Summary

• X-Men ’97 season 1 revisited beloved characters from TAS but missed some essential ones, leaving room for a promising season 2.
• Notable cameos in X-Men ’97 hinted at characters like Mystique, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, and more, setting the stage for potential appearances.
• With exciting teases of characters like Mystique, Quicksilver, and others in X-Men ’97, season 2 promises to deliver even more thrilling narratives.

X-Men ’97 season 1 missed some essential X-Men characters previously that were established in X-Men: The Animated Series. With a thrilling first season, Marvel‘s X-Men ’97 revived the beloved X-Men: TAS from the 1990s. While the series’ first season included many vital X-Men characters who appeared in X-Men: The Animated Series, some were notably absent.

X-Men ’97 season 1 featured a swathe of great characters and cameos, most notably X-Men ’97 episode 10 “Tolerance is Extinction – Part 3.” While many of these instances helped provide some idea of what happened to characters after the original series finished, numerous characters who appeared regularly have not appeared in the revival. However, many of these could appear in X-Men ’97 season 2, which promises to deliver an equally dynamic season judging by the X-Men ’97 season 1 finale.

11 Colossus Was Invited To Join The X-Men

Colossus Appeared In X-Men: TAS, Season 1, Episode 8 “The Unstoppable Juggernaut” & Season 2, Episode 4 “Red Dawn”

Colossus, also known as Piotr “Peter” Nikolaievitch Rasputin, is a long-standing X-Men member who first appeared in the seminal Giant-Size X-Men #1 in 1975. Colossus is a mutant who can transform his body into organic steel, granting him superhuman strength and durability. Colossus appeared in just two X-Men: The Animated Series episodes, “The Unstoppable Juggernaut” and “Red Dawn.”

In these episodes, Colossus assisted the X-Men in battling villains but ultimately declined their invitation to join the team. He chose to remain in Russia to care for his younger sister, Illyana, and help rebuild his homeland. Despite only a few appearances, Colossus was a memorable ally and featured in some of the best X-Men: The Animated Series episodes, he is therefore likely to appear in X-Men ’97 in a future narrative.

10 Mystique’s Absence Is Particularly Strange

Mystique Appeared In 10 Episodes Of X-Men: TAS

Mystique, whose real name is Raven Darkhölme, is a complex character often characterized as an anti-hero or villain. She first appeared in Ms. Marvel #16 in 1978, and in X-Men: The Animated Series, led the Brotherhood of Mutants, often clashing with the X-Men. Mystique was pivotal in several classic X-Men: TAS stories, including “Days of Futures Past” and “The Cure,” during which time she worked for Apocalypse.

In X-Men: TAS, Mystique was portrayed as a ruthless and cunning adversary, capable of intricate schemes and deceptions, appearing in numerous narratives. As such, her absence from X-Men ’97 season 1 is especially confounding. However, the exploration of familial themes between Rogue and Nightcrawler suggests that Mystique could appear in the future – as Mystique is Nightcrawler’s mother and Rogue’s foster mother. Both of these were explored separately in X-Men: TAS but could be brought together more effectively if Mystique returns in X-Men ’97.

9 Quicksilver And Scarlet Witch Were Teased

Quicksilver And Scarlet Witch Appeared Together In X-Men: TAS Season 2, Episode 5 “Repo Man” & Season 4, Episode 13 “Family Ties” ​​​

Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff) and Quicksilver (Pietro Maximoff) are twin siblings in the Marvel universe, known for their significant roles in various superhero teams. They first appeared way back in X-Men #4 in 1964. Initially introduced as members of Magneto’s Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, they later join the Avengers, becoming respected heroes in their own right.

In X-Men: The Animated Series, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver appeared together in two episodes where they learned that Magneto was their father. Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver’s portrayal emphasized the tension between their familial loyalty and their moral compass, adding depth to their characters and illustrating their journey from villains to conflicted heroes. The siblings were teased in X-Men ’97, though, seen as silhouetted visions inside Magneto’s mind during episode 10, “Tolerance Is Extinction – Part 3.” Morph also transformed into Quicksilver in X-Men ’97 episode 7.

