Warning! Spoilers ahead for X-Men ’97: Season Two!
X-Men ’97 is finally back, and so are two iconic mutant antagonists from the original Animated Series. One of the most exciting things about the first season of the sequel series was finding out which characters would make their triumphant returns to Animated X-canon, but there was only so much room for so many characters, even in cameo form. Now, though, Season Two is already making good on its promise to bring back more favorites.
This time, it’s the classic Brotherhood of Mutants members Avalanche and Pyro that are making their long-awaited comeback. The question on fans’ minds is whether this will prove to be a one-off appearance, or if the dangerous duo might have more to do as Season Two of X-Men ’97 progresses.
Pyro and Avalanche popped up in the first issue of X-Men ’97: Season Two, the canon comic miniseries designed to fill the gaps between the show’s Season One finale and the debut episodes of its sophomore season. Like the X-Men, the pair, and the rest of the Brotherhood, have been left to deal with the fallout from “Extinction Day.”
X-Men ’97: Season Two is written by Steve Foxe, with art by Salvador Espin. The first issue of the comic is a jam-packed reintroduction to ’97 lore, reintroducing dangling threads from last season, planting seeds for the season ahead, and delivering deep-cut comic-only details that widen the scope of the series.
Pyro And Avalanche Return 32 Years After Their Last “X-Men: The Animated Series” Appearance
X-Men ’97: Season Two The Comic Links The Seasons Of The Show
Pyro and Avalanche are a curious case when it comes to X-Men villains. Both were introduced to X-Men lore in 1981’s Uncanny X-Men #141; meaning by the 1990s, they were recognizable adversaries of Marvel’s mutant heroes, even if they were never exactly A-listers. Still, they made it into X-Men: The Animated Series, even earning a memorable spot in the show’s opening credits.
Yet ultimately, Pyro appeared in just five episodes of The Animated Series. Avalanche, only four. After the second season episode “A Rogue’s Tale,” they fell off the radar and weren’t seen again. That makes their role in X-Men ’97: Season Two #1 a comeback 32 years in the making. But does it mean viewers will see more of them in Season Two of the show? Or does it mean viewers won’t?
Ahead of the first issue’s release, Season Two comic author Steve Foxe spoke about working together with X-Men ’97’s creative team to maximize the impact of the comic. The comic features content that didn’t make it into the show this season. It’s possible that will turn out to include Pyro and Avalanche.
X-Men ’97: Season Two Is Already Making Big Moves Before It Hits The Screen
Are Pyro & Avalanche Back To Stay?
Avalanche and Pyro might have disappeared from X-Men: The Animated Series after Season Two, but they went on to play notable roles in future X-Men media. Both had prominent roles in X-Men: Evolution, the show that came after The Animated Series, and Pyro was a major player in the original X-Men films. That means they still have cache with more casual X-Men fans. It would make sense to bring them back into the fold in X-Men ’97 with more significant roles.
X-Men ’97: Season Two #1 also seemingly does a lot that feels like set-up for the coming season of the show. It introduces the Animated version of X-Force, and brings back The Animated Series incarnation of X-Factor. And it reacclimates readers to where all Season One’s major players currently are in space and time. The issue has more surprise, deep-cut cameos and callbacks than just Pyro and Avalanche, but their appearance stands out.
X-Men ’97 Officially Debuts Its X-Force. All Members And Powers Explained
X-Men ’97 finally pays off The Animated Series’ teases and introduces X-Force, led by Cable and promising a crucial role in season 2 of the show.
It’s shaping up to be a spectacular year for X-Men ’97, with the animated series returning for its second season, and the comic book tie-in for Season Two is already holding its own by offering a crucial piece of the puzzle the franchise is putting together.
X-Men ’97: Season Two #1 is available now from Marvel Comics.
What do you think, X-Men fans? Does the return of Avalanche and Pyro strike a chord with you? Do you want to see more of them in the show?
- Release Date
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March 20, 2024
- Network
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Disney+
- Directors
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Jake Castorena, Emi Yonemura, Chase Conley
- Writers
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Charlie Feldman, Anthony Sellitti, Beau DeMayo, JB Ballard