The animation and soundtrack remain strong, while journeys through different eras and locations prove engaging. Continuing from the prior season’s conclusion, where the team is dispersed across various periods, the initial focus is reuniting them to oppose Apocalypse, the original mutant turned antagonist, along with his Horsemen intent on causing chaos. The X-Men appear in two time periods: ancient Egypt and the distant future of 3960, with events converging in 1997 to extend the narrative of the earlier animated series from 1992 to 1997. In one episode, Jubilee enjoys playful moments involving fireworks, music, and bubbles while rescuing captured mutants. In Egypt, Magneto allies with a mutant slave leading a revolt, aware of his future transformation. Tracking the multiple timelines proves manageable without confusion. Episodes move swiftly with vivid colors, humor, and energetic sequences, avoiding slow pacing even during brief odd encounters like a polite dinosaur or wandering undead. The visuals update the 1990s aesthetic with current techniques for a recognizable yet striking look. A whimsical tone echoes earlier episodes, with subtle references throughout the nine installments that reward longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers. Voice performances stand out, giving distinct traits to characters like Cyclops, Wolverine, Morph, and Professor Xavier through clever dialogue. Morph delivers witty remarks, and Beast offers thoughtful quotes. The ending feels slightly hurried amid multiple plotlines, yet delivers considerable enjoyment. X-Men ’97 Season 2 streams on JioHotstar.
