The Savage Land stands out as a captivating and distinct realm in the Marvel Comics universe. Nestled in the icy expanse of Antarctica, this tropical sanctuary was crafted by the alien Nuwali at the behest of the Beyonders—mysterious, almost omnipotent beings from another dimension. The Beyonders’ curiosity about evolutionary processes led them to commission the Nuwali to establish various ‘game preserves’ on Earth during the Triassic period.

Making its debut in X-Men #10 in March 1965, the Savage Land was brought to life by the legendary Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. It has since become a recurring setting in the series and other related titles. This prehistoric haven is teeming with ancient creatures, including dinosaurs, and is steeped in history, with early human settlers from Atlantis harnessing the advanced climate-control technology left behind by the Nuwali.

The X-Men’s escapades in the Savage Land are numerous, bringing them face-to-face with its myriad residents: Ka-Zar, Shanna the She-Devil, and the Savage Land Mutates—humans transformed by the mutant Magneto into his own private army.

In X-Men, especially in its second season, the Savage Land is portrayed as a perilous, primeval domain where the X-Men confront a host of dangers, not least of which are the dinosaurs. One of the series’ most intriguing mysteries is the temporary restoration of Professor Xavier’s ability to walk while in the Savage Land, even as he and Magneto are stripped of their mutant powers—a puzzle that remains unsolved.

The animated series honours the comic books’ depiction of the Savage Land as an enigmatic ‘lost world,’ a place where heroes embark on adventures and face trials unlike any other on Earth.

Professor X and Magneto, after a perilous climb, reach the peak of the mountain from which they were once cast off upon arriving in the Savage Land. Their triumph is short-lived as they are swiftly subdued by the Savage Land Mutates and taken to their leader.

At the same time, the X-Men, following a lead from Morph, find themselves at an impromptu theatre where Morph, showcasing their abilities, alternates between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Unbeknownst to them, Mister Sinister watches from the shadows. Post-performance, the X-Men seek answers from Morph about their cryptic clue. Before Morph can fully disclose Sinister’s plans, they’re rendered unconscious, and the Nasty Boys emerge, sparking a brawl with the X-Men.

In the Savage Land, Ka-Zar and Zabu navigate the jungle, intent on rescuing Shanna the She-Devil, Xavier, and Magneto. Their efforts trigger a dinosaur stampede, which throws the Mutates into disarray, enabling the captives’ escape. Later, Ka-Zar confronts Xavier about his reasons for bringing Magneto back, leading to the revelation that Magneto was the creator of the Savage Land Mutates. Despite past transgressions, they unite and set off towards Sinister’s stronghold.

Back at the theatre, where the X-Men are locked in combat with Sinister and his Nasty Boys. Morph, now under Sinister’s sway, incapacitates Wolverine, and Jean Grey is taken captive.

In a daring move, Ka-Zar, Zabu, Xavier, and Magneto sneak into Sinister’s stronghold, but they’re quickly caught in a trap. While Ka-Zar and Zabu escape, Xavier and Magneto are cornered and face imminent doom. However, Brainchild intervenes, stopping the execution. Things take a darker turn with Sinister, the Nasty Boys, and Jean showing up. Sinister reveals his latest invention: a machine designed to remove mutant abilities. Under Sauron‘s influence, Xavier is compelled to summon the X-Men, unknowingly leading them straight into Sinister’s snare. Receiving the distress call, the X-Men set out towards the perilous Savage Land.

Throughout the season, the Savage Land Mutates have been encountered and are now gathered. Magneto released his creations upon the Savage Land in X-Men #62. Among them, Brainchild, Amphibius, Barbarus, Lupo, and Vertigo stand out.

Morph, last seen in Whatever It Takes, fled to confront their trauma alone. It’s likely that Sinister orchestrated their actions in this episode. Additionally, they disguise themselves as Jean Grey to defeat Logan. Morph frequently uses Jean’s likeness to antagonize Logan, yet in Tolerance is Extinction (Part 3), they use it to motivate him.

Magneto may recognize the name, but he remains unimpressed by Mr. Sinister. Xavier identifies him before he can introduce himself, despite never having met him. It’s revealed that Xavier formed the X-Men partly because of his ancestor’s encounters with Sinister, as shown in Descent.

Mojovision | Reunion (Part 2)