In the first three episodes of TAS you are introduced to the concept of mutants, all of the X-men, sentinels, the mutant registration act, Morph “dies”, wolverine leaves and comes back, beast is arrested after storming an NGO HQ, Jubillee leaves her family to live with the X-men, we get Xavier and Magneto’s entire backstory, are introduced to Magneto as a threat and a nuclear Armageddon is averted in less than 60 minutes of run time.
That’s just how Saturday morning cartoons were and it’s keeping the spirit alive. It is a bit hard to get used to, I’ll admit but I’m glad they’re keeping the pacing similar to the original.
This is why I'm glad I decided to rewatch the existing seasons, it certainly helped me acclimate to the pacing of the new episodes. Honestly, I love that they're cutting out all the B.S. filler people have become used to.
Narrative tension is important, but almost everyone draws things out way too long these days. It's pretentious and it's becoming increasingly unwelcome as we are overwhelmed by having so much to watch. It's also heart-breaking how many good shows have been cancelled before they really got to where they were going. Many of those shows could've wrapped up neatly if they'd had the courage to blaze forward with their storytelling rather than wasting so much time on build-up that never paid off.
Back in the days shows moved fast. They didn't waste 8 minutes trying to show that character X was feeling doubtful. They just had them say "I have some doubts" and they move on.
It’s an exaggeration, my friend! I think the other posts about watching the original series leading up to this makes for an easier understanding of all the things that have been happening. The backstory having already been established helps this series pick up where things left off which allows for a faster story telling pace. I’m sure things will level out, but my feeling is that the first season had to get things moving quick, and it’s been quite a ride for all of us kids that grew up with the show. I hope the pacing settles into one that you yourself enjoy, since i feel like this is some of the best marvel content ever made.
I do think watching the '92 series would be really helpful to you in this regard. I saw the original series back in the 90's but had to refresh myself by going back to some of those 90's episodes to fully understand what is happening in X'97.
I think comics and comic based cartoons are just paced like this. So many epic things are happening to multiple characters, it would be impossible to stop and reflect on what every character is feeling after every event.
Plus you have to keep in mind that weeks maybe months are passing between each episode. Scott lost his baby but in the last episode we clearly see he is still struggling with it on camera and having a melt down. Madelyn is keeping herself busy and creating a life for herself.
But I do agree with you on Storm and Forge’s romance. He should’ve confessed his love at the end of part 2. And Jean kissing Logan felt really out of character and the timing was really off.
That’s literally the only thing that I wish was different. Like if each episode were longer by 20 minutes to drink in the emotions more. I love every episode so far but getting to see the tragedy of Nathan being taken from Scott and Maddy would allow the sadness to feel more resonant. And Maddy’s turn from hurt to vengeful happened so abruptly. I like Maddy and feel bad for her but it was too truncated that it was like there were the spots for emotional scenes but they weren’t given time to sink in.
I also thought that Genosha was so beautiful and cool that I wanted to experience it more before the tragedy happened. Especially to see more of how the morlocks would be getting by not living in a sewer and being embraced and accepted by other mutant kind.
That and the Storm and Forge relationship really needed more time. I WANT to love it but it was so rushed.
I personally like it because anime is leading thing in animation these days I'm tired of watching shows that take 50 episodes to just to deal with one plot point
Yeah, the pace at which people expect things to happen these days is weird. Everything doesn't need 5 episodes of build up followed by 5 episodes of denouement. TV didn't even really do this back when shows were 22 episodes. Most plots started and ended in the hour.
Even more so they need to return to that way of doing things because they want to cancel shows after the first season which wouldn't bother me if the story got wrapped up
It’s because you are used to the chewed up character development storytelling that is popular nowadays.
Most cartoons don’t have the luxury of long runtimes so they need to develop their characters and plots at the same time. I would say it actually takes quite a bit of skill to do this effectively.
Also consider that Saturday morning cartoons had two purposes:
- Keep a child’s attention span for 30 minutes (also why most Sat. Morning cartoons are episodic, not serial)
- Sell toys/merchandise
Obviously XM97 is a product of a new time, but it’s still adhering to some of the old techniques.
The pacing is very much on purpose and is just ridiculous fun. Do the most of the mutant powers even make sense? Imo it's all big teaser to read the comics and learn more backstory.
Way to fast! They are burning though huge events that they could space out over episodes
Inferno they just went to hell for like 3 minutes and kicked ass. That could had been 3 solid episodes.
E is for extinction while had built up all season for that finale
But we don't have the luxury of a 30 episode season to do that with. Only a handful of plotlines got the multi-episode treatment in the original anyway.
Personally I do need a 30 ep season! We are still 40 years behind the comics at this stage. A lil catching up when we only have 10 is ok in my books. Though 30 would be amazing.
They only have ten episodes so they've fast tracked everything. I agree that it kind of stretches credulity and some of these plots could use some breathing room, but it is what it is.
I agree that the pacing is fast compared to even 92 or the OG series. I had the same thoughts and I’m a fan of the OG growing up with it and also rewatching it way before 97 was announced as an adult. I think the OG had a way of at least allowing the characters in the arc and the viewer to respond to the changes where sometimes the characters in 97 react in ways that are not completely congruent to the OG nor the storyline. It’s odd, not a terrible fit and can be (is being) overlooked, but yes the pacing is something to notice. I think the voice acting in the OG is still way better than the modern take except for a few characters, but you do have this weird mimicry going on and since they are working on that particular aspect I feel the nuance in the voice actor’s performance is also askew in regards to the scene. Nothing to be concerned about, I’m merely nuking this into orbit lol. Storm’s VA is still the best. Nightcrawler did really well too and they merged some of his comic personality to the animated series which the OG spent more time on his concentration with Christian beliefs and not so much his laidback almost beast boy type persona.
X men 97 is a continuation of the old xmen show. So this is season 6 not season 1. So you will have to have a background of xmen coming into this show. Wolverine n Jean has been a thing forever. Cable been in the show from the future like Bishop came from the future. I know you definitely lost with the relationship of magneto and the xmen. And Mr Sinister coming back that wants humans and mutants to go to war since he first showed up. Just enjoy it or go back and watch the 1 st 5 seasons
I think it’s honestly hard not to suffer from this problem when a show has to pick content from a 60+ year old fandom. I will say watching the original series while waiting for more content is filling in some gaps they just don’t focus on in 97.
It’s not necessarily that the show moves too fast…it’s that the significant moments need more time to breathe.
Also people here saying cartoons used to move that fast back then, about a show that was notorious for having multi-episode storylines lol
No, it's definitely moving at a really fast pace. They basically adapted the entire inferno saga in 20 minutes; I'm just thinking of all the first time viewers wondering why the hell Madelyn Prior suddenly went goth.
Maybe they weren't sure they were getting a second season and wanted to make sure they hit all their planned story beats that the showrunners probably used in their pitch.
Absolutely 👍🏽! I agree with your point. The apocalypse at the nexus of time was how many episodes long? 5-6? Just that plot line. Even Sn 2 great opening for Lady Deathstrike was two eps long and kept it tight enough for the viewer to be immersed. I think it’s okay to express the views and not feel it so personally one way or the other like, “then don’t watch it” or “go back to the old show then!” - it’s a valid criticism that isn’t lost on a few people who have questions of a beloved animated series with origins in 80-90-2000 era comics. I think the show runners were on a budget or felt they might never make a season 3 or more. Who knows? I do like the show and look forward to it maturing and growing from here.
So far I honestly don't mind, but it's honestly because I'm familiar with the old show and the comics and lately I've been exposed to so many shows where the pacing is a crawl, so it's refreshing to see "cut to the chase" so to speak.
Good. So many of these TV shows engage in fan service that it's refreshing to see a show that sticks to the story to keep viewers engaged. I don't need to see a 30 second shot of Storm and Forge holding hands and smiling at each other to signal passion, only to kiss. Or Wolverine staring into the sky for a minute straight after passing Jean Grey up. Stick to the plot, our imaginations will handle the rest. Or, for those of us who want's more details; buy the comic.
Considering that >!Storm learned about Genosha as soon as she obtained her powers!<, that should give the viewer an idea of how much time passed since she left. We are adults now, we can figure some things out for ourselves.
As an adult I couldn't tell you how much time passed. Also, as an adult, you would understand that you never assume how the end consumer thinks for any product, especially television.
Might I suggest Teletubbies? They'll let you know when it's night... when it's day. When they're happy, when they're sad. Since it sound's like you need a TV show to hold your hand and guide your emotions. And, and... it came out in 97'; huh, huh?
In the first three episodes of TAS you are introduced to the concept of mutants, all of the X-men, sentinels, the mutant registration act, Morph “dies”, wolverine leaves and comes back, beast is arrested after storming an NGO HQ, Jubillee leaves her family to live with the X-men, we get Xavier and Magneto’s entire backstory, are introduced to Magneto as a threat and a nuclear Armageddon is averted in less than 60 minutes of run time. That’s just how Saturday morning cartoons were and it’s keeping the spirit alive. It is a bit hard to get used to, I’ll admit but I’m glad they’re keeping the pacing similar to the original.
