X-Men ’97 Season 2 Has Already Cleared Its Biggest Hurdle

This article contains minor spoilers for X-Men ’97 Season 2 Episodes 1–3.

When X-Men ’97 debuted in 2024, it received critical acclaim for reviving a beloved animated universe while staying faithful to what made X-Men: The Animated Series so popular in the first place. Season 1 leaned heavily on cleverly written nostalgia, character continuity, and explosive action, earning widespread praise for balancing fan service with genuinely strong storytelling.

Following such a lauded season is no easy task, which meant more pressure was on Season 2 than usual. Fans may have wanted more episodes with Season 2, but they also needed proof that Season 1’s high quality wasn’t a one-off. X-Men ’97 Season 2 released its first three episodes today, July 1, 2026, and though the rest of the season remains to be seen, it has already cleared its biggest hurdle: proving that its remarkable debut wasn’t a fluke.

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X-Men ’97 Season 2 Lives Up to Season 1

After establishing itself as one of Marvel Animation’s highest-rated projects with a 99% Rotten Tomatoes score, X-Men ’97 entered its second season with high expectations. The creative team had to prove to audiences that the quality, confidence, and emotional depth that defined Season 1 could be sustained over the long term. And, based on Season 2’s reviews so far, they’ve already achieved it. X-Men ’97’s second installment debuted with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics frequently citing its confident storytelling, polished animation, and character-driven drama as high points.

Season 2 sees the X-Men scattered across different points in time as Apocalypse emerges as the next major threat, picking up immediately after the first installment. The story broadens its scope by taking place in the past, present, and future while drawing inspiration from fan-favorite comic arcs, such as “Rise of Apocalypse.” The arrival of Apocalypse naturally introduces elements of ancient Egypt, Cable’s future, and the wider history of mutantkind, and many critics have praised the season’s willingness to embrace darker themes while still focusing on the interpersonal relationships at the heart of X-Men. The second installment will have nine episodes and conclude on August 12.

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X-Men Fans Have a Lot to Look Forward to With Season 2

Wolverine under Magneto's control in X-Men '97

These reviews confirm that X-Men ’97 isn’t enduring from the same sophomore slump that many TV shows suffer from. Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Season 2’s success is that the praise isn’t centered on nostalgia alone. Reviewers have continued to highlight X-Men ’97‘s willingness to embrace ambitious comic book mythology while keeping its iconic characters and emotional stakes at the forefront. That combination was one of Season 1’s defining strengths, and early reactions suggest Season 2 has preserved it, expanding the show’s scope without relying on nostalgia for the original ’90s series alone.

Of course, three episodes are only the beginning, and the remainder of the season will ultimately determine whether Season 2 can match or surpass X-Men ’97 Season 1’s high quality. But clearing the initial hurdle was arguably the hardest part. After a first season setting such a high bar, simply proving the series hadn’t lost its momentum was a significant achievement.

Fans can catch new episodes of X-Men ’97 every Wednesday on Disney+.