Graduation Day serves as a fitting and emotional conclusion to this beloved X-Men series. The episode starts with Professor Xavier in critical condition after an attack, prompting the X-Men to rally and find a way to save their mentor. As the team faces their greatest challenge yet, they also find themselves reflecting on their journey, their bonds, and the ideals they have fought for. The episode is rich with themes of unity, sacrifice, and the enduring hope for a better future. It beautifully encapsulates the struggles and triumphs the X-Men have experienced throughout the series.
One of the most poignant aspects of Graduation Day is the evolving relationship between Magneto and Charles Xavier. Despite their ideological differences, Magneto’s deep respect and enduring friendship with Charles takes centre stage. Magneto’s willingness to set aside his mutant supremacy beliefs to help save his old friend signifies significant character development. This episode showcases the strength of their bond and underscores the theme that even the most hardened hearts can change. Magneto’s actions in this finale pave the way for his eventual heroism in the sequel series, X-Men ’97, where his character continues to grow and evolve.
The success of the original X-Men series cannot be overstated. The original series set a high bar for animated superhero shows, blending complex storylines with rich character development. Graduation Day delivers a satisfying conclusion that honours the legacy of the series while leaving the door open for new stories.
X-Men ’97 has successfully carried the torch, continuing to captivate audiences with its faithful homage to the original and fresh takes on beloved characters. The enduring popularity of these series is a testament to their ability to resonate with fans across generations. This animated series catapulted the X-Men characters from comic book obscurity into mainstream pop culture, solidifying their status as iconic figures. These shows have provided thrilling adventures and thought-provoking themes that truly do stand the test of time.
At a press conference, Henry Peter Gyrich tries to push forward a ‘Mutant Containment Bill’ and spread anti-mutant hatred throughout the country. Professor X, already ill from continuously fighting this legislation, arrives to oppose Gyrich’s statement. Gyrich, thinking that Xavier is a mutant, shoots his political enemy with an energy disruptor, causing the Professor’s powers to spin out of control as he collapses unconscious. The X-Men get Xavier onto the Blackbird where Beast examines his body and reveals that their leader is fighting to stay alive.
Cyclops contacts Moira MacTaggert to see if she can help Xavier but she says that he is beyond her help. The team think about contacting Lilandra Neramani but are unsure of how to reach her. Meanwhile, mutant uprisings spread across the world after the shooting of Xavier sparks anger in the mutant community. Magneto is chosen to lead the angered mutants against the humans and so he calls them all to Genosha. Morph assumes Xavier’s form and tries to calm down the mutant rioting through a televised broadcast, but he fails to do so. The X-Men decide to attack Magneto on Genosha, to stop Xavier’s dream from dying. Cyclops, Jean Grey and Wolverine travel to the now mutant-dominated island.
The three X-Men make it to Genosha and fight Magneto but this is halted when the villain learns about Xavier’s true condition. Jean suggest that Magneto use his powers to augment Xavier’s so that they could contact Lilandra. Magneto is unwilling to at first, as he will be giving up his newly-amassed army, but agrees to go out of respect for Xavier. They travel back to the mansion, where Magneto helps Xavier to send a psychic message to Lilandra. Xavier wakes up from his coma and says his goodbyes to the team. Lilandra arrives and says that Xavier will be able to live but only if he stays under Shi’ar care. Lilandra then leaves with Xavier, leaving the X-Men and Magneto on Earth.
Henry Gyrich seems to be miscoloured and is more akin to Graydon Creed than the Gyrich last seen in season four’s Courage. He will be seen again in X-Men ’97, in prison for his attack on Xavier.
Xavier was attacked at a world peace concert in Central Park at the start of The X-Cutioner’s Song storyline in Uncanny X-Men #294, which was also broadcast around the world.
Xavier being beyond human medical science and needing Shi’ar care is taken from Uncanny X-Men #200, where Magneto also agreed to take on Headmastership of the School.
Gyrich mentions several events that have been seen on the series: Magneto’s attacks in Enter Magneto, Colossus’ rebellion in Red Dawn, Archangel attacking the dam in Come the Apocalypse, as well as the attacks in London in that episode and Beyond Good and Evil part two. He also refers to Asteroid M burning up in re-entry in Sanctuary.
The psychic attack that emanates from Charles when he’s attacked is similar to the seizure he suffers from in Logan.
Magneto was given free reign over Genosha by the UN in the comics at the time this episode was produced, hence his rallying the mutants on the island. In Wolverine and the X-Men, he uses Genosha as his kingdom and also uses it in X-Men: Dark Phoenix as a sanctuary.
It’s the finale, so the cameos come out in force; among the mutants on Genosha are Copycat, Forearm, Arclight, Mole, Toad, Garrison Kane, Tusk and Comcast, as well as Sunfire and Feral, who were on Genosha in Slave Island. The Morlocks Callisto, Skids, Sunder, Leech, Plague and Scaleface also watch the attack in the Morlock tunnels.
After appearing many times since the pilot episode, Trish Tilby’s previously unnamed reporter, finally gets named.
Jean references the fact that she was Charles’ first student.
TO BE CONTINUED!
Marvel‘s X-Men ’97 has been a nostalgic blast for fans of the original 90s X-Men. The new series picks up right where the original left off, with Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, Wolverine, Rogue, Morph, Gambit, Beast and Jubilee continuing their fight for mutant rights in a world that’s still prejudiced against them. The creators made a concerted effort to bring back as much of the original cast as possible, even recasting roles when necessary due to the passing of some beloved voice actors. This dedication to authenticity has been a major draw for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
The series has been a hit, earning critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. Its blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling has resonated with audiences, leading to its success and the announcement of not just one, but two more seasons. The show’s ability to balance honouring the original series while introducing new elements has been a key factor in its popularity. Fans have been thrilled to see their favourite characters back in action, and the new additions have only added to the excitement.
X-Men ’97‘s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of the X-Men franchise and the careful thought put into its revival. The series has managed to capture the essence of what made the original so special while also pushing the story forward in new and interesting ways. With two more seasons guaranteed, fans can look forward to more adventures with their favourite mutants and the continued exploration of the complex world of the X-Men.
X-Cess Minutiae 
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