Kill Your Mutant Darlings: How X-Men '97 Brings Real Consequences to This Animated Universe

"Kill Your Mutant Darlings: How X-Men '97 Brings Real Consequences to This Animated Universe"

In the fifth episode of X-Men '97, the narrative takes a significantly dark turn. The episode, "Remember It," sees Magneto, Rogue, and Gambit defending Genosha against a destructive Master Mold Sentinel. The battle is intense, and its conclusion is tragic: Magneto and Gambit, along with many Genoshans, perish. X-Men '97 has daringly eliminated two iconic characters, signaling that the series is not hesitant to take risks for the sake of storytelling.

This episode signifies a shift in the series. Previously, X-Men '97 had a more optimistic tone, hinting at a world becoming more accepting of mutants. Yet, the episode's climax is a stark reminder of the persistent threat to mutant existence. Beau DeMayo, the former showrunner, likened the Genosha events to real-life calamities such as 9/11 and the Pulse nightclub shooting, underlining the profound impact of the episode.

Jake Castorena, the supervising director, along with episodic directors Chase Coney and Emi Yonemura, discuss the difficulties in creating this somber episode. Castorena points out that X-Men '97 strives to mirror a world where actions have significant consequences, resonating with those who remember the original series. Themes of lost innocence, global events, and historical impact are woven into the story, adding depth and gravity to the animated universe.

In essence, X-Men '97 boldly ventures into the darker aspects of its world, acknowledging the weight of its story's consequences.