Marvel Anime: X-Men

Marvel Anime: X-Men was one of the most amazing adaptations I have seen. The compelling story gave an excellent insight into a different view of an older story. Jean Grey as the Phoenix was amazing to see in the first episode. The animation captured her style and power dynamic. Even the grief on Scott Summers’s face as he has to face her death was just a chef’s kiss. This was a fantastic way to pull everyone in, to show what happened and how the story propels forward due to that loss. 

The plot revolved around saving a mutant girl, Hisako, and Scott accepting and becoming a teacher again—even if he had to be a little tougher on Hisako and push her hard so she could accept herself. It was such a beautiful thing to see when he retook charge. This series revolves around being accepted for who you are and what has happened. The pacing during the anime was enjoyable this time around. It kept the center of the story and kept it moving forward. It didn’t appear to be rushed. There were some transitions to scenes that lagged or cut too quickly. These would be very minor things.

The anime kept you hooked from start to finish, showing how each character shows their face and how they are fleshed out through their emotions. They all stood out in their way and wrapped their unique personalities there. It also gives you a forward-front look at who the villains are in this instead of hiding them in cloaks and daggers. It shows you what the worst thing that they can do is. And believe me, it was enough to make me go “ew” during one of the episodes. 

I enjoyed that some episodes revolved around Beast and how he works and helps the best he can. His speech is always so soothing; he was my second favorite X-Men.  I especially enjoyed that they kept visiting Hisako’s hometown and tying the story to it. The fact that Emma was there, too, gave her such a fantastic role. You were always torn about whether she was a traitor and wondered what the end game was.

The twists and turns of this story had been fascinating to watch. You were unaware of what was happening and slowly dropped those hints. Seeing that the anime could pull you in with each step, dialogue, and action they took together was enjoyable. The only thing I wish would have happened is if Storm had a more significant role in the anime. Don’t worry; she had her moment to shine, but I just wanted more. At the same time, the story revolves mainly around Hisako, Emma, and Scott. There were still moments when the others did shine. But they were slowly pushed to the background at times.

The anime didn’t leave any plot holes in this one; it kept everything tightly knitted together. You won’t have any room to pick at this one; it gave you enough to wish they had continued with this anime. I was very disappointed to see that we could only get one season for this adaptation. It really made you want to have more, but I guess this falls under the curse of the 12 episodes.

I only wish Gambit was in it, but overall, this anime will bring you to the edge of your seat with laughter from Scott and Logan’s banter to gasping from the twist that comes.