The series’ return with X-Men 97 brought us the ins and outs of the core team and the changes that were made.
X-Men Resurrection: The Animated Series Thanks to the popularity of its spiritual sequel, many fans have rediscovered this 90s classic. Inspired by the best cartoons of the decade and addressing social issues in comics, this series introduced many children to the world of Marvel’s mutants. Names like Cyclops, Wolverine and Professor Xavier have become part of the cultural lexicon.
In April 2024, X-Men director, producer and artist Larry Huston asked Marvel Comics to change the lineup of the X-Men at the Calgary Expo. Although not a major change, three decades later it proved to be significant. Changing two characters could have changed everything we know about the X-Men in the media. Without a doubt, the X-Men 97 story would have been missing several key elements.
X-Men: The Animated Series follows the adventures of a team of super-talented mutants led by Professor Charles Xavier. Known as the X-Men, they fight for peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants in a world where they are often feared and hated. The series explores various social issues in its stories, contrasting with action-packed superhero conflicts and complex conspiracies.
A change in the group’s approach
Huston revealed that the original team consisted of Colossus and Shadowcat, but Marvel asked them to replace them with Rogue and a new character named Gambit. This decision, although it seemed small at the time, defined the course of the series and its impact on fans. Rogue and Gambit became iconic characters, while Colossus and Shadowcat had more supporting roles.
Colossus, or Pyotr Rasputin, debuted in 1975 alongside Storm and Nightcrawler in Giant-Size X-Men #1 by Lane Wayne and Dave Cockrum. Born into a farming family in Soviet Russia, Piotr knows firsthand the responsibilities and losses. His mutant powers are revealed when he saves his sister Iliana. His body can turn into metal, resisting any weapon or weather. Despite his size and strength, Piotr is a reluctant recruit, with a noble and peaceful personality. His inner conflicts and emotions make him a complex and endearing character.
Created by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, Shadowcat first appeared in 1980’s The Uncanny X-Men #129. A talented 13-year-old Kitty Pryde, who can move through matter by changing atoms. He trains in ballet, martial arts and hand tools. Kitty is a central character in The Days of Future Past Saga and appears as a younger sister to Storm and Wolverine. In the context of the animated series, both are the youngest members of the group, so their dynamic is greater with Jubilo.
Gambit and Rogue: Heart of the X-Men ’97
Gambit debuted in 1990, the same year that X-Men: The Animated Series began pre-production. Created by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee, Remy Lebow quickly gained public recognition for his dynamic energy and charismatic personality. His unrequited romance with Pícara has become one of the series’ trademarks, becoming a weapon in X-Men 97.
In the year Rogue is another Claremont character introduced in 1981, this time with artist Michael Golden. His emotional struggles and isolation resonated deeply with fans. X-Men ’97 takes her arc to new heights by exploring her romance with Magneto and the personal challenges she faces.
Rogue and Gambit’s relationship may not have the sweetness of teenage love, but it offers a familiar intensity to adults who view X-Men 97 from a mature perspective. Besides Jubilee and Sunspot, the X-Men are in their 20s and 30s, carrying fears, dreams and insecurities. Rogue and Gambit emerge stronger from their confusion. Cyclops and Jean Gray may be the true couple of the show, but the animated series wouldn’t be the same without Rogue and Gambit. Many kids found themselves drawn to Rogue’s fierce bravado and incredible vulnerability, while others found their way through Gambit’s sincere heart.
The cultural impact of Rogue and Gambit
Would Anna Paquin have played the pivotal role of Rogue in the 2000 X-Men films if Lenore Zahn hadn’t played the character in a more traditional way? Series writer Eric Lewald He said in 2022 that the series helped inform the first X-Men films, laying the groundwork for the MCU and the incredible films they would make. Piotr Rasputin and Kitty Pryde are dynamic characters with a beautiful relationship, but without Rogue and Gambit, the world of X-Men on screen would be very different.
So, while we remember the names of Piotr and Kitty, there’s no doubt that Rogue and Gambit left an indelible mark on the X-Men universe.