X-Men '97 Season 2 draws critical praise and audience anticipation

Marvel Animation's X‑Men ’97 Season 2 premiered on Disney+ on July 1, debuting with a perfect 100 % Rotten Tomatoes score from its first 13 critic reviews, which covered the initial four of the nine episodes. Critics highlighted the season’s darker tone, stronger writing and the portrayal of Apocalypse, calling it one of the best versions of the villain and noting the series feels “less preachy” than the first season.

Reviews from outlets such as Polygon, IGN and GamesRadar+ said the new season matches or exceeds the original in animation, action and voice work, while also delivering emotional stakes around the mutants’ time‑travel storyline. Early consensus suggests the series retains the nostalgic appeal that fans loved, though the ultimate audience reaction will be measured once the full season airs.