X-Men ’97 made a wise choice centering its new season on the threat of Apocalypse. The all-powerful mutant was naturally a staple of the original X-Men series, but it’s been a long time since any X-Men media portrayed him faithfully (or with much personality). That changes as Marvel’s most underrated series returns for Season 2. With the help of a wild time-slipping twist, X-Men ’97 is now all about Apocalypse, following his early days as a former slave in Ancient Egypt — back when he was known as En Sabah Nur — and the height of his reign in the far-off future.
The X-Men have one mission this season: to put an end to Apocalypse however (or whenever) they can. But he’s far from the only villain they’ll have to face as they trek across time. X-Men ’97 also brings a surprising antagonist back into Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, and it does so in a very clever way. As Magneto and Professor X work to guide En Sabah Nur away from his megalomaniacal fate, they have to face off against another familiar obstacle, one who very nearly conquered Marvel’s Multiverse in live-action. Spoilers ahead for X-Men ’97 Season 2 Episode 3.
