X-Men ‘97, which is a revival of the popular 90s animated series, is currently streaming on Disney+ and is receiving a lot of love and praise from all corners. Apart from giving fans many nostalgic moments from the 90s, the execution of the storyline and the character sketches are being appreciated across the board.
Currently, 3 episodes of a total of 10 episodes have been released, and excited fans have been finally introduced to the inimitable Madelyn Pryor, aka Goblin Queen. This intimidating villain is a complex character from the X-Men comics who made her appearance in the closing moments of episode 2. But who is this powerful mutant, and why is she an integral part of the franchise?
Here’s What You Need to Know About Goblin Queen
The 2nd episode of X-Men ‘97 ended on an exciting note with fans being introduced to a deadly lookalike of Jean Grey who enters to disrupt the peace in the X Mansion.This character is Madelyn Pryor aka Goblin Queen who was first introduced in the Uncanny X-Men #168 comics in 1983.
Her history, according to Marvel.com, connects her to a grieving Scott Summers, aka Cyclops who first sees her in Alaska where he goes to get over the death of Jean Grey. Pryor, at that time, is a pilot for North Star Airways, a company owned by Summers’ grandparents. Cyclops is immediately drawn to her, owing to her resemblance to his lost love.
The two eventually marry and have a child – Nathaniel Summers aka Cable – before Cyclops, who is dissatisfied with his idyllic life in Alaska, leaves to form the X-Factor. Pryor soon learns significant truths about her existence, which involved the villainous mastermind, Mr Sinister used the DNA of Jean Grey to create her.
The reality that she was a clone of Jean Grey became even more unbearable when Pryor learned that her nemesis was still alive. This leads her down a maniacal path where she turns to sorcery that allows her to command goblins and demons at the drop of a hat, thereby giving rise to the famous moniker Goblin Queen.
How X-Men ‘97 Is Paying Tribute To The 90s
X-Men ‘97 on Disney+ is only 3 episodes old, but is already creating a lot of positive talking points along fans of the franchise. The series, which is aptly named owing to the original show, which ran from 1992 to 1997, is carving a unique path by paying tribute to its predecessor in many ways.
To begin with, the series continues from where the 1997 show ends and follows the narrative of the X-Men who face dangerous new challenges after the loss of their leader, Professor Xavier. The animated series also took the decision to showcase the specific charm and vibe of the 90s, including the 2D animation style that was integral to the original show.
In addition, many actors who were involved in voicing the characters in X-Men: The Animated Series have been roped in for its revival as well. Some of these stars include Cal Dodd, who originally played Wolverine, Lenore Zann, who voiced Rogue, and George Buza, who portrayed Beast.
While 3 episodes of the show have been aired currently, the first two episodes have already ignited a lot of excitement and are making all the right noises. Many critics on Rotten Tomatoes praised the series highly by calling it Marvel’s best release. With a total of 10 episodes, which will conclude on May 15th, the show is well on its way to becoming a blockbuster.
X-Men ‘97 is streaming on Disney+
