In all it’s dated glory, X-Men animated is finally out on DVD… at least the first 33 episodes are out for now (which is half the series). As I have mentioned earlier in another article I think these are almost the pinnacle of adaptations for the comic plot lines. This series is what made everything after it possible, it is the cause for the resurgence of comic book adaptations that prolifically followed; Bryan Singer’s X-Men, Raimi’s SpiderMan, The Punisher, Iron Man, Fantastic Four: Worlds Greatest Heroes, etc.

This was during the time when hero spandex was sheik and everybody loved Liefeld in all his small footed, squinty eyed, multi pocketed glory. A lot of peeps give this toon guff, failing to see how it was a quintessential step that made comics to the heights to where it currently stands… fortunately and unfortunately.

I could go on and on about how faithful this cartoon was to the comic while trying to make it entertaining for kiddies as well. A feat that is no simple task, they used character; an angry and violently jealous Wolverine, a flirty Remy, a Rogue that is closed off emotionally and physically, and an X-Man who dies in the first episode (or so it seems).

Is it cheesy? Of course it is, I defy anyone to present me any artifact from the 90’s that isn’t. Like I say, it’s dated but it’s a gateway substance to a much larger world and it uses contrasts ranging from over-the-top, to very subtle. It shows the process of radical discrimination and delves into the post-apocalyptic future if the X-Men fail to dissolve the segregation of mutant people (Days of Future Past). Not only that, but dealing with other dilemmas such as causing a future detriment when you actually save the world today (Time Fugitives).

These DVD’s are a staple for any fan of the X, the episodes start from Night of the Sentinels in Vol. 1, and leave off on the Phoenix Saga in Vol. 2. I for one can’t wait ’till Vol. 3 comes out with the Dark Phoenix Saga, one of my favs. Buy these up and rejoice in singing along with the theme song again, you know you used to.

These DVD’s have no extras; Pencilbot thinks it would have been nice to see the Japanese anime style intros and the 1989 pilot Pryde of X-Men in there somewhere, but nay.

Classic lines included:
“Illyana!” – Colossus
“I go where I wanna go” – Wolvie
“AARRREAEEAAAAHH” – Professor X
“I have seen many things in this world, that is why I must destroy it.” – Apocalypse after having a bad day

To buy X-men Volume 1 and 2 on DVD from Amazon, click the link.