8 Sabretooth Was A Terrifying Presence In X-Men: TAS

Sabretooth Appeared In 11 Episodes Of X-Men: TAS

Sabretooth is one of the most formidable Wolverine villains in Marvel Comics. Debuting in Iron Fist #14 in 1977, Sabretooth was born Victor Creed and has a feral nature and an intense bloodlust. His long-standing rivalry with Wolverine is central to his character, driven by a complex mix of hatred and mutual respect. Sabretooth appeared multiple times as a significant antagonist in In X-Men: The Animated Series, typically in a bid to torment Wolverine.

Sabretooth’s portrayal in X-Men: TAS emphasized his violent nature and deep-seated animosity toward Wolverine. It explored their bitter rivalry and shared history, delving into Wolverine’s mysterious past while Sabretooth repeatedly attempted to upset his new life with the X-Men. Sabretooth’s fearsome demeanor would translate well to X-Men ’97, and he appears in the X-Men ’97 opening credits and will likely feature in subsequent seasons.

7 Havok’s Relationship With Cyclops Is Still Unexplored

Havok Appeared In X-Men: TAS Season 3, Episode 6 “The Phoenix Saga, Part IV: The Starjammers,” Season 3, Episode 11 “Cold Comfort,” Season 3, Episode 18 “Orphan’s End,” & Season 4, Episode 4 “Sanctuary, Part 2”

Havok, also known as Alex Summers, is the younger brother of Cyclops, with the ability to absorb cosmic energy and release it as powerful plasma blasts. Havok first appeared in X-Men #54 in 1969, with his strained relationship with Cyclops forming a central aspect of his character. In X-Men: The Animated Series, Havok appeared in several episodes, but his relationship with Cyclops was notably unexplored.

X-Men TAS focused on his powers and his role as a hero, particularly in the episodes featuring his involvement with X-Factor. Despite the lack of emphasis on his familial ties to Cyclops, Havok’s character is portrayed as a strong and capable mutant, highlighting his combat abilities and dedication to fighting for mutant rights. With a third Summers brother introduced in X-Men ’97 episode 6 “Lifedeath – Part 2,” season 2 is primed to reintroduce Havok.

6 Illyana Rasputin Has Presumably Already Transformed Into Magik

Illyana Rasputin Appeared In X-Men: TAS Season 2, Episode 4 “Red Dawn” & Episodes 7-8 “Time Fugitives”

Illyana Rasputin is a foremost hero in X-Men comics, particularly associated with the New Mutants. Originally appearing alongside her older brother Colossus in Giant-Size X-Men # 1, Illyana later gained her mutant abilities, which initially included teleportation. However, after being trapped in Limbo, Illyana is bestowed with extra powers, including sorcery and conjuring the mighty Soulsword. In X-Men: The Animated Series, Illyana appears in two episodes before she gains her powers.

Illyana was portrayed as the younger sister of Colossus, a vulnerable civilian caught in a crisis in Russia. In X-Men ’97 season 1, episode 3 “Fire Made Flesh,” Morph changes into Illyana, before transforming into her second form, Magik. This suggests that Illyana experienced her transformation at some point between X-Men: TAS and X-Men ’97. As a result, a fully-formed Magik could appear in season 2, perhaps alongside her brother.

5 Juggernaut Was A Memorable X-Men: TAS Villain

Juggernaut Appeared In X-Men: TAS Season 1, Episode 8 “The Unstoppable Juggernaut;” Season 3, Episode 5 “The Phoenix Saga, Part III: The Cry of the Banshee;” & Season 4, Episode 1 “The Juggernaut Returns”

Juggernaut, AKA Cain Marko, is a powerful and early villain, debuting in X-Men #12 in 1965. Juggernaut gains his immense strength and invulnerability from the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak, making him nearly unstoppable when in motion. As the stepbrother of Charles Xavier, Juggernaut’s personal vendetta against the X-Men often adds a layer of emotional complexity to his character. Juggernaut appeared in several episodes of X-Men: The Animated Series, where he was a significant antagonist.

X-Men: TAS captured Juggernaut’s sheer power and his tumultuous relationship with Xavier. Notably, in the episode “The Unstoppable Juggernaut,” he attacked the X-Mansion, highlighting his relentless pursuit of Xavier and the X-Men. Juggernaut would flourish with the updated animated style in X-Men ’97, as was demonstrated when Morph transformed into him while battling Prime Sentinels in episode 8 “Tolerance is Extinction – Part 1.”

