X-Men '97 #1 is the perfect complement to the new animated series. It may retread a few things in the new episodes, but it also functions as a way to give us more stories in this universe. It also plays well as a prequel; it's unfortunate that we don't have the entire series already while the show continues! Read Full Review

If youre a fan of the merry mutants but either havent seen or remember much of X-Men 92, this is a solid jumping-on point, though you may want to watch the final episode to understand the current status quo. Otherwise, this is a great call-back to a bygone era that many long-time Marvel fans fondly remember, with characters that act and sound the way we remember. Foxe nails the voice of each character to the point where I could easily hear the original voice cast deliver every line. I strongly recommend pulling up that iconic theme music on Spotify before you start reading. Chefs kiss. Read Full Review

X-Men '97 #1 hits the nostalgia feels while also appealing to my storytelling sensibilities as a 90s kid. Read Full Review

Your enjoyment of X-Men '97 #1 will depend on how much you enjoyed the original show and the follow-up series. If you want to see more of these versions of the X-Men or felt cheated that the new show didn't show the early days of Jean Grey's pregnancy, this comic will provide. It may also satisfy those looking for an easily accessible X-Men book while waiting for X-Men: From The Ashes to begin. Read Full Review

If you want a reminder of what the X-Men are or whos who, and what the vibe of the animated series was, or if youre not super familiar with the original show, X-men 97 the comic might be the reading material you need. Read Full Review

The only real fault to be found here is the simplicity and saminess of it all, it's a tie-in comic that doesn't hit above its weight. Read Full Review

Nothing groundbreaking, but it delivers on its premise without major flaws. A smooth read, if a little bland.

I'll admit, I'm not usually one for superfluous comic tie-ins. However, X-Men '97 #1 is a surprisingly delightful exception. Writer Steve Foxe, artist Salva Espín, & colorist Matt Milla have givenus a low-stakes yet thoroughly enjoyable prologue to the new Disney+ series of the same name.

The highest compliment I can give this issue is that it felt like a full-fledged episode of X-Men: The Animated Series, spledidly brought to life w/ the visual style of the X-Men '97 series. It's got everything I crave in X-Men content: a dash of camp, thrilling action, witty humor, & of course, our lovable team of mutants.

Foxe captures the distinct voices of the characters, from Wolverine's gruff one-liners to Cyclops's earnest leadership. Espín's art, w/ Milla's vibrant colors, perfectly translates the show's aesthetic to the comic page (I may actually prefer the depiction here to the new show??). This looks exactly like what a comic book is meant to be.

While the story itself might not break new ground, it serves as a satisfying bridge leading up to the show’s revival. I do wish we would have gotten this before the series premiered, but this injects pure nostalgia w/ a fresh coat of paint, leaving me eager to dive back into this beloved world.

Rating: 8/10 more