As a 90s kid who grew up watching the original X-Men animated series, I can wholeheartedly say that X-Men ’97 has managed to strike a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation. The show’s decision to embrace an animation style reminiscent of the 80s and 90s, while incorporating modern techniques, is nothing short of brilliant. It’s like stepping into a time machine and finding my childhood cartoons have gotten a sleek upgrade!
“There are numerous aspects to appreciate in X-Men ’97. Unlike many reboots today, this version manages to deliver effectively. It builds upon the foundation of the original X-Men animated series, offering a broader universe and exploring in depth the intricate dynamic between Magneto and Professor X, with impactful dramatic scenes. With the evolution of television, the show is no longer confined to being just episodic; it allows for character development and foreshadowing of future events.
What’s really got fans buzzing is the outstanding animation in X-Men ’97. This revival series draws heavily on the original for its style, giving it a nostalgic feel. Yet, despite being from the 90s, the latest show combines both 2D and 3D techniques to deliver a much more refined visual experience.
Compared to other Marvel animated series that share a consistent aesthetic, the upcoming shows Eyes of Wakanda and What If… adopt a similar visual approach. On the other hand, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man stands out with its flat design and comic book influenced artwork. Nevertheless, it’s the distinctive look of X-Men ’97 that really captivates viewers, even among a sea of visually impressive animated shows. Given the abundance of stylish animated series today, Marvel might want to learn from X-Men ’97 and experiment with different visual styles in their productions.
X-Men ’97 Embraces Old School Character Designs
Animation, like any other medium, has its trends and styles throughout the decades. The 70s saw traditional cel animation mixed with the beginnings of realistic proportioned human characters. These cartoons had reduced budgets and limited animation. The likes of Hanna-Barbera’s Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? and Jabberjaw are classic examples of this style.
The ’80s witnessed an escalation of action hero figures, primarily aimed at toy sales, with series like “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” and “G.I. Joe” leading the way. Conversely, the ’90s marked a shift towards creator-driven cartoons as a response to the simpler, limited animation shows that preceded them. Shows such as “Rugrats” and “The Simpsons”, epitomizing this era, were characterized by being more vivid and fluid in their animation style.
1992 saw the debut of the original “X-Men: The Animated Series,” preceding a significant shift in animation trends. With a modest budget and adhering to the aesthetic of its 80s forerunners, the show was a nod to its past. Interestingly, when the creators chose to emulate the original series’ style in “X-Men ’97,” it wasn’t merely an appeal to nostalgia but also a tribute to an animation style seldom seen for over 30 years. The creative team didn’t just draw inspiration from the original show, they also incorporated elements from classic 80s and 90s anime like “Ninja Scroll.” This unique blend has been appreciated by modern audiences as a breath of fresh air in today’s animated TV scene.
X-Men ’97 Embraces New Techniques
In a nutshell, the methods used in the animation style of X-Men ’97 have been modernized to suit current times. Unlike the conventional cel animation on a tight budget, it employs more sophisticated 2D animation and fully exploits its Disney-scale funding. Instead of opting for a replica of the restricted animation style from the past, the creative team decided to intensify the ’90s vibe by incorporating a VHS-like effect. This is an unusual instance where the VHS-inspired aspects are not intended to create a sense of dread typical in horror productions. Rather, they serve to reinforce the perception that it’s a ’90s series, rather than a 2024 release. Additionally, 3D components were integrated for layouts and intricate vehicles.
Jake Castorena, both producer and head director, shared that the creative team meticulously worked on blending the classic feel with a contemporary touch to ensure they struck the right balance for today’s audience. Judging by the fan reactions, it seems they have achieved this goal exceptionally well. The show resonates deeply with long-term fans, but manages to avoid feeling like a worn-out repetition of the past.
Much like how WandaVision blended various sitcom aesthetics from different eras, the Marvel animation teams ought to aim for distinctive visuals in their productions too. Shows such as X-Men ’97, with its nostalgic design, demonstrate that there’s a demand for animated series that challenge conventional norms. Furthermore, innovative shows like Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur prove that this isn’t exclusive to X-Men ’97; it’s all about creative animation. Marvel boasts an extensive roster of classic characters, many of which have been reimagined numerous times. Instead of playing it safe, why not take a daring leap and offer something fresh? A touch of novelty might reignite the passion of longtime fans and attract new ones as well.
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2024-11-12 04:04