Marvel seems to have finally found its way. After a disastrous 2023 in which the course of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was derailed by movies like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania or The Marvels —as well as series like Secret Invasion—, it seems that they have finally managed to take a breather.
This has been thanks to X-Men ’97, an animated series that goes beyond the usual Marvel Studios timeline and serves as a sequel to X-Men: The Animated Series. The original fiction from the nineties marked an era and managed to have a legion of fans around the world, who had their first contact with the X-Men thanks to this series. From there, the state of their comics began to improve and even led to the making of the 2000 movies that ushered in the golden age of superheroes in cinema.
Undoubtedly, X-Men: The Animated Series set a path to follow for the film industry, and now X-Men ’97 is doing the same by saving the day in a situation that seemed critical for Marvel. But what is the next step the studio should take? Well, besides confirming a second season of X-Men ’97 on Disney Plus as soon as possible, it wouldn’t hurt if they did the same with other classic animated series.
We all hope Spider-Man: The Animated Series returns
All those born in the nineties remember that time for the cartoons we watched over and over again. Beyond the anime that was beginning to stand out with Dragon Ball, Pokémon or Digimon, superhero series were in vogue. We remember with nostalgia Batman: The Animated Series and its sequel, Batman Beyond, but Marvel was not far behind either.
Beyond X-Men: The Animated Series, there were other cartoons of the time that were equally successful or even more so: Spider-Man: The Animated Series. The series, which aired from 1994 to 1998, is still remembered as one of the most beloved adaptations of the iconic arachnid superhero. This animated series captured the essence of the character of Peter Parker in a way that resonated with viewers of all ages and generations, becoming a milestone in the history of animated television.
One of the key reasons behind the lasting success of Spider-Man: The Animated Series was its ability to balance thrilling action with a rich narrative and well-developed characters. Throughout its five seasons, the series delved deeply into the duality of Peter Parker’s life, both as a hero and as a college student. From his personal struggles to his battles against iconic villains like the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, and Venom, each episode offered an exciting and captivating experience that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
In addition to its compelling storyline, Spider-Man: The Animated Series stood out for its vibrant and detailed animation. The character designs were faithful to the original Spider-Man comic, but they also had a unique style that set them apart from other interpretations. Spider-Man’s fluid movements as he swung through the city of New York and fought against his enemies brought the exciting world of the superhero to life in a way that captivated the imagination of viewers.
But what really made Spider-Man: The Animated Series incredible was its ability to address important and relevant themes. The series was not afraid to explore topics such as responsibility, sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption, offering viewers valuable lessons about life and heroism. Through the experiences of Peter Parker and his friends, the series conveyed powerful messages about the importance of doing the right thing even when things get tough.
Undoubtedly, bringing back this series with a sequel in the same style as X-Men ’97 would be an incredible success by Marvel Studios and Disney Plus. Additionally, it could lead to future crossovers between series and create interconnected storylines that could even result, who knows, in another animated series about The Avengers. We will see which path they take, but it would be something amazing and worth watching.
