. The series also indulges in melodramatic elements and intricate character relationships, making it distinct from the often restrained depictions in the MCU films.

Throughout its episodes, “X-Men ’97” balances grounded themes of discrimination and fear with cosmic storylines involving characters like Jean Grey and her Phoenix powers. This approach makes it uniquely independent from the broader, more cohesive MCU narrative. The success of this series not only highlights the enduring appeal of the X-Men but also underscores the potential of animation to explore complex and expansive comic book lore in ways live-action adaptations sometimes cannot.