X-Men ‘97 is getting a prequel. Marvel has announced a companion comic that will serve as a prelude to the upcoming animated series. What happened between the events of X-Men: The Animated Series and the new revival? This four-issue comic book will aim to answer those questions. If nothing else, this is proof that the show is finally close to becoming a reality after years of waiting. 

Marvel Comics made the announcement in a press release. Steve Foxe is set to write the book, with Salva Espin handling the artwork. We also got a glimpse at the cover art for the first issue, which you can check out below. It should look very familiar to fans of the beloved ‘90s animated series. The first issue hits stands in March ahead of the debut of X-Men ‘97 on Disney+ next year.  

Here is the synopsis for the X-Men ‘97 prelude. 

“In this official prelude, discover what Storm, Jubilee, Wolverine, and the rest of the beloved ’90s X-Men cast have been up to in the time before their return! Startling revelations here lead directly into the hotly anticipated new series—fans won’t want to miss out!”

This show has been a long time coming. It was originally announced in late 2021, but in many ways, it’s been something fans have been waiting much longer to see. X-Men: The Animated Series concluded its run in 1997 after airing 76 episodes across five seasons. This will serve as a direct continuation. It will also be the first official X-Men project at Marvel Studios, which is a big deal. The first season will consist of ten episodes, with a second season already in the works.

Steve Foxe had the following to say about it.

“There’s a very good chance I wouldn’t be writing comics today if not for the impact X-Men: The Animated Series had on me as a kid—heck, the voice actors from the show are still the voices I hear when I read the comics today! Getting to reunite with my X-Men ‘92: House of XCII collaborator Salva Espín on this official prelude to X-Men ’97 has felt like a bucket-list project a lifetime in the making, and Beau [DeMayo] and the rest of the ’97 team gave us a fantastic runway to come up with our own original tale that feeds right into what viewers will get to experience in the new season.”

X-Men ‘97 #1 hits shelves on March 27, 2024. 

What do you think? Are you excited about the show? Do you plan on picking up the comic? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!