And so we come to this – the final issue of the X-Men ‘97 tie-in comic. The book – a prequel to the first season of X-Men ‘97 – concludes today with the publication of Issue #4.
For those who have been following along, this tie-in comic fills in a few extra details about the animated series, while telling its own little tale involving the X-Men and Mister Sinister. The comic isn’t essential reading, but for anyone who enjoys watching the animated show it does add a little something fun for fans.
Over the past few months, I’ve been taking a look at each issue of the comic, to highlight any in-jokes, nods, winks, or references to X-Men ‘97, X-Men: The Animated Series, or the wider Marvel Universe. For those who haven’t caught any of the previous posts, be sure to check out my discussions on Issues #1, #2, and #3.
As for those who are already up to date, it’s time to take a look at Issue #4. Below is a run-through of everything to look out for in this issue.
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Man of steel
First up, as the issue begins the first page is largely dedicated to a news report, with reporter Trish Tilby discussing the X-Men’s battle with The Marauders. During this news broadcast, Tilby briefly mentions “a Russian-speaking strongman with steel skin”.
The mutant she is referring to in this segment of the news is Colossus. Although Colossus has not appeared in any of the previous issues of the X-Men ‘97 comic, he did get a quick cameo (thanks to Morph) in season one of X-Men ‘97, and he did pop up a couple of times in X-Men: The Animated Series.
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Would the real Jean Grey please stand up
Moving on from the news report, and as Jubilee switches off the television, Jean Grey’s parents can be seen watching the TV. During this sequence, Jean’s father begins to tell an anecdote about the past, making reference to an old answering machine he once tried to program.
Before he can get to the anecdote, he asks Jean if she remembers the event? In a seemingly throw away answer, Jean says: “Yes, I… actually, I can’t recall. How odd…”
The reason Jean can’t recall the incident from the past is because this isn’t the real Jean Grey. The Jean in this sequence is her clone, Madelyne Pryor, who has temporarily replaced the real Jean Grey, and simply doesn’t have this memory in her mind.
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It’s Morphin’ time
Onto a quick cameo now, and as the X-Men gather together to celebrate the news that Jean Grey and Cyclops are expecting their first child, Morph transforms into the blind superhero, Daredevil.
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Storm’s suit
Although this should be a time of celebration for the X-Men, things don’t go according to plan and the team are interrupted by an attack from Siena Blaze, Hazard, and The Marauders – a trio of villains who appeared in previous issues. As the X-Men respond to the attack, Storm can be seen transforming from her regular attire into her superhero costume, almost in the blink of an eye.
Is this some kind of witchcraft? Nope, it’s a skill she previously displayed in the very first episode of X-Men: The Animated Series, and it’s something she also does during the first season of X-Men ‘97.
Although it is never explained, Storm is able to use her powers to alter the molecules in her clothing. One minute she can be seen wearing street clothes, while the next she is suited up and ready for action!
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To me, my X-Men
During this same sequence with Storm, the weather-controlling mutant utters the phrase: “To me, my X-Men”. This same phrase is said by both Cyclops and Professor Charles Xavier during the first season of X-Men ‘97, and it is also the name of the first episode of the show.
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There’s something familiar going on here…
As the X-Men head into battle against the gang of villainous mutants, a double-page spread shows the X-Men on one side (the left), and The Marauders, Siena Blaze, and Hazard on the other (the right). This whole spread is a nod to the opening titles of X-Men: The Animated Series and X-Men ‘97, where a similar scene sees the X-Men locked in battle with Magneto and his hoard of evil mutants.
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It’s Morphin’ time… again
Another quick Morph transformation/cameo occurs during the battle between the X-Men and their foes, with Morph turning into the Juggernaut!
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The father formation?
As the battle continues, Cyclops starts putting his leadership skills to good use, by reminding everyone they have trained for similar encounters in the Danger Room (the X-Men’s training room). He then utters the following piece of dialogue: “Bishop and Morph, get in the Corsair formation.”
For those who can’t quite recall, Corsair is Cyclops’ dad. He is a space pirate and the leader of the Starjammers, who previously appeared in X-Men: The Animated Series.
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It’s Morphin time… once more
As the battle draws to an end, Morph transforms a couple more times. First up is a quick transformation into Iron Man.
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Morphin’ out
Morph’s next transformation is into the X-Men’s government liaison, Val Cooper.
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A dark future
And finally, as the issue (and the tie-in comic) draws to a close, the penultimate page sets up four plot threads which will be revisited during the course of the first season of X-Men ‘97.
The first plot tease is Mister Sinister’s desire to kidnap Cyclops and Jean/Madelyne’s baby (as seen in episode three). The second is Carl Denti’s transformation into the X-Cutioner (as seen in episode two).
The third tease is Magneto becoming the leader of the X-Men (as seen in episode one). The fourth is the introduction of Roberto Da Costa (also seen in episode one).
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