This review is based off the first two episodes.

The 1990s were a haven for animated shows based on beloved comic book characters. Everyone from Batman to Spider-Man and even The Mask had their own series. These shows seamlessly turned the comic pages into entertaining kids TV viewing on Saturday mornings. One of the most popular shows during this time was X-Men: The Animated Series which aired for five seasons. During its run, it successfully adapted iconic storylines from the comics such as Days of Future Past and The Phoenix Saga.

Now, 27 years after the original series came to an end, Marvel Animation has resurrected this classic 90s show with X-Men '97. When bringing back this fan-favourite show, there are two directions Marvel could have gone down. Do they update it for modern audiences or do they keep it faithful to the 90s show? Thankfully they went with the latter option.

Almost everything about X-Men '97 feels like it was transported straight from the 90s. A couple of much-needed tweaks have been included in the process but these are definitely for the better. The animation doesn't feel jarringly modernised or stilted, something other Marvel Animation shows occasionally fall victim to. Instead, it looks exactly as it used to whilst appearing a lot cleaner and brighter. The colours in every scene pop straight out of the TV like they would in a comic book. The X-Men have never looked this vibrant and it certainly reignites a sense of childhood joy.

The show picks up right where the original series ended, wasting no time in throwing these characters into the deep end. It manages to push character dynamics to a knife edge throughout the series. Episode two, titled ‘Mutant Liberation Begins', showcases this brilliantly. The episode brings Magneto back into the fray but also deals with the unexpected arrival of Jean's baby. It is a testament to the show's writing as to how much they can juggle at once. Navigating bombastic set pieces, the relationships of the X-Men and the core themes that Stan Lee set to address when creating the comic in 1963.

This is even something the first episode does really well. It brings audiences back into the picture like no time has passed while tackling new issues. It deals with the immediate fallout of Xavier's death at the end of the original series and how this affects each member of the team. Meanwhile, you have the main storyline of the X-Men attempting to save a young mutant named Roberto da Costa. Both of these narratives perfectly find ways to weave into each other and never clash once during the episode.

This is where the show really shines. For longtime fans, it is a great continuation of a much-loved childhood show. However, for new viewers, it also gets straight to the point. If you have, for some reason, never seen a single episode of X-Men: The Animated Series then you can still watch X-Men '97 with ease. It concisely fills you in on everything you need to know before briskly moving on to something else. The show is also not afraid to tackle mature topics. It doesn't become a kitchen sink drama, far from it, but the attempts made at approaching adult themes are very welcome. These never become the main focus of an episode but always bury themselves in the struggles the team are facing, leading to some rather emotional results at times.

However, the glue that sticks X-Men '97 together is the voice cast which features a nice blend of new and returning actors. You have the likes of Cal Dodd who once again brings his gruff sarcasm to Wolverine and Lenore Zann's endlessly charming take on Rogue. On the other hand, the new voice actors do a great job of filling in the gaps. Ray Chase, Matthew Waterson and Jennifer Hale all perfectly fit the roles of Cyclops, Magneto and Jean Grey respectively.

Occasionally, revivals of classic TV shows only appeal to die-hard fans. X-Men '97 is one that can be recommended to all who wish to see it. The characters will keep old fans pleased whereas the action and poignant messaging is enough to intrigue new audiences. The show looks and feels nostalgic but never once comes across as pandering. It has stories it wants to tell and does so in a manner that feels fitting for these iconic characters.

The show does not sacrifice any of the charm that made it so loved in the first place. Everyone behind this project has put their heart and soul into bringing this series back to life. From the overall presentation to the unforgettable theme tune, X-Men '97 is a show that anyone can watch and enjoy.

The first two episodes of X-Men '97 are now available to stream on Disney Plus, with new episodes streaming on the platform every Wednesday until 15th May.