Old Soldiers is a remarkable episode from the X-Men animated series that steps away from the usual mutant-centric battles and delves into a gripping wartime flashback. The episode unfolds with Wolverine reminiscing about his World War II days, setting the stage for a captivating team-up with none other than Captain America. This unexpected crossover brings a refreshing twist to the series, blending superhero action with historical drama. Wolverine and Captain America join forces to thwart the Red Skull, a sinister Nazi commander with plans that threaten global peace.
The decision to bring in Captain America for this flashback episode was both bold and brilliant. It allowed the series to explore themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the camaraderie forged in the heat of battle. This episode not only showcases Wolverine’s rugged resilience but also highlights the unwavering valour of Captain America. The dynamic between the two heroes is electric, as they navigate the treacherous wartime landscape, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. The mature themes addressed, such as the horrors of war and the burden of leadership, elevate the episode beyond typical cartoon fare, resonating deeply with both young and older audiences.
Old Soldiers was well-received by fans and critics alike for its mature storytelling and rich character development. The flashback structure provided a deeper understanding of Wolverine’s past, adding layers to his already complex persona. The inclusion of Captain America was a masterstroke, bridging the gap between different superhero franchises and underscoring the timeless nature of true heroism. This episode stands out as a testament to the series’ ability to tackle serious themes with nuance and sophistication, all while delivering the high-octane action and character-driven drama that fans love. It’s a memorable installment that reminds viewers of the enduring power of courage and friendship, even in the darkest of times.
In Paris, three army officers pay their respects at the grave of their fallen comrade, Andre Cocteau. As they do so, they notice a man they recognize from World War Two but quickly dismiss the possibility. This man is revealed to be Wolverine, who has also come to Paris to visit Cocteau’s grave, harbouring lingering annoyance towards him.
Wolverine recalls back to 1944 when he was working for the OSS on a mission in Paris to rescue Andre. He meets his contacts, Justine Cocteau and Samuel Sawyer, and immediately engages in a skirmish with some Nazis. Captain America soon arrives to provide backup. Together, they manage to scale a cliff, thanks to Logan‘s claw-gloves.
The duo fights another group of Nazis and breaks into their facility, where they discover giant robot sentries. They find Andre, who refuses to leave because he had helped construct the robots. An alarm goes off, alerting the Red Skull to their presence. Red Skull captures Wolverine and Cap, placing them in a torture dungeon. Wolverine swiftly frees himself once the Skull departs and releases Cap, leading them to confront Red Skull and his forces.
As the facility begins to explode, Red Skull and Andre escape on a jet. Wolverine and Cap attempt to cling to the jet’s wings but fall, landing in a cart of hay which then tumbles off a cliff. They survive and discover that the Howling Commandos were responsible for the facility’s destruction.
In the present, Justine arrives at Andre’s grave and reveals to Wolverine that Andre’s supposed betrayal was actually a ploy to gain Red Skull’s trust and act as a secret American agent in Germany. Moved by this revelation, Wolverine carves “Hero” on Andre’s grave.
Wolverine and Captain America famously first teamed-up in Claremont and Lee’s Uncanny X-Men #268, which revealed their meeting during World War II, a period which has been explored many times.
Pre-adamantium, Logan’s hand tools that he and Cap use to scale the cliffside resemble his eventual claws. He even makes a joke to Cap that ‘these things ain’t bad’ as weapons.
Wolverine will team up with Captain America onscreen again in X-Men: Evolution‘s Operation Rebirth.
At the very end of the episode, a pre-eye patch Nick Fury and his Howling Commandos make a cameo appearance.
Captain America and the Red Skull are two of Marvel’s longest running characters and have appeared in comics since 1941 where they both made their debut in Captain America Comics #1 by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon. Onscreen, they’ve battled in the animated Spider-Man series from 1994 and in multiple Avengers animations. On the big screen, Marvel Studios’ Captain America: The First Avenger gave a rollicking good adaption of their early battles.
X-Cess Minutiae 
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