X-Men the Animated Series: A Nostalgic Review

Cue Theme Song

Before earth's mightiest heroes dominated the big screen, one super team saved Saturday mornings, Xavier's gifted youngsters- The X-Men. The series follows the titular group (Cyclops, Jean Grey, Wolverine, Storm, Gambit, Beast, Rogue and Jubilee) as they fight for mutant-kind, save the space-time continuum, and stop intergalactic forces.

The 90s was, no doubt, the golden age of cartoons. Fox Kids and Cartoon Network kick-started our superhero obsessions, with classics such as Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995), Spiderman (1994-1998) and The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2005). Nickelodeon proved that cartoons could tug at the heartstrings with Rugrats (1990-2006) and Hey Arnold! (1996-2004).

But in a decade full of epics, what made this show about a ragtag team of mutants in yellow and blue spandex so memorable?

A Unique Depiction of Humanity

"You, fools! Heroic fools. The brave are always the first to die?" - Magento.

Using the word "human" to describe the X-men may sound peculiar. The mutant condition is a vast topic that carries across the entire Marvel universe (in the comics, not the cinematic universe) and is not associated with humanity. However, you do not need to be a die-hard comic book fan to notice that the X-men has always been an allegory for social injustice and prejudice. Stan Lee even based Charles Xavier and Magneto loosely on Martin Luthor King Jr. and Malcolm X.

Amid the flashy suits, snappy quips, and dinosaurs (yes, I said dinosaurs), the series was not afraid to dig deep into social commentary without losing its fantastical elements. After all, it is a show about superhumans fighting aliens and time travellers.

Season two introduces "The friends of humanity," an anti-mutant terrorist group led by Greyson Creed (season 2, episode 1, Till Death, Do Us Part, Part One). Out of all the X-Men villains, this group is most thought-provoking because it clearly illustrates extreme prejudice against minorities. Twenty years later, the image of this cartoonish mob burning down buildings and chanting "no more mutants" has never felt so natural.

We Are All A Little Weird..and That's Okay

Since the show ended in 96, Marvel has produced many animated films and series, but nothing quite hits home like this adaption of the X-Men.

Whatever e the adventure, the show at its core is a celebration of individuality. These dynamic characters illustrate that there is strength and unity in our differences. It is not easy to stand out from the crowd. We are more alike than we are different.

You Don't Have to Be a Fan to Enjoy the Series

You don't have to be a comic fan to appreciate the animation, humour and action (if you are confused, fear not. A recap or a flashback will catch you up to speed). Here's a list of five episodes that any cartoon fan or action buff can enjoy.

5. Night of The Sentinels (part one and two), Season 1, Episode 1 and 2

We are introduced to the team to fight mutant-hunting robots at the mall.

4. Captive Hearts, season one, episode 5

The queen of the Morlocks kidnaps Jean and Cyclops while challenging Storm to a lightsaber battle.

3. Red Dawn, season 2, episode 4

Professor X and Magneto fight dinosaurs in the Savage Land. Meanwhile, Colossus and Wolverine team up to save Russia.

2. Old Soldiers, season 5, episode 3

The Wolverine, Captain America crossover we all deserve.

1. Beauty and The Beast, season 2, episode 10

Just don't skip the intro.