Los Angeles, California – Marvel Comics is set to release a prelude comic series for the highly anticipated Marvel Studios animated show, X-Men ’97, which will debut on Disney+ later this year. The comic, written by Steve Foxe and illustrated by Salva Espín, was developed in collaboration with the show’s creators and promises to unveil the adventures of fan-favorite characters like Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, and Jubilee in the period leading up to their return.
Fans will have the opportunity to dive into the mutant-filled world of X-Men ’97 before the show’s premiere, experiencing thrilling plot developments and intriguing character introductions. To commemorate the release of the comic, renowned X-Men artist Russell Dauterman has created a stunning cover for the first issue. The dynamic artwork showcases the iconic X-Men ’97 team in action, capturing their signature style.
Dauterman’s cover holds sentimental value for the artist. Based on a piece of X-Men fan art he created years ago, the artwork caught the attention of Marvel Comics and ultimately led to his employment with the company. Dauterman expresses his excitement about revisiting this piece and contributing to the celebration of the new X-Men ’97 show.
Writer Steve Foxe also shares his personal connection to the X-Men franchise. X-Men: The Animated Series had a profound impact on him as a child, influencing his career as a comic book writer. Collaborating with artist Salva Espín, with whom he worked on X-Men ’92: House of XCII, Foxe describes the opportunity to create a prelude to X-Men ’97 as a long-awaited project that seamlessly connects with the upcoming season.
Marvel Studios has big plans for X-Men ’97, envisioning it as a three-season series. This collaboration with Marvel Comics marks the beginning of an exciting partnership that explores the vast potential of the X-Men universe, starting with the beloved world introduced in X-Men: The Animated Series.
The vibrant variant cover for X-Men ’97 #1, crafted by Russell Dauterman, captures the attention with its breathtaking artistry. Fans can catch a closer glimpse of the cover on Toonado.com.
X-MEN ’97 #1 (OF 4), written by Steve Foxe and illustrated by Salva Espín, with a cover by Todd Nauck, and a variant cover by Russell Dauterman, will be available for purchase on March 27.
Overall, Marvel Comics’ prelude comic series to X-Men ’97 offers fans an exciting opportunity to delve into the X-Men’s world and prepare for the highly anticipated animated series on Disney+. With talented artists and writers at the helm, this collaboration promises to be a thrilling addition to the beloved franchise.