A Collectible Figure Unboxing
It’s time for a throwback as the MARVEL LEGENDS X-MEN ’97 Action Figures based on the new Marvel Animation series revisit the height of the mutant phenomenon and feature a line based on the show’s line-up!
Mutant mania was at an all-time high in the 90s, as Marvel Comics Uncanny X-Men continued its best-selling reign under the creative eye of Chris Claremont. The writer is credited with the longest-running and most successful run guiding the imprint’s Children of the Atom to new heights of popularity! The brainchild of Marvel’s mighty prolific engineers of its most magnificent era Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, who introduced Professor Charles Xavier and his exclusive School for Gifted Youngsters nestled in the heart of Westchester.
Hidden inside its fences of higher learning and academia, heroes were being guided in understanding their “gifts” — mutants, individuals born with abilities that set them apart from regular homo-sapiens, and feared by humankind who in their ignorance and intolerance regarded “homo-superior” as a threat! Under the tutelage of Professor X, his premiere students, Cyclops, Ice-Man, Beast, Angel, and Marvel Girl would usher in a revolution, sheltering mutants, celebrating their uniqueness, harnessing their gifts, and protecting all mankind from an emerging evil born of bigotry.
X-Men: The Animated Series that debuted in the fall of 1992 and ran for five seasons, through the fall of 1997 was based on much of the popular story arcs of the time and its characters followed the design dictum that appeared in the comics. Many of the more popular comic book stories like “The Phoenix Saga” and “Days of Future Past” were abbreviated to compensate for the series runtime and fit the parameters of the heroes and villains that were cast in the series. It was a phenomenal success and neatly ended its run, with the “death” of Professor X.
But that wasn’t the end for the magnificent mutants running on the airwaves! Like a phoenix, the series would be resurrected on the streaming service Disney+ and rebranded under Marvel Animation as X-Men ’97. The story picked up right where the original series left off, and as directed by Beau DeMayo would continue in its predecessor’s tradition, but the animation was improved to sit more ably with what the studio was currently producing. No surprise to anyone, given that it kept pace, the critical and fan reception has been remarkable, and a second season is already in development.
It’s also not a surprise that the consumer demand for items nostalgically waxing on the show’s throwback appeal has also been in demand. Hasbro (the toy manufacturer that currently holds the title on Marvel-related products) has also continued to deliver on fan collectors and playability in the kids’ market with character ranges that have included classic Marvel heroes and villains, action figures based on the Marvel Studios releases, and still more based on the animated characters including a new line with revitalized designed from X-Men ’97.
UnBoxing
The first wave of action figures in the Marvel Legends collection based on X-Men ’97 included all-new updated figures of Storm and Magneto in their new ’97 looks joined by time-traveler Bishop, as well as X-Men favorites Wolverine, Rogue, and Gambit with a “classic” Magneto in his original armor. A second wave immediately followed that reintroduced Cyclops in his popular militia suit from the 90s, Jean Grey sporting a sleeker interpretation of the militia suit with both her hair in a ponytail (as seen in the original series) and her locks loose as more traditionally worn in the comics.
Joining the ranks of this second wave is Nightcrawler looking the most accurate the action figure has ever looked (prehensile tail and all) as introduced in the classic Giant-Size X-Men #1 drawn by the legendary Dave Cockrum. The fuzzy elf, although not a regular cast member in the animated series, holds a very special place for me as one of my favorite X-Men and this figure captures the spirit I’ve admired most in the hero’s design. Brand new villains in this second wave include The X-Cutioner and Goblin Queen / Madelyn Pryor, the Jean Grey close at the heart of “The Inferno”!
Cyclops looks fantastic! Although not the most popular character in the X-Men’s legacy, the founding member has proven one of the team’s most complex. The figure is based on a design that became a fan favorite as executed by the great Jim Lee in the launch of the best-selling X-Men #1. Jean Grey is expertly captured and her animated suit is elegantly simplified, but she’s nonetheless ready for battle. Nightcrawler is the most enchanting and exciting among these releases (in my opinion) and has most effectively been reproduced staying true to the animated and classic comic series.
The figures capture the designs that are prominent in their Marvel Animation X-Men ’97 appearances, as well as their run in the comics of the 90s era. The figures all feature over 20 points of articulation and “action-accurate” accessories to increase playability and pose-ability alongside the rest of your Marvel Legends collection. That is one of the best features; these figures seamlessly enhance your collection and are just as elegant as previous releases. For fans of the X-Men, these versions will be greatly appreciated.
Hasbro’s X-MEN ’97 | MARVEL LEGENDS Action Figures are available for purchase on Amazon and directly through Hasbro Pulse. Use this direct link for ease of purchase.
Product Description
These collectible 6-inch-scale figures are detailed to look like the characters from Marvel Studios’ X-Men ‘97. Bring the excitement and wonder of the Marvel Universe to your collection with Hasbro Marvel Legends Cyclops, Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, and other X-Men action figures. (Additional products each sold separately. Subject to availability.)
Includes: Figure and accessories.
MARVEL STUDIOS’ X-MEN ‘97: This collectible Marvel figure is inspired by characters’’ appearance in Marvel Studios’ X-Men ‘97 animated series -- a great gift for collectors and fans ages 4 and up
ANIMATED LIKENESS: Marvel fans and collectors can display these 6-inch action figures (15 cm) -- featuring premium animation-accurate deco and design, and over 20 points of articulation -- in their collections
RETRO-STYLE BLISTER CARD: Display this Marvel Legends X-Men figure on your shelf with collectible packaging featuring series character art
Ages 4 and up
⚠️ WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
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