Rogue, the X-Men’s power-absorbing marvel, has long been a beloved character among fans. Her journey from a rebellious teenager to a pivotal member of the X-Men team is a testament to her complexity and appeal. Possessing the unique ability to absorb the memories and abilities of others, Rogue embodies both incredible strength and profound vulnerability – a combination that resonates deeply with audiences.

Rewinding to the 1990s, the X-Men animated series catapulted Rogue into the spotlight, showcasing her Southern charm and solidifying her place in the X-Men universe. Today, the excitement surrounding X-Men ’97 is palpable, offering a nostalgic trip back to the era of Saturday morning cartoons. This revival is a celebration of the enduring legacy of the X-Men, and Rogue’s place within that legend continues to captivate new and old fans alike.

Rogue is more than just her impressive abilities; she embodies transformation, evolving from an adversary of the X-Men to one of its most stalwart defenders. This is what true character development looks like. And let’s not overlook the stellar animation and Lenore Zann‘s voice work that brought her character off the page and onto the screen – simply outstanding. Rogue’s enduring popularity is no surprise; she’s a multifaceted character, brimming with bravery and a hint of nostalgia. In the X-Men saga, she stands out as an enduring icon.

Love in Vain adds depth to Rogue’s story by introducing a science fiction twist to her hopes and dreams. Although it might not stand out as the pinnacle of the series, it offers a unique viewing experience that highlights the varied narrative techniques found within the X-Men franchise.

In a startling event, a massive creature, resembling a giant whale, crashes to Earth, landing just behind a meditating Wolverine. His investigation leads him to a confrontation with the alien Colony.

Meanwhile, at Xavier‘s Mansion, Rogue‘s relaxation is interrupted by Gambit‘s visit and a surprising call from Cody Robbins, who’s awakened from a coma caused by Rogue’s kiss and wishes to meet in Manhattan. Cody reveals to Rogue a method for them to touch without triggering her powers. After fainting and recovering, Rogue is invited on a weekend getaway by Cody. She returns home to inform her teammates of her absence.

Wolverine uncovers the Colony’s plan to conquer Earth by infecting humans with parasites that transform them into reptiles. As the X-Men prepare to respond, Rogue announces her vacation plans, unaware of the impending crisis.

The truth unfolds: Cody has been an agent for the Colony, luring Rogue into a trap. The team regroups in the desert, facing transformations due to the Colony infection. Wolverine’s healing factor saves him, and he shares it with Rogue, allowing her to recover. The X-Men are cured, and Professor X communicates with the Colony’s whale-like creature, which emits a sonic blast to thwart the Colony’s scheme. Despite the victory, Cody’s fate with the Colony leaves Rogue heartbroken, with Wolverine and Gambit offering comfort.

First things first, The Colony in the series are inspired by the Brood, the insect-like adversaries the X-Men first battled in Uncanny X-Men #155. These creatures propagate by implanting eggs into living hosts, which then transform the hosts into one of their own. They also subjugate celestial beings called Acanti to serve as their ships.

The Brood have made previous appearances in the show, notably in one of Mojo’s schemes in Mojovision and as a mental mirage conjured by Charles in Cold Comfort. Beast even mentions them by name. Their updated look in this episode isn’t due to the original design being too frightening; rather, it’s a creative decision by the animators to give them a more unique and animation-friendly design.

The Brood are fascinated with genetics and DNA, particularly the potent and powerful mutant variety. They’ve consistently targeted the X-Men to serve as hosts, starting from their initial clash. Wolverine, with his regenerative abilities, managed to resist the Brood infection in this episode.

In Uncanny X-Men #231, a downed Acanti spacecraft, reminiscent of this episode’s beginning, crashed on Earth, releasing a swarm of Brood that overwhelmed the local residents. The X-Men faced a tough battle to contain them until issue #235.

An encounter resulted in X-Men ally Carol Danvers undergoing experiments that triggered her transformation into Binary, as seen in Uncanny X-Men #164. Interestingly, Maria Rambeau dons the same costume at the conclusion of The Marvels, standing in a significant location.

Wolverine intentionally made contact with Rogue to cure her in Uncanny X-Men #173, a gesture repeated in the X-Men series. Their connection, established from their very first meeting, has been portrayed across comics, animation, and films. At one stage in the comics, Rogue even permanently acquired a set of Wolverine’s claws.

Cody Robbins, the boy Rogue first kissed, is seen in a flashback in The Cure. While he appears very much alive in this episode, his comic book counterpart had a darker fate. Used by Bella Donna Boudreaux as a tool for vengeance against Gambit for choosing Rogue over her, Cody had been comatose since Rogue’s first kiss. When Rogue finally made contact with him again, they reconciled as he passed away. This occurred in Rogue’s first ever solo mini-series.

Orphan’s End | The Juggernaut Returns