4 Lady Deathstrike Is Teased In The Opening Credits

Lady Deathstrike Appeared In X-Men: TAS Season 3, Episodes 1-2 “Out Of The Past”

Lady Deathstrike first appeared in Daredevil #197 in 1983 but later became primarily associated with the X-Men, particularly Wolverine. Known for her cybernetic enhancements and deadly proficiency in hand-to-hand combat, Lady Deathstrike’s primary motivation is to seek revenge against Wolverine, believing him responsible for her father’s death and the theft of the adamantium bonding process.

Lady Deathstrike appeared as the primary antagonist in X-Men: TAS in the two-part episode “Out of the Past,” where she leads a group of cyborgs to capture Wolverine. The series portrays her relentless pursuit of vengeance against Wolverine, emphasizing her skills and personal vendetta. Lady Deathstrike’s character in the series captures her ruthlessness and intense feud with Wolverine. Lady Deathstrike has retained her position in the opening credits, appearing as part of the mutant villain line-up teased in X-Men ‘97.

3 Pyro Would Flourish In X-Men ’97

Pyro Appeared In 4 Episodes Of X-Men: TAS

Pyro, also known as St. John Allerdyce, is a mutant with the ability to manipulate fire. Pryo made his Marvel debut in Uncanny X-Men #141 and is often portrayed as a member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Despite his villainous tendencies, Pyro has occasionally allied himself with the X-Men or pursued his own interests. Pyro appeared as a recurring villain in X-Men: The Animated Series.

Pyro’s most memorable appearances in X-Men: TAS were as a member of Mystique’s Brotherhood of Mutants and was frequently depicted alongside Avalanche. Pryo first appeared during “The Cure” storyline, attempting to investigate a supposed mutant cure on Muir Island, where he tried and failed to chat up Rogue in a bar. Pyro’s dynamic use of his fire-controlling power lends itself particularly well to animation and would thrive in X-Men ’97.

2 Avalanche Is A Central Member Of The Brotherhood

Avalanche Appeared In 4 Episodes Of X-Men: TAS

Avalanche is a mutant with the ability to generate seismic waves and first appeared in X-Men #141 in 1969. Avalanche is often depicted as a member of various villainous groups, including the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and the Acolytes, due to his anti-authoritarian beliefs and willingness to use his powers for destructive purposes. Avalanche appeared in some memorable X-Men: TAS episodes, where he frequently battled the X-Men.

Avalanche’s most notable appearance was in X-Men: TAS‘s “Days of Futures Past” adaptation where he assisted Mystique’s Brotherhood in their plan to assassinate Senator Robert Kelly. Avalanche’s portrayal in the series emphasizes his role as a powerful and dangerous adversary and would make a thrilling addition to X-Men ’97 season 2 – particularly if Mystique returns with her Brotherhood of Mutants.

1 Deadpool Had Some Cameo Appearances In X-Men: TAS

Deadpool Appeared In X-Men: The Animated Series Season 1, Episode 4 “Deady Reunions,” Season 2, Episode 3 “Whatever It Takes,” & Season 3, Episode 3 “The Phoenix Saga, Part II: The Dark Shroud”

Deadpool has become one of the most celebrated Marvel Comics characters, recognized for his irreverent humor, regenerative healing factor, and propensity for breaking the fourth wall. Deadpool first appeared in The New Mutants #98 in 1991 and quickly became a fan favorite due to his unique blend of comedy, action, and moral ambiguity. In X-Men: The Animated Series, Deadpool had some brief but memorable cameos that could hopefully become a reality in X-Men ’97 season 2.

In X-Men: TAS, Deadpool appeared in a flashback in Sabretooth’s mind in “Deadly Reunions;” Morph transformed into Deadpool to taunt Wolverine in “Whatever It Takes,” and Dark Xavier conjured a vision of Deadpool to scare Wolverine in “The Phoenix Saga, Part II: The Dark Shroud” for the same purpose. However, Deadpool himself never truly appeared. However, introducing Deadpool in X-Men ’97 season 2 could allow for further exploration of Wolverine’s backstory, and bring an exciting new dynamic to the unfolding X-Men ’97 narrative.