In 1992, X-Men: The Animated Series made its debut. The comic book cartoon, based on the Marvel Comics characters of the same name, followed the story of a team of mutants who fight for equality in a world that hates and fears them.

Upon making its debut, X-Men: The Animated Series was deemed a hit with audiences and quickly became appointment television. Critics loved the compelling writing and excellent character work, while fans appreciated the care that was taken to ensure the X-Men mythology was presented in a respectful and entertaining way.

One of the key aspects of X-Men: The Animated Series was its cast of heroes, including the likes of Wolverine, Beast, and Cyclops. And one of most notable mutant heroes in the show was Professor Charles Xavier, who appeared in almost every episode of the series.

Due to the continual appearance of Professor Xavier, the character featured in all of the major storylines including Days of Future PastThe Final DecisionThe Phoenix SagaBeyond Good and Evil, and many more. But outside of the major team-up episodes, Professor Xavier also took centre stage in a collection of stories.

These stories focused more specifically on Xavier, including his past, his relationship to old friend Magneto, and his connection to the X-Men. The episodes also saw Xavier cross paths with the Shadow King, Nimrod, and the Shi’ar.

But if you’re new to the series and you want to catch up on Xavier’s history, where do you begin? By following the episodes detailed below!

Advertisements
Advertisements

__

Image: ©Marvel/Disney

Enter Magneto

The first Xavier-related episode is Enter Magneto, which is fairly Xavier lite, but is an important episode for exploring the former friendship of the Professor and Magneto. In this episode, Magneto makes his presence known, attacking a military base in the process.

Deadly Reunions

Continuing the story in Deadly Reunions, Magneto strikes for a second time, attacking a chemical plant. The X-Men set out to stop him, with Xavier joining the team in the hopes of finding a way to reason with Magneto.

The Phoenix Saga – Part Two: The Dark Shroud

In The Phoenix Saga – Part Two: The Dark Shroud, when the alien Lilandra attempts to make contact with the Professor, Xavier suffers a mental crisis. His dark persona takes over and suddenly attacks the X-Men.

The Phoenix Saga – Part Three: Cry of the Banshee

Continuing the story in The Phoenix Saga – Part Three: Cry of the Banshee, Xavier’s step-brother, the Juggernaut attacks and kidnaps Lilandra. The X-Men attempt to retrieve her before she is handed over to the alien, Eric the Red.

The Juggernaut Returns

In The Juggernaut Returns, Xavier’s step-brother finds himself in a fight for survival when he loses his powers. In order to help him, Xavier enters the Juggernaut’s mind, revealing details about their shared past.

Sanctuary – Part One

In Sanctuary – Part One, fed up with the state of human/mutant relations, Magneto announces his plan to transport all willing mutants off the planet and take them to his orbiting asteroid. Xavier wants to know more about Magneto’s plans, and takes the X-Men on a peace mission into space, where he reconnects with former love, Amelia Voght.

Sanctuary – Part Two

Continuing the story in Sanctuary – Part Two, and as Magneto finds himself in danger and betrayed by someone he trusted, Xavier and the X-Men do all they can to avert disaster.

Xavier Remembers

In Xavier Remembers, Xavier suffers a concussion, leaving his mind open for attack from the Shadow King. As the X-Men attempt to save Xavier, his past is explored.

One Man’s Worth – Part One

In One Man’s Worth – Part One, Trevor Fitzroy, Bantam, and the advanced Sentinel known as Fitzroy travel back to 1959, where they attempt to kill Charles Xavier. But if Xavier dies, the world will change in a terrible way.

One Man’s Worth – Part Two

Picking up after the events of Part One, the story continues as Bishop and his sister Shard attempt to correct the past. Xavier is gone, and the future is in turmoil unless time can be altered.

Graduation Day

In Graduation Day, Henry Peter Gyrich attacks Xavier, leaving the Professor fighting for his life. As Xavier faces his darkest hour, the X-Men and Magneto gather together to say goodbye.

Advertisements
Advertisements

__

Recap

Image: ©Marvel/Disney

Eleven key Professor Xavier episodes in X-Men: The Animated Series included:

  • Enter Magneto
  • Deadly Reunions
  • The Phoenix Saga – Part Two: The Dark Shroud
  • The Phoenix Saga – Part Three: Cry of the Banshee
  • The Juggernaut Returns
  • Sanctuary – Part One
  • Sanctuary – Part Two
  • Xavier Remembers
  • One Man’s Worth – Part One
  • One Man’s Worth – Part Two
  • Graduation Day
Advertisements
Advertisements

__

Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about Xavier’s journey through X-Men: The Animated Series. For more posts be sure to check out the recommended reads below.

Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements