Why X-MEN '97 Should Be Marvel's Standard for Future Projects
by Amanda Vincent
Marvel's latest phase didn't have the magic of the Infinity Saga (the films from Iron Man to Avengers: Endgame ), and there has been a noticeable decline in quality. This has led to many fans disengaging with Marvel and lowering their expectations.
However, a few projects exceed expectations and prove that Marvel can still make amazing content. Last March, X-Men '97 debuted on Disney+ and was an instant hit. The show picks up after the end of X-Men: The Animated Series, which concluded in 1996. It keeps the core spirit of the original while including updated animation and opening with a fresh new version of the iconic theme song. Highlighting Dynamics X-MEN '97 Season 1. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.
As a long-time X-Men fan, I think this show is nearly flawless. It highlights the intimate relationships between the team members. It allows them to feel like a true family that loves each other regardless of conflict.
RELATED: TV Review: X-Men '97 Season 1
At their best, the X-Men operate like soap opera characters. The show leans into this heavily, starting strong with Scott (Cyclops) discovering that Mr. Sinister replaced his wife, Jean Grey, with a clone. The clone (Madelyne) had just given birth to their child, making things even more complicated. Jean catches Scott and Madelyne having a psychic moment together and struggles to trust her husband again.
Along with this, Rogue and Remy (Gambit)'s relationship becomes complicated when Erik enters the picture. We discover that Rogue and Erik have a past, and she still cares deeply for him. Because of his magnetism powers, Erik is the one person Rogue can touch without harming, something she could never do with Remy. The Sentinel Master Mold kills Remy in the middle of the season, sending Rogue into a spiral of grief and anger. Individual Moments to Shine X-MEN '97 Season 1. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.
X-Men '97 does a fantastic job of balancing a larger team and giving each core member their moment to shine. It was fun to see characters like Nightcrawler, Morph, and Cable play pivotal roles in the plot, as they were not always present in the original series.
RELATED: Defending X-Men : Here's Why These Movies Should Be Grouped, Not Ranked
Storm's character arc stands out. Early in the show, her powers are taken from her, leading to a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation. She connects with Forge, a mutant who can invent anything he can imagine. He endeavors to help her regain her powers. With Forge, they encounter The Adversary, a demonic entity whose sole purpose is to destroy the universe.
While resisting The Adversary's psychic attacks, Storm regains her powers, and she comes back stronger than ever. I always felt the original animated series and the Fox movies underused Storm, so it was well overdue to give her a quality story. Character-Driven Stories X-MEN '97 Season 1. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.
The show's plot is engaging and energetic because of its compelling characters. When Marvel focuses on telling character-driven stories, rather than making projects for the sake of the larger universe, they are at their best.
RELATED: X-Men + Star Trek : Why You Must Read Planet X
The show also excels at providing terrifying villains. Mr. Sinister, The Adversary, and Bastion, a human-Sentinel hybrid, are all genuinely scary and are not easy for the team to defeat. It's been a while since a Marvel project had a quality antagonist, so this was refreshing to see.
X-Men '97 should serve as a blueprint for Marvel's future projects and is truly one of the best representations of the X-Men on screen.
Going forward, Marvel should zoom in on the story they want to tell for each film and Disney+ show, rather than always zooming out to the next big event. Thunderbolts* and Daredevil: Born Again are two projects that show promise for the future.
RELATED: Thunderbolts* : Does the Film Hide an Original Comic Book Member in Plain Sight? Thunderbolts*
Like X-Men '97, Thunderbolts* successfully gives the audience more insight into characters who had not been given much attention while also setting up the MCU's next big event. The film also explores themes of grief and trauma while creating a compelling and heartwarming family dynamic.
Each member of the New Avengers roster gets their moment, both in the action scenes and in more emotional ones. The film feels different from the typical Marvel formula. It's stylistically creative and a fun reset from a long stretch of mediocre films. The film's antagonist, The Void, is truly an unexpected and creative twist, and is chilling to watch on screen. Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil: Born Again also excels with its antagonist, Wilson Fisk (Kingpin). Just like in the original series, Fisk is a formidable threat not only to Daredevil but all of New York City. The show's stakes continue to rise as Fisk becomes Mayor and assumes control of those around him. The first season ends with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats to see if Daredevil and his allies can win in the end.
RELATED: Who Is Bob Reynolds, the Newest Hero Introduced in Thunderbolts* ?
Like X-Men '97 , the show is grounded in its setting and is not focused on establishing the next crossover event or bigger film. Born Again completely immerses itself in New York City. Each episode includes interviews with residents expressing their thoughts on Fisk's mayoral campaign and the aftermath of his taking office. The show is a great example of zooming in and fully committing to the story. Learning From X-Men '97
Both projects could benefit from more in-depth exploration of their characters while highlighting the strengths of everyone in the cast. Still, it appears Marvel is headed in the right direction. Hopefully, future projects can do this even better.
With The Fantastic Four: First Steps coming out this month, we will soon learn if this new era of Marvel is on the brink of success or more of the same mediocrity.
X-Men '97 Season 1 is now streaming on Disney+.
DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN Season 2 Sees the Return of Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
What is a ‘lesbian top?' LGBTQ+ sex experts explain and give tips on topping
The terms topping and bottoming usually come up in two contexts: when talking about gay sex or in the context of a BDSM Dom/sub relationship. In the simplest terms, topping = giving or penetrating, and bottoming = receiving or being penetrated. But there are tops and bottoms in lesbian sex, too. For lesbians, where oral is a big component of your sex life, the top/bottom dynamic may always be present when you take your clothes off, or may just come into play during penetrative sex with fingers or strap-ons. And instead of it just being shorthand for who likes to penetrate and who likes to do the penetrating, it also has a lot to do with which partner wants to be in control and who wants to relinquish it. But there is so much more to get into, so we talked to LGBTQ+ sex and relationship experts to do a deep dive into what a lesbian top is, how you can be the best top around, and what to do if you're brand new to topping in a sapphic relationship. What is a lesbian top? Santypan/Shutterstock So we've been over what a 'lesbian bottom' is, but what is a 'lesbian top?' 'Unlike in gay male culture where 'top' and 'bottom' may have clearer penetrative connotations, lesbian dynamics are broader, often involving mutual exchange, but with one partner taking initiative,' Chelsea Newton, a licensed clinical social worker who founded the LGBTQ+ sex therapy practice Phases of the Mind therapy, tells PRIDE. While penetration may be part of the equation, there are plenty of other ways lesbian tops dominate, lead, and control in the bedroom. 'A lesbian top might fuck/penetrate her partner with a strap-on or hand-held dildo, or with her hands. But she might also just be more dominant — backing her partner up against a wall, undressing her, or calling the shots, regardless of what specific sexual activities she engaged in. She might even 'top' her partner with her eyes, looking her up and down with unabashed desire,' explains Dr. Ruth Schwartz, certified sex and intimacy coach, director at the lesbian-focused Conscious Girlfriend Academy, and author. And don't get bogged down by stereotypes — the heteros do that enough for all of us — because there are plenty of butch bottoms and high femme tops. So, whether you're a diesel dyke or a lipstick lesbian, you can own the title of 'lesbian top.' Is it all about positions? Sexual positions only play a small role in what makes a lesbian top vs. bottom. Your attitude and level of control and dominance you exert also help define a lesbian top. 'A top isn't necessarily literally on top! It's about attitude and about a more take-charge energy,' Dr. Schwartz says. 'Or, if she is a 'service top,' she might take charge of the action but in a softer way, with an intent to arouse and please.' From stone tops ('touch me nots') to service tops to tops who are hyper femme to ones who want to explore masculine energy, there is also no one way to be a top, and it will look different for every person. 'Some lesbian tops feel they are channeling masculine energy, as if the dildo is their own cock,' she explains. 'Others just love the experience of feeling a partner surrender to her own pleasure with them, whether they're using their hands, mouths, or a strap-on. Whichever way it works for you is fine.' What makes a good lesbian top? A good top is attuned to their partner's desires and has the confidence to act on that knowledge. 'The best tops are emotionally present, patient, and responsive,' Newton explains. 'They care about their partner's experience, check in without interrupting, and prioritize consent and pleasure. Good tops also know how to create anticipation and adapt in real-time. Psychological flexibility and playful experimentation go a long way.' According to Dr. Schwartz, being a good top in a sapphic relationship means being attuned to your partner's desires and responses so that you 'can both arouse her and bring her pleasure.' A good lesbian top is also 'intuitive, and tuned-in to her own body enough to be able to actually feel her partner's arousal and pleasure.' Tips for improving your topping skills 'Learn your partner's erotic language: Ask about turn-ons, boundaries, and fantasies beforehand,' Newton suggests. Slow down and build erotic tension through pacing and edging. Pay attention to your partner's physical cues like changes in breathing, small body movements, and muscle tension. Don't be afraid to be vocal in bed. Praise, affirmations, and whispered desires can be a huge turn-on for your bottom. Make asking for consent sexy. If you say it with confidence and dripping with desire, a 'May I?' or 'Do you like this?' Can ratchet up the sexual tension while getting consent at the same time. Performative dominance isn't cute or sexy. Have the courage and confidence to learn how to pleasure your partner and then take them to O-town. Practice makes perfect! 'Many women are sexually shy and, especially if they've been with men, tend not to take the lead. If you're drawn to take the lead with another woman, it's okay to be vulnerable, express your desires, and ask for input and feedback as you build competence and confidence,' Dr. Schwartz advises. While your bottom may have plenty of toys of their own, you should equip yourself with a good strap-on harness and several dildos of varying sizes. You can never be too prepared! But what if it's your first time? If it's your first time topping, either because this is your first lesbian relationship or because you've never explored this sexual dynamic before, it can feel a little overwhelming. But don't worry because our experts have you covered! Being a lesbian top means getting attuned to your partner's wants and desires, so start paying close attention to her body language. 'If you move closer to her, does she soften? If you back her against the wall or pin her down on the bed, does she sigh and open, or stiffen? Never be afraid to ask questions or change course, because being a top is about bringing pleasure,' Dr. Schwartz recommends. Don't get too focused on penetration. Not all bottoms are interested, and that's ok, there are plenty of other things to do in the bedroom. Don't forget about foreplay and timing! 'Many bottoms feel more turned on if they're made to wait before something they are craving — whether it's your lips on her lips, your squeeze of her nipples, your mouth or fingers on her pussy, or, of course, your fingers or dildo inside her,' Dr. Schwartz says. Encourage your partner to moan, move, and be vocal about what she wants more of or less of. It will help her feel freer and give you valuable information as a newbie. Check in and cuddle afterward. Aftercare is an important part of the experience, too. Biggest mistakes lesbian tops make Rushing through foreplay, ignoring verbal or nonverbal cues, relying on toys while ignoring manual or oral technique, and 'viewing topping as dominance rather than connection,' are all common mistakes lesbian tops make, Newton explains. And don't get it twisted, tops are allowed to enjoy pleasure too. If you want the focus to be solely about your partner's enjoyment, that's ok, but you're allowed to have fun and experience orgasms yourself while topping. 'A lesbian top might also think it's not okay to get aroused, want to be touched, or have an orgasm herself. But in fact, all of these things are more than okay! Letting yourself be touched and pleasured doesn't turn you into a bottom, if your energy is still in charge of the encounter,' Dr. Schwartz says. What should you do if you get performance anxiety? Nicoleta Ionescu/Shutterstock First, try to find a partner to explore this dynamic with who you can trust, who is already comfortable as a bottom, and is open to letting you explore this side of yourself. Second, don't put too much pressure on yourself to get it right immediately. 'Anxiety is common and doesn't mean you're not capable,' Newton says. 'Start by talking openly with your partner about your nerves. Frame this as exploration. Shift from 'I need to do this perfectly' to 'We get to discover what we like together.'' Dr. Schwartz agrees, 'The more you can approach sex with an attitude of play, adventure, curiosity and exploration, the more you can have a good time even if, say, the dildo falls out of its harness, or you have trouble finding a position that lets you thrust, or your hips start hurting midway, or you get a stiff neck or sore tongue. You get to be human and vulnerable while being a top.' Experts cited: Chelsea Newton, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of the LGBTQ+ sex therapy practice Phases of the Mind therapy. Dr. Ruth Schwartz, certified sex and intimacy coach, director at the lesbian-focused Conscious Girlfriend Academy, and author of eight books, including Conscious Lesbian Dating & Love. This article originally appeared on Pride: What is a 'lesbian top?' LGBTQ+ sex experts explain and give tips on topping RELATED 18 Really Awkward Thoughts to Have During Lesbian Sex 12 More Amazing Lesbian Sex Scenes in Movies 28 lesbian sex tips adult films won't teach you Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Kyle Petty calls Wallace's win a 'big moment for our sport'
Kyle Petty dives into to Bubba Wallace's win from Indianapolis where family, emotion and respect where all on display.
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Warner Bros. Says Its Spinoff Will Be Named Discovery Global
(Bloomberg) -- Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. announced the names of the two companies resulting from a planned separation of the streaming and studios business from its cable-TV networks. Can This Bridge Ease the Troubled US-Canadian Relationship? Budapest's Most Historic Site Gets a Controversial Rebuild Trump Administration Sues NYC Over Sanctuary City Policy Warner Bros. will house the company's television, video-game and movie studios, as well as HBO and the HBO Max streaming platform. Discovery Global will include CNN, TNT Sports in the US, Discovery and the Discovery+ streaming service, among other assets, according to a statement Monday. The company announced that it was dividing into two separate entities last month, with the split expected to be completed in mid-2026. As more customers switch from struggling cable networks to streaming, other companies are taking similar steps. Comcast Corp. plans to spin off its cable networks into a separate company called Versant by the end of this year. The move is an acknowledgment that the 2022 merger of Discovery and AT&T Inc.'s Warner Media hasn't gone as planned. David Zaslav, the long-time cable executive and architect of the merger, will stay with the streaming and studios business. Chief Financial Officer Gunnar Wiedenfels will become CEO of the cable networks. Other executives were named on Monday, most of them remaining in positions similar to those they occupied before the split. Burning Man Is Burning Through Cash It's Not Just Tokyo and Kyoto: Tourists Descend on Rural Japan Elon Musk's Empire Is Creaking Under the Strain of Elon Musk Confessions of a Laptop Farmer: How an American Helped North Korea's Wild Remote Worker Scheme Cage-Free Eggs Are Booming in the US, Despite Cost and Trump's Efforts ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