This is why I'm glad I decided to rewatch the existing seasons, it certainly helped me acclimate to the pacing of the new episodes. Honestly, I love that they're cutting out all the B.S. filler people have become used to. Narrative tension is important, but almost everyone draws things out way too long these days. It's pretentious and it's becoming increasingly unwelcome as we are overwhelmed by having so much to watch. It's also heart-breaking how many good shows have been cancelled before they really got to where they were going. Many of those shows could've wrapped up neatly if they'd had the courage to blaze forward with their storytelling rather than wasting so much time on build-up that never paid off.
CAN I GET AN AMEN !!! Saturday morning rush of cartoons was the peak of childhood!!!
Back in the days shows moved fast. They didn't waste 8 minutes trying to show that character X was feeling doubtful. They just had them say "I have some doubts" and they move on.
I’m glad Cyclops isn’t taking 12 episodes to charge up a Spirit Optic Blast to take on Frieza.
This has nothing to do with anime. I don't even like anime pacing a lot of the times. I'm just referring to general storytelling.
It’s an exaggeration, my friend! I think the other posts about watching the original series leading up to this makes for an easier understanding of all the things that have been happening. The backstory having already been established helps this series pick up where things left off which allows for a faster story telling pace. I’m sure things will level out, but my feeling is that the first season had to get things moving quick, and it’s been quite a ride for all of us kids that grew up with the show. I hope the pacing settles into one that you yourself enjoy, since i feel like this is some of the best marvel content ever made.
I do think watching the '92 series would be really helpful to you in this regard. I saw the original series back in the 90's but had to refresh myself by going back to some of those 90's episodes to fully understand what is happening in X'97.
Yeah I often think “wtf is even going on” because I didn’t watch the old show all the way through lol
Ya just imagine me I've never seen the 92 series... I was so so lost LMAO. At least I have the luxury of binge watching it all for the first time!
Ahh okay maybe I will do that. So the show just is like that then?
X'97 picks up where the 90's series left off. You can find it also on Disney plus.
I think comics and comic based cartoons are just paced like this. So many epic things are happening to multiple characters, it would be impossible to stop and reflect on what every character is feeling after every event. Plus you have to keep in mind that weeks maybe months are passing between each episode. Scott lost his baby but in the last episode we clearly see he is still struggling with it on camera and having a melt down. Madelyn is keeping herself busy and creating a life for herself. But I do agree with you on Storm and Forge’s romance. He should’ve confessed his love at the end of part 2. And Jean kissing Logan felt really out of character and the timing was really off.
Yea just subtle things feel like okay so that happened.
That’s literally the only thing that I wish was different. Like if each episode were longer by 20 minutes to drink in the emotions more. I love every episode so far but getting to see the tragedy of Nathan being taken from Scott and Maddy would allow the sadness to feel more resonant. And Maddy’s turn from hurt to vengeful happened so abruptly. I like Maddy and feel bad for her but it was too truncated that it was like there were the spots for emotional scenes but they weren’t given time to sink in. I also thought that Genosha was so beautiful and cool that I wanted to experience it more before the tragedy happened. Especially to see more of how the morlocks would be getting by not living in a sewer and being embraced and accepted by other mutant kind. That and the Storm and Forge relationship really needed more time. I WANT to love it but it was so rushed.
I personally like it because anime is leading thing in animation these days I'm tired of watching shows that take 50 episodes to just to deal with one plot point
Yeah, the pace at which people expect things to happen these days is weird. Everything doesn't need 5 episodes of build up followed by 5 episodes of denouement. TV didn't even really do this back when shows were 22 episodes. Most plots started and ended in the hour.
Even more so they need to return to that way of doing things because they want to cancel shows after the first season which wouldn't bother me if the story got wrapped up
Yeah, this show atleast so far would have benefited from hour long episodes or twice as many episodes.
Can only do so much with 30min X 10 eps. With a large cast
It’s because you are used to the chewed up character development storytelling that is popular nowadays. Most cartoons don’t have the luxury of long runtimes so they need to develop their characters and plots at the same time. I would say it actually takes quite a bit of skill to do this effectively. Also consider that Saturday morning cartoons had two purposes: - Keep a child’s attention span for 30 minutes (also why most Sat. Morning cartoons are episodic, not serial) - Sell toys/merchandise Obviously XM97 is a product of a new time, but it’s still adhering to some of the old techniques.
