X-Men '97 2-episode premiere review

Do you hear that? That's not just the iconic theme song from X-Men The Animated Series - that's the sound of our youth coming back to say hello.

X-Men '97 has punched its way to the surface and, by extension, the heart of everyone in my generation. The two-episode premiere is now streaming of Disney Plus as of a few hours ago and offers roughly an hour of some of the strongest doses of nostalgia I've ever felt.

Before we dive headfirst into the premiere of X-Men '97, let's take a moment to reminisce about how the original series left us hanging.

The X-Men, standing as beacons of hope, unity, and spandex-clad valor, had just about done it all. From time-travel shenanigans to psychic battles that left us questioning reality, the OG series was a wild ride from start to finish, culminating in a poignant note with Professor X's life hanging in the balance and the X-Men standing united as ever in the face of uncertainty. It was a farewell that left us craving more, our mutant appetites unsatisfied... until now.

Without further ado, let's talk about these first two episodes in detail. SPOILER WARNING FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT WATCHED THE X-MEN '97 TWO-EPISODE PREMIERE. I won't be spoiling everything, but I will be talking about the overall plot in recaps.

X-Men '97 double feature delight: a two-episode review

X-Men '97 swoops in like a Phoenix from the ashes, reviving our beloved characters with all the flair of a Nightcrawler bamf. Episode 1 hits the ground running faster than a caffeinated Quicksilver, throwing us into a world where mutants are gaining sympathy, but for my fellow Brazilian mutant Sunspot, it's not all sunny days - cue his capture and a daring rescue by our favorites, Storm, Bishop, and the ever-lovable Cyclops, who's now sliding on beams with his eyes. Because who needs physics when you've got style, amiright?

But hold your Sentinels, because episode 2 takes us on a magnetic (pun intended) rollercoaster with Magneto in charge, proving that even the mightiest of foes can have a change of heart (or at least pretend to). From saving kids on Ferris wheels to standing trial at the UN, Magneto's journey is a testament to the complex dance between heroism and villainy, leaving us all questioning: Can a leopard change its spots, or in this case, can Magneto ditch the helmet for a halo?

The emotional depth of this series so far is like a psychic probe to the heart. Jean and Scott wrestling with the idea of family amidst chaos, Storm dealing with a loss that hits deeper than any physical wound, and the birth of Nathan Charles Summers, a beacon of hope (and a nod to fans who know their lore). It's storytelling that grabs you by the cerebro and doesn't let go.

And then there's the trial. Magneto pulling the "Holocaust card," a move so bold it could only be matched by his magnetic manipulation, stirring not just the metal but the moral compass of everyone involved. It's a courtroom drama with a superpowered twist that leaves us questioning the very nature of justice in a world where being different is the biggest crime.

But let's not forget the real champions in these two episodes: the animation.

It's like stepping into a time machine set for the '90s but with a shiny new paint job. Sure, there might be a few hiccups in movement, but when the action hits, it's pure, unadulterated X-Men magic - a love letter to the fans that's both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

X-Men '97 is more than just a revival - it's a continuation of a saga that has captivated us for decades.

With its heart-pounding action, emotional rollercoasters, and a deep dive into the moral complexities of heroism, this series is a triumphant return for our beloved mutants. Here's to hoping it continues to evolve because, in the world of the X-Men, the only constant is change (and epic battles).

Welcome back, X-Men, you've been missed more than Wolverine misses his cigars, and trust me, that's saying something.