The animated series faces its most formidable foe yet, as Beau DeMayo's legacy looms large over the acclaimed new season
Category: Arts & Culture
Marvel's animated series X-Men '97 has returned for a much-anticipated second season, which premiered on Disney+ to rave reviews, achieving a perfect 10/10 rating from critics. The new season sees the X-Men facing their arch-nemesis, Apocalypse, across various timelines, including ancient Egypt and dystopian futures. This season aims to capture the spirit of the beloved 1990s animated series and weaves in complex narratives that expand the X-Men universe.
On July 1, 2026, Marvel published a comprehensive comic book reading guide to accompany the new season. This guide serves as a roadmap for fans, detailing the evolution of Apocalypse from En Sabah Nur into the ultimate threat that the X-Men must confront. Each week, the reading list is updated to coincide with the release of new episodes, ensuring that both new viewers and longtime fans can immerse themselves in the rich history of the X-Men.
The comics included in the reading guide reveal how Apocalypse evolved, providing a backdrop for the animated series. The first issue of X-MEN '97: STRIKE FILES INFINITY COMIC, released on March 27, 2024, details Nathan Summers' transformation into the warrior known as Cable. This comic, along with others such as X-Men '97: Season Two (2026) #1, released on June 3, 2026, bridges the gap between the first and second seasons, setting the stage for the conflicts to come.
Critically, Season 2 has been described as a leap forward from its predecessor, with many reviewers noting improvements in tone, pacing, and dialogue. Critics have praised the season for being less preachy and more faithful to the source material, contrasting sharply with the mixed reviews of Season 1. The new episodes showcase a more streamlined narrative that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
The first season of X-Men '97 faced criticism for its uneven storytelling, which some attributed to the creative direction taken by Beau DeMayo before his departure. DeMayo completed the scripts and animatics for Season 2 prior to his firing in March 2024, which has led to a complex discussion about the ownership of the season's success. Marvel Animation's Brad Winderbaum confirmed that the inclusion of Apocalypse was part of DeMayo's original pitch, and many fans credit him for laying the groundwork for the current season.
Following his termination, DeMayo expressed that he felt marginalized during his tenure at Marvel, describing himself as a "DEI hire" and recounting experiences of receiving racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks. He stated that he was honest about his personal life, including his work on OnlyFans, which he claimed was not a conflict with his role at Marvel. This sentiment has sparked discussions around diversity and inclusion within the industry, particularly in how creators are treated.
After DeMayo's exit, the scripts underwent revisions under the guidance of new head writer Matthew Chauncey, leading to the involvement of five additional writers. This collaborative effort has been credited with enhancing the season's execution, particularly in terms of dialogue and pacing. Critics have noted that the improvements are evident in how the stories are told, with a focus on character development and narrative clarity.
As X-Men '97 continues to air new episodes weekly until August 12, the series is set to explore even more of the X-Men's expansive lore. The upcoming episodes will feature the rise of Apocalypse and introduce new dynamics among the characters as they navigate a world without the X-Men. The stakes are high, and the series promises to deliver thrilling twists as the X-Men confront both external threats and internal challenges.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding DeMayo's departure and the subsequent handling of the show's creative direction has not gone unnoticed. Marvel is scheduled for a trial in July 2027, where more details about the production challenges and DeMayo's allegations against the company may come to light. This legal battle could shed new insights into the inner workings of Marvel Animation and the treatment of its creators.
DeMayo has publicly denied allegations of misconduct that led to his firing, claiming that he was subjected to gaslighting and redirection by Marvel. His attorney has stated that DeMayo seeks only the truth, indicating that this narrative may continue to evolve as more information becomes available. In the meantime, fans of X-Men '97 can enjoy the latest season, which has successfully revived interest in the franchise and brought back beloved characters to a new generation of viewers.
With the series now streaming on Disney+, audiences can expect an exciting continuation of the X-Men saga, filled with action, drama, and the rich storytelling that has defined the franchise for decades.