A Potential Conflict Looms Between X-Men '97 and the Avengers
X-Men '97: A New Spin on a Classic Conflict?
Just like its predecessor, X-Men '97 is drawing on 90s comic book storylines for inspiration. So far, tales like Inferno, The Trial of Magneto, and New X-Men have made their way onto the screen, with varying degrees of success. But what if the show took on a classic showdown - Avengers vs. X-Men?
During an interview with ComicBook, Ross Marquand (Professor X's voice actor) hinted at this possibility. He suggested there's a "real chance" the show might take on this epic battle. This is intriguing, given that Captain America's appearance in the seventh episode, "Bright Eyes," could set the stage for this storyline. According to Marquand, Rogue's throwing Captain America's shield in a snowy mountainside means Cap won't find it easily. He'll be mad at Rogue for a while, maybe long enough to spark a conflict between the teams.
First appearing in 2012, the Avengers vs. X-Men series was a major event by authors like Brian Michael Bendis, Jonathan Hickman, Matt Fraction, Adam Kubert, and Olivier Coipel. In the original storyline, the two teams clashed over the Phoenix Force, a cosmic entity that bonded with five characters - Colossus, Magik, Emma Frost, Namor, and Cyclops. The event ended with the Phoenix Force restoring the mutant population, Cyclops leading the mutant resistance, and Captain America forming the Uncanny Avengers to reconcile with mutants.
If X-Men '97 did adapt this storyline, it would offer a fresh perspective. Unlike the comics, the show might focus on the X-Men's perspective rather than the Avengers'. The series has already shown characters like Rogue and Cyclops growing frustrated with the way mutants are treated and rejecting Cap's strict, "by the book" approach. This version of the storyline could be titled X-Men vs. Avengers, with the Avengers seeming more interested in helping mutants for their own publicity rather than genuine concern.
Adapting Avengers vs. X-Men could prove exciting in the context of X-Men '97. The show's already demonstrated that characters like Scott and Magneto have valid reasons for their anger and actions. An animated adaptation could find creative ways to explore the corrupting influence of the Phoenix Force on these characters and their allies.
So far, there's no confirmed news about X-Men '97 adapting Avengers vs. X-Men. But with a second season confirmed and a possible third on the horizon, anything is possible. Let us know in the comments if you think this would make for a great adaptation or if it's best left untouched.
Want more io9 updates? Check out the latest releases for Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, the future of Doctor Who, and the developments in the DC Universe.
- If X-Men '97 were to adapt the classic 'Avengers vs. X-Men' storyline, it could offer a different perspective, focusing on the X-Men's viewpoint instead of the Avengers'.
- The series, with its characters like Rogue and Cyclops, has already shown a growing frustration towards how mutants are treated and a rejection of Captain America's rigid approach.
- This adaptation could potentially be titled X-Men vs. Avengers, with the Avengers seemingly more interested in mutant aid for publicity rather than genuine concern.
- Ross Marquand, the voice actor for Professor X, hinted at the possibility of the show taking on the epic Avengers vs. X-Men battle, as Captain America's appearance in "Bright Eyes" could set the stage for this storyline.
