Wolverine and the X-Men is a 2009 Marvel animated series with only one season released that consisted of 26 episodes. The show was planned to have a season two, also 26 episodes, that would introduce a wider cast, new enemies, and address plotlines that were unfinished in the first season. However, due to financial problems, season two was never made, leaving fans wondering what would have happened if the show had continued. With Marvel’s latest success, there may be a chance they will bring back the show and conclude the stories that were left unknown. In this review we’ll discuss the season in-depth and the characters’ representation in this somewhat darker storyline. 

Wolverine leading the X-Men is not a common sight as he is usually a loner or has things from his past that he has to deal with independently. However, due to the issues the MRD (Mutant Response Division) are causing and the ongoing search for the Professor and Jean, Logan is forced to bring the X-Men back together and lead them to the best of his ability. The storylines from the show are all pulled directly from comics, with common ones such as the Phoenix and the X-Program being featured, and other lesser known relationships coming to light, such as Wolverine/Mystique and Scott/Emma Frost. There is a more serious tone in this show though, as the MRD is rounding up mutants and putting them in cages, a strong representation of oppression and racism. 

The main plot follows Wolverine attempting to prevent the Mutant-Human war with the guidance of the Professor who is sharing what he has learned 20 years into the future. Senator Kelly and Magneto are rearing for war, to prove that one is stronger than the other, but Magneto has created Genosha and painted the picture that mutants only want to live in peace. Through secret plots, the Brotherhood, and the Sentinel program, both sides take steps to progress the war despite the X-Men’s best efforts. They learn, however, that the destruction of the world came from the Phoenix force and the Sentinels took over in the wake of the fire. This leaves Wolverine knowing he has to do whatever it takes to stop her, even if it means killing her. However, Emma Frost has grown fond of the X-Men despite being a spy, and sacrifices herself by capturing the Phoenix force and releasing it, dying to save the world. This changes the future Charles was surviving in, as Wolverine has succeeded in leading a team and preventing the war. Unfortunately, a new evil future has taken place as Sinister, working for Apocalypse, has created the ultimate mutant and they have taken over the world. This is what would have led into season 2, with the story focusing on stopping this new evil future and the introduction of Bastion as a major villain. 

Despite this overarching storyline, there were several smaller storylines that were featured, some concluded and some left open to be continued in season two. The X-Program and X-23 were the biggest ones that weren’t concluded, with X-23 being introduced briefly but no explanation as to who she was. There was also mention that Deadpool would appear in season two, and the X-Program story in regards to Logan would be fully put together. Additionally, what happened to Genosha and Magneto following the final episode was left open, as Wanda had taken charge of Genosha and Magneto was forced to leave and find a new place in the world. Aside from those, other small storylines were either concluded or not definitive enough to require closure. 

Character representation in this show was interesting because, given the darker time in the world, certain characters who are usually shown as strong and willful were given weaknesses and reversed their roles. Scott, usually the leader of the X-Men, was taken down a notch and was finally shown as the weak-willed, easy-to-give-up man he is, with Logan constantly putting him in his place with truth and facts. It was refreshing to see Scott put in his place and Logan to take being a leader seriously, even if he lacked confidence. Rogue’s character was also different as she was a lot more manipulative and cunning then she usually is represented, but she still made good use of her powers and was not weak. The rest of the characters fit within their defined characteristics from the comics, though Storm could have been given more strength.

Overall, this was a great X-Men show and it strongly deserves a second season. X-Men animated shows are always good, and I would highly recommend giving this one a watch. Also, if you haven’t seen X-Men the Animated Series or X-Men Evolution, you should watch them as well.

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