WRITER EXCLUSIVE
Steve Foxe and Salva Espín return for X-Men ’97 prequel
AHEAD OF THE release of X-Men ’97, Disney+’s continuation of X-Men: The Animated Series, Marvel Comics are publishing a special comic book spin-off written by Steve Foxe and drawn by Salva Espín. They previously teamed up on 2022’s X-Men ’92: House Of XCII, which was based on the classic ’90s show.
“I would be on a drastically different life path if not for X-Men: The Animated Series, which, combined with the blitz of Toy Biz action figures in the early ’90s, made me a mutie lover for life. So I was beyond thrilled when Beau DeMayo asked for Salva and I to reunite on X-Men ’97,” says Foxe, referring to the new television show’s executive producer. “Beau had read X-Men ’92: House Of XCII and thought we’d be a natural fit.”
Unlike House Of XCII, which was set “in its own distinctive continuity,” the four-parter directly leads into the upcoming cartoon. “The big difference with ’97 is that Salva and I have actually been unleashed in the Animated Series continuity now, working closely with the production team at Marvel Animation to match designs, locations and events,” explains Foxe.
“When Beau gives us notes, he’s pointing us towards episodes of the original show for references and nods, and even some pay-off for threads that never got picked up anywhere else. When there was a difference between a character’s comic costume, they look like how they did on the show.”
While according to Foxe “you can watch the new series fresh”, reading the comic as well will provide invaluable additional background information. “It’ll enrich your knowledge of where the team’s been and how some of the wild new status quo fell into place,” he continues. “Our miniseries directly sets up stories being to
