As fans eagerly anticipate the second season ofX-Men ‘97,many are looking for ways to stay immersed in the world of mutants and their epic adventures. In a recent interview with Collider’sMaggie Lovitt, Marvel executive producerBrad Winderbaumoffered some valuable insights into which comics could assist in viewers’ understanding andenjoyment of the upcoming season. Lovitt, expressing her excitement for the continuation of the series, asked Winderbaum for comic recommendations to revisit during the wait, noting that she knew theAge of Apocalypsearc would be key. Winderbaum’s response highlighted the timelessness of certain storylines and the importance ofChris Claremont’scontributions to the X-Men universe.
“I don’t want to spoil anything, especially this far out, but you can’t go wrong with Claremont. Filling in the gaps of Claremont’s decades-long run on the books is always a great place to start for the show.”
Claremont’s tenure onUncanny X-Menis legendary, having penned many of the most iconic andbeloved stories in the X-Men saga. From the introduction of key characters to unforgettable arcs,including the Savage Land arc, Claremont’s work has shaped the X-Men into the complex, multifaceted team that fans adore. For those unfamiliar with Claremont’s work or looking to revisit his stories, some of the essential arcs include:
Description
Publication Date
The Dark Phoenix Saga
Delves into Jean Grey’s transformation into the Phoenix and the struggle between her human and cosmic natures.
Days of Future Past
A time-travel tale exploring a dystopian future where mutants are hunted by Sentinels, and the X-Men’s fight to prevent it.
God Loves, Man Kills
A graphic novel tackling themes of prejudice and intolerance, often cited as one of the best X-Men stories ever told.
The Age of Apocalypse Is a Must for ‘X-Men ‘97’ Fans
Lovitt’s mention of theAge of Apocalypsearc is also noteworthy. This alternate reality storyline, where Charles Xavier is dead and Magneto leads the X-Men against Apocalypse, offers arich tapestry of character dynamics and high-stakes drama.Rogue and Magneto’s relationship, highlighted in the first season ofX-Men ‘97, is one of the many intriguing elements of this saga.TheAge of Apocalypseis not just a fan-favorite but also a pivotal narrative that showcases what happens when the X-Men are pushed to their limitsin a world turned upside down. Revisiting this arc can provide fans with deeper context and appreciation for the themes explored inX-Men ‘97.
For those eager to dive deeper into the lore, Winderbaum’s suggestion to fill in the gaps of Claremont’s extensive run offers an exciting challenge. With decades of stories to choose from, there’s no shortage of material to explore. Whether it’s the early adventures of the new team introduced inGiant-Size X-Men #1, the complex relationships and political intrigue of theHellfire Club, or the expansiveMutant Massacre, Claremont’s run is a treasure trove of storytelling.
AsX-Men ‘97continues to build on the rich legacy of the original series, diving back into the comics that inspired it can enhance the viewing experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of mutants, exploring Chris Claremont’s iconic stories and theAge of Apocalypsearc will provide a deeper understanding and greater appreciation for the characters and their journeys. So grab your favorite issues, settle in, and get ready for another thrilling season ofX-Men ‘97.
X-Men ‘97Season 1 is streaming on Disney+.
A band of mutants use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them; they’re challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future.
Watch on Disney+
