When X-Men ’97 returned two years ago, the revival broke Disney+ streaming records. Celebrated by fans and critics alike, it was not only a joyous return to a classic series. It also set the standard for Marvel Animation. And, with the launch of Season Two, they manage to not only meet the quality of its predecessor.
They manage to surpass it.
With the release of its second season, X-Men ’97 attempts to tackle one of the series’ most iconic storylines in Age of Apocalypse. (Don’t worry. You’ll find no spoilers here.) As teased in the previous season’s finale, the team are split across the timeline, leading them to piece together the story of (arguably) their greatest foe – and wrestle with their own role within it. Meanwhile, back in the 1990s, suspicious foes begin to fan the flames of a new strain of mutant intolerance as the X-Men battle to make their way home.
A scene from Marvel Animation’s X-MEN ’97 Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.
It’s almost unbelievable that Marvel Animation has been able to not only revive its best animated series after three decades but improve upon it. With the advancements in animation, the visuals have never looked better. Every mutant ability and battle pops off the screen with furious colour. Motions are smooth and fast, leaning into the chaos with style that (almost surprisingly) dazzles. (And the ever-changing opening title sequences add a nifty edge to the storytelling as well.)
And yet, somehow, the series still feels like a natural continuation of the original series. Every aspect of ’97 feels authentic, even though there have been natural updates and changes.
Frankly, it’s staggering.
Storm (voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith) in Marvel Animation’s X-MEN ’97 Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.
The storytelling continues to show the maturity that made X-Men: The Animated Series so beloved, while still being age-appropriate. This has always been a show that doesn’t talk down to ‘tweens – and the revival has maintained those sensibilities. There’s an urgency to its narratives that breathes intensity, yet never forgets that it’s for kids. As a result, its writing manages to cross generations. (For example, my 11-year-old adores the show… as does my 16-year-old… as do we.)
My greatest issue with X-Men ’97 has always been the speed at which the episodes tell their stories. Scenes that could be strengthened by slowing down are often moved past quickly to get to the next major event. And, certainly, S2 still falls into those traps at times. (For example, the pace at which they solve the problem of time travel will give you whiplash.) But, thankfully, S2 is a vast improvement on the previous season in this area, giving the characters the necessary time that they need for moments to hit emotionally.
And time is something that the X-Men desperately need this season.
En Sabah Nur (voiced by Cal Dodd) in Marvel Animation’s X-MEN ’97 Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.
Without saying too much, watching the teams wrestle with history offers some difficult challenges to them, especially as it pertains to Apocalypse himself. Is it worth changing history, especially if it stops a greater evil? Do they truly understand the depth of doing so? All of these questions are asked of the various mutants as they attempt to navigate the ‘winds of time’. However, one of the most intriguing conversations within this season isn’t merely about our actions.
It’s about our sense of purpose.
As Charles, Magneto and the rest attempt to reconcile their situation(s), they point out the necessity of owning a sense of purpose and keeping it fully within view. Here, ‘purpose’ becomes a guiding light on the horizon, asking characters to make difficult decisions with the end goal in mind. (“Dreams help us survive, perhaps more than blades and arrows,” we’re told.) While this conversation isn’t new to the X-Men world, their dalliances with Apocalypse add extra pressure on their decision making. Caught between past and future, our fair mutants want to save the world… but at what cost?
Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd) in Marvel Animation’s X-MEN ’97 Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.
If this appears to be vague, that tone is deliberate. After all, it would feel wrong to spoil even an episode of what you’re about to experience. While I’ve only seen the first four episode, this is unquestionably Marvel Animation at its best. It’s fun, emotional and well-written in ways that are almost surprising. In short, it’s well worth making the time to see.
X-Men ’97 S2 begins streaming on Disney+ on July 1st, 2026.
