X-Men '97: Ranking the Marvel character cameos from worst to best

The X-Men ‘97 finale has come and gone. It was an epic episode that closed out the first season on a strong note and changed the game for Marvel's Mightiest Mutants. The debut season of the Disney Plus series was a huge success, honoring the legacy of X-Men: The Animated Series and starting its own in the process.

Within the season’s conclusion came a lot of Marvel Comics cameos. Viewers saw Avengers, mutants, and more. Some of them helped add to the story. Others were brought in to make fans happy. Here are the best Marvel Comics character cameos ranked and what made them great. 

12. Silver Samurai

Silver Samurai’s cameo was good because of the look. Kenuichio Harada's armor is eye-catching and the pose during the scene perfectly displayed his character’s personality. However, it wasn’t as good as the other cameos. He just stood in one spot while the magnetic poles were returned to normal. The others added more to their moments.

11. Iron Man and Captain America

Iron Man and Captain America not stopping the Magneto protocols accurately describes their relationship with the X-Men in the ;90s. They wanted to help mutants but didn’t go above and beyond. It should be mentioned that they couldn’t attack the U.S. Government. Nevertheless, they could have done more than what they did, and X-Men '97 showcased that well via their cameo appearances.

10. Northstar, Psylocke, Cipher, Puck, and Aurora

Simple and to the point, it was good seeing random mutants and Alpha Flight characters. People can forget Alpha Flight exists and have a connection to the X-Men, so this was a welcome reminder that (briefly) spotlighted these underrated characters. Adding Psylocke and Cipher to the mix was a nice touch.

9. The Winter Guard

The difference between this cameo and the previous one is Omega Red. Despite being experimented on and held against his will, Arkady Rossovich still protected someone. This could be due to his love for his country being more important than revenge. Very in-character and a great representation of who Omega Red is.

8. Cloak and Dagger

Cloak and Dagger appeared right on time to save Daredevil from more harm (more on him later). Like Alpha Flight, Cloak and Dagger are often forgotten about (when they really shouldn't be). Their appearance could lead to something more. They’ve helped the X-Men in the past. Could they join Forge and Bishop’s rescue team in season 2?

7. King T'Chaka and the Dora Milaje

There are two parts to this. First, we saw T’Chaka the fighter. Bastion thought his human sentinels were enough to invade Wakanda. He was wrong. King T'Chaka and the Dora Milaje were more than enough to keep their country safe.

The second was T’Chaka the diplomat. When the idea of the Magneto Protocols was brought up, we saw that King T’Chaka wanted to try a different solution. He knew this was a mistake and said so like only a Wakandan could.

6. Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange’s cameo fit him perfectly. The doctor in Stephen Strange’s name is because he was a surgeon before he became the Sorcerer Supreme. With the power out worldwide, it makes sense that he’d use his mystical abilities to help on a surgery once again. It makes you wonder how often he did this after Magneto shut the world down.

5. Quicksilver, Polaris, and Wanda Maximoff

While Xavier was in Magneto’s mind, Quicksilver, Wanda, and Polaris appeared. They weren’t a “real” cameo but I’m counting it. It’s important because it was in Magento’s mind. His kids are so important his subconscious wouldn’t let him forget them even if he couldn’t see/remember their faces.

While we have seen Quicksilver in X-Men '97 (sort of) when Morph shapeshifted into him, we hadn't seen Scarlet Witch up to this point. She wasn't used enough in the original animated series, so it was nice to see her great a brief cameo here. More appearances from her would be a win in season 2!

4. Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson

There wasn’t much to the appearance of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson other than the fact that they appeared. We saw Spider-Man make a cameo appearance in an earlier episode, but then we see him out of his costume with Mary Jane. It was like he knew that his time with Mary Jane was more important than being Spider-Man.

The question everyone has is if Mary Jane was real or the Hydro-Clone. Spider-Man: The Animated Series ended in 1998 with MJ still in the timestream. Does this mean the X-Men '97 finale happened in the past or is MJ back?

3. Daredevil

This is ranked high because Daredevil represents everything a superhero should be. When things got bad, the Man Without Fear stepped up and helped people. On the flip side, even the best heroes get tired. That was apparent when Bastion’s sentinels overwhelmed him.

Daredevil's appearance in Spider-Man: The Animated Series is well-remembered, so it was great to see this version of the character back in action again in X-Men '97.

2. Mother Askani

The end of the season did something no one saw coming. Cyclops and Jean Grey were transported to the future. Not just any future, but Cable’s future. Before they realize it, they’re greeted by Mother Askani.

For those who don't know, Mother Askani is Rachel Grey: The daughter of Scott Summers and Jean Grey from an alternate timeline. We'll have to wait and see if they learn her identity and what she means to them.

1. En Sabah Nur

This was the best cameo thus far. En Sabah Nur from the past, present, and the future will affect season 2 of X-Men ‘97. In the past, the displaced X-Men meet a young En Sabah Nur. Will the X-Men’s interaction turn him into Apocalypse?

In the present, Apocalypse is in Genosha in the spot where Gambit died. He hints towards a comic book moment where he makes Remy LeBeau his horseman, Death. When Rogue sees this, she'll try to take Apocalypse's head off.

Lastly, there’s the Apocalypse of the future. He wasn’t seen, but Cable’s been fighting En Sabah Nur throughout his life. It would only make sense that they’d interact in the future too. Hopefully, this is the case.

Having the X-Men fight three different versions of this powerhouse would be must-see TV.

What was your favorite cameo? Who do you want to see next season? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Instagram and Twitter.