X-Men ’97: Season 2 First Reviews: Just as Incredible as Season 1, If Not Better
Critics say the second season maintain's the show's top-notch execution, from the propulsive storytelling and stellar voice work to its striking visuals.
In 2024, Disney and Marvel made the bold choice to resurrect one of the most beloved animated superhero series, and while it easily could have gone sideways, it was a relief to everyone when X-Men ’97 was a genuine hit, both with fans and critics. After a near-universally acclaimed first season, which ended on a massive cliffhanger stranding several of the X-Men in timelines separated by thousands of years, season 2 is set to premiere on July 1, and the collective fandom is ready to rejoice.
The critics, however, have begun celebrating early, as the first reviews of X-Men ’97: Season 2 are overwhelmingly positive, calling out its effective storytelling, striking animation, and top-notch voice work. By all accounts, this is the X-Men adaptation fans deserve.
Here’s what critics are saying about X-Men ’97: Season 2:
Just like the first season, these episodes plough through the story at quite a clip. And while there were storylines in the first season that could definitely have used more screen time, it doesn’t feel like too much meat is being left on the bone in these first four episodes… It all looks fantastic, too. The introduction of some new characters means there are more opportunities to flex with the animation when it comes to depicting powers in fluid, colourful and dynamic ways.
— Amon Warmann, Empire Magazine
The concurrent storylines cover an impressive amount of ground, incorporating lore and characters from practically every corner of the Marvel universe… X-Men ’97 also knows when to slow things down, giving the audience time to sit with these characters as they work through their existential crises, romantic entanglements, and ever-shifting motives… The action element of Season 2 also cannot be understated; it’s thrilling to see so many beloved characters reaching new heights of their power, pushed beyond their self-imposed limitations.
— Andy Swift, TV Line
The immersive colors and creative cinematography come together to make every single frame of Season 2 look like it came straight from a comic book. That goes double for the show’s riveting action set pieces; each episode has one, and each hits a home run.
— Aidan Kelley, Collider
I’ll cut right to the chase: X-Men ’97 season 2 is just as good, if not better, than anything I’ve seen before… As for the animation, the action, and the voice acting — aka the things that made X-Men ’97 so great in the first place — they’re all equally colorful and dynamic in season 2. There’s no dip in quality.
— Jake Kleinman, Polygon
The best news here is that, unlike the live-action 2016 X-Men: Apocalypse, X-Men ’97 Season 2 delivers a great story worthy of the villain… There’s been no attempt to change the charming animation style. It’s not for everyone, but I love it, and it fits the nostalgic feel. The voice acting remains just as great as last time, too… For my taste, there’s just not enough of the soap opera spirit that made the first season so compelling… It’s still the best thing Marvel animation is doing, and remains one of the best Marvel shows of all time.
— Simon Gallagher, ComicBook.com
X-Men ‘97 Season 2 is exactly what fans of Season 1 have been waiting for… X-Men ‘97’s greatest strength lies in its ability to make you care deeply for these characters and the madcap soap opera that is their lives. Season 2 really leans into that quality… Visually and sonically, the series continues to work very well as a modernized update to the original… The series continues to be both a love letter to a particular era of the X-Men franchise and a source of deep, enjoyable character drama that can appeal to Marvel fans of all stripes.
— Jesse Schedeen, IGN Movies
X-Men ’97 not only continues to be the best thing to come out of the new “Golden Age” of nostalgia-based revivals and remakes, but also, season 2 does Apocalypse better than the live-action X-Men: Apocalypse movie.
— Lauren Milici, GamesRadar+
There’s something so impressive about the way this show manages to translate the convoluted nonsense of the comic book storylines into something digestible while still earnestly committing to the bit of said nonsense. This balancing act is achieved through the combination of three key factors: writing, animation, and voice acting.
— Callie Hanna, FandomWire
Somehow, X-Men ’97 Season 2 is even better. With Apocalypse rising and X-Force finally shining, this feels like a 90s masterpiece reborn.. Beyond the incredible writing and character choices, the technical execution of this show continues to operate at a masterclass level… The cast is still delivering top-notch performances across the board… I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the soundtrack.
— Tessa Smith, Mama’s Geeky
So far, these early episodes visually keep the same high standard as the first season. The writing so far, I prefer, as they feel less preachy and, at least for my taste, take fewer liberties with the X-Men comics they are adapting.
— Julian Lytle, RIOTUS
As for Season 2’s action, fans can expect so many explosive, colorful, bright sequences. It certainly feels like the animation has improved while still retaining that “classic” visual tone.
— Chris Gallardo, Tell-Tale TV
The plot is dense – sometimes almost comically so… Yet, somehow, it mostly works… A large part of that success comes from how confidently the show embraces its comic-book roots… The action remains outstanding. The animation is gorgeous. The theme song still hits like a thunderous freight train. And when the season reaches its major emotional turns – including a shocking sacrifice that closes the first half – it lands with surprising weight.
— Josh Davis, Pop Culture Leftovers
X-Men ’97: Season 2 is currently streaming on Disney+.
