Summary
- X-Men ’97 revived the series with a more mature tone, and the show set the stage for a dangerous foe.
- Magneto’s mind wipe planted the seeds for Onslaught’s emergence as a major threat to the X-Men.
- The show’s careful storytelling and inclusion of other Marvel heroes hint at a complex and dark storyline in season 2.
In season 2 of X-Men ’97, one of the mutant team’s most terrifying enemies could make an appearance. The initial season rekindled the animated X-Men series, picking up from where it ended in the mid-90s and maturing the content to match the maturity of its fanbase who have grown alongside the show. This revival was met with widespread acclaim, paving the way for additional seasons.
During the first season of X-Men ’97, mutants encountered some of their most formidable enemies, such as Bastion, Mr. Sinister, the Goblin Queen, and even Mojo. Magneto, one of their toughest adversaries, was a recurring character throughout this season, with his storylines including his bond with Rogue, leading the X-Men, and stripping Wolverine of his adamantium. As the season progressed, some of Magneto’s actions could potentially trigger the appearance of one of the X-Men’s most terrifying comic book enemies: Onslaught.
How X-Men ’97 Set The Stage For Onslaught
1997’s X-Men series depicted incidents from the “Fatal Attractions” storyline. During this period, Magneto set off an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) causing global disasters and casualties. Despite the fact that his actions were prompted by a devastating attack on Genosha, the X-Men remained determined to intervene, venturing to Magneto’s Asteroid M in order to confront him. However, as their attempts to reason with him proved futile, a fierce battle erupted, putting everyone involved in grave danger. Wolverine attempted to end the conflict by taking advantage of an opportunity to pierce Magneto with his unyielding adamantium claws. In response, Magneto’s counterattack was merciless, as he extracted the metal from Wolverine’s skeleton, leaving him on the brink of death.
In a dramatic turn of events, Professor X enters Magneto’s mind without his helmet to halt the destruction. As a desperate measure, Xavier erases Magneto’s memory, concluding the battle. Nevertheless, this action results in Professor X gaining some of Magneto’s malevolent traits, which could prove significant later on. Magneto is subdued, and with the X-Men tending to Wolverine’s wounds and dealing with Bastion’s ongoing schemes, the incident fades into the background. However, this pivotal moment serves as a foundation for the emergence of Onslaught in the future.
Who Is Onslaught In The X-Men Universe?
Initially, Onslaught covertly harassed the X-Men, dispatching messengers to battle them. He even drew Jean Grey into a clash on the Astral Plane, unveiling Xavier’s hidden past transgressions to her. This revelation pushed Jean to collaborate with Xavier, ultimately exposing the grim reality: Charles Xavier had transformed into Onslaught. The true nature of Onslaught is that it emerged from the merging of Magneto’s erased memories and Xavier’s subconscious thoughts, forming a powerful psionic entity. This entity, if left unchecked, threatened to become a menace to the X-Men.
In their initial clash, Onslaught overpowers the X-Men with ease, swiftly dismantling their team and initiating his scheme. He targets two incredibly potent mutants – X-Man and Franklin Richards – who could potentially feature in the MCU’s upcoming Fantastic Four series, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Onslaught exploits these powerful individuals to boost his own power, eventually leading to a conflict that enlists additional Marvel heroes. The Hulk manages to shatter Onslaught’s armor, but this action only unveils his indestructible energy form. Upon this revelation, it becomes clear that Onslaught aims to exterminate all of humanity, leaving behind only mutant beings and himself.
Facing Onslaught’s plot, the X-Men’s situation seems grim, but they shoulder their duty regardless of the final outcome. In the ensuing battle, various Marvel heroes plunge into Onslaught’s energy wave, acquiring its abilities, and eventually, the X-Men trigger an explosion that leads to the selfless demise of these heroes – a number of Avengers and The Fantastic Four included.
However, despite their success in saving Earth, the X-Men find themselves under scrutiny, as they are perceived as having brought about the death of Earth’s superheroes, including several Avengers and The Fantastic Four. This leaves the X-Men grappling with difficult circumstances that seem insurmountable.
Why The Onslaught Storyline Should Be Part of X-Men ’97 Season 2
The animated series X-Men ’97 has been selectively adapting stories from the comics and fitting them into its own narrative timeline. For instance, the “Fatal Attractions” storyline depicted in the first season directly leads to the Onslaught event as seen in the comics. Interestingly, the show combined the season finale with elements of the “Operation: Zero Tolerance” arc, which happened after Onslaught in the original comic series. This animated adaptation has drawn from various decades of X-Men comics, such as the destruction of Genosha, an event that occurred in the 2000s. As a result, the show maintains flexibility to explore different storylines for future seasons at its convenience. However, it’s important to note that the groundwork for Onslaught has already been established.
Through Magneto’s mind wipe, his malevolence has seeped into Professor Xavier’s unconscious mind, initiating the formation of Onslaught. This ominous presence looms large over the X-Men, offering ample opportunities for emotional depth and high-stakes action throughout the season. The season finale subtly hinted at the involvement of other Marvel characters within their world, suggesting potential self-sacrifices to halt Onslaught’s rampage. This impending struggle may prove to be one of the most intricate challenges for the X-Men and a particularly dark chapter in the show’s narrative.
In the storyline of X-Men ’97, Onslaught is an adversary who initially lurks in the background. Throughout the second season, there’s room to gradually provoke him, keeping the team at bay from a distance. Characters such as Post, a messenger of Onslaught, can be utilized to subtly introduce the villain across various episodes, eventually leading up to his confrontation with the X-Men in season 2. Onslaught is known for having multiple stages, suggesting that the plotline will span several episodes and gradually build towards higher stakes and destruction. The anticipation of Onslaught’s appearance could be prolonged, with his full reveal possibly saved for season 3. No matter how X-Men ’97 decides to present Onslaught, the groundwork has already been set for a formidable opponent that may push the mutants to their limits in the upcoming seasons.
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2025-05-17 20:08