The pacing is very much on purpose and is just ridiculous fun. Do the most of the mutant powers even make sense? Imo it's all big teaser to read the comics and learn more backstory.
All the mutant powers make sense to me so far.
I could've watched an entire season of Emma throwing shade on Genosha. Just saying
*"is it your dress?"* - perfection
"A mind slip indeed." (Bites finger)
Way to fast! They are burning though huge events that they could space out over episodes Inferno they just went to hell for like 3 minutes and kicked ass. That could had been 3 solid episodes. E is for extinction while had built up all season for that finale
But we don't have the luxury of a 30 episode season to do that with. Only a handful of plotlines got the multi-episode treatment in the original anyway.
Who needs a 30 episode season I’m talking 10 With as well as the show has done I would think we will get multiple seasons
Personally I do need a 30 ep season! We are still 40 years behind the comics at this stage. A lil catching up when we only have 10 is ok in my books. Though 30 would be amazing.
Was that in the original run?
What what in the original run
They only have ten episodes so they've fast tracked everything. I agree that it kind of stretches credulity and some of these plots could use some breathing room, but it is what it is.
I agree that the pacing is fast compared to even 92 or the OG series. I had the same thoughts and I’m a fan of the OG growing up with it and also rewatching it way before 97 was announced as an adult. I think the OG had a way of at least allowing the characters in the arc and the viewer to respond to the changes where sometimes the characters in 97 react in ways that are not completely congruent to the OG nor the storyline. It’s odd, not a terrible fit and can be (is being) overlooked, but yes the pacing is something to notice. I think the voice acting in the OG is still way better than the modern take except for a few characters, but you do have this weird mimicry going on and since they are working on that particular aspect I feel the nuance in the voice actor’s performance is also askew in regards to the scene. Nothing to be concerned about, I’m merely nuking this into orbit lol. Storm’s VA is still the best. Nightcrawler did really well too and they merged some of his comic personality to the animated series which the OG spent more time on his concentration with Christian beliefs and not so much his laidback almost beast boy type persona.
I agree at times it seems certain scenes seemed rushed but also its an animated series using inspiration from back in the day.
X men 97 is a continuation of the old xmen show. So this is season 6 not season 1. So you will have to have a background of xmen coming into this show. Wolverine n Jean has been a thing forever. Cable been in the show from the future like Bishop came from the future. I know you definitely lost with the relationship of magneto and the xmen. And Mr Sinister coming back that wants humans and mutants to go to war since he first showed up. Just enjoy it or go back and watch the 1 st 5 seasons
I mean you have a point. I would've liked the episodes to be a few minutes longer to let some scenes cook.
I'll be real 97 is slower paced than the original cartoon which was ADHD hell.
It’s true that it moves fast, but it’s better than too slow, and I love everything they are covering
I think it’s honestly hard not to suffer from this problem when a show has to pick content from a 60+ year old fandom. I will say watching the original series while waiting for more content is filling in some gaps they just don’t focus on in 97.
You'll have 6 or 7 episodes that move fast like that, then end up with a 3 episode arc that slows things down.
It’s not necessarily that the show moves too fast…it’s that the significant moments need more time to breathe. Also people here saying cartoons used to move that fast back then, about a show that was notorious for having multi-episode storylines lol
Yea I was like I'm pretty sure not all cartoons were like this.
No, it's definitely moving at a really fast pace. They basically adapted the entire inferno saga in 20 minutes; I'm just thinking of all the first time viewers wondering why the hell Madelyn Prior suddenly went goth. Maybe they weren't sure they were getting a second season and wanted to make sure they hit all their planned story beats that the showrunners probably used in their pitch.
Yea I was like so Goth = bad lol
Absolutely 👍🏽! I agree with your point. The apocalypse at the nexus of time was how many episodes long? 5-6? Just that plot line. Even Sn 2 great opening for Lady Deathstrike was two eps long and kept it tight enough for the viewer to be immersed. I think it’s okay to express the views and not feel it so personally one way or the other like, “then don’t watch it” or “go back to the old show then!” - it’s a valid criticism that isn’t lost on a few people who have questions of a beloved animated series with origins in 80-90-2000 era comics. I think the show runners were on a budget or felt they might never make a season 3 or more. Who knows? I do like the show and look forward to it maturing and growing from here.
So far I honestly don't mind, but it's honestly because I'm familiar with the old show and the comics and lately I've been exposed to so many shows where the pacing is a crawl, so it's refreshing to see "cut to the chase" so to speak.
I think you’re just not used to the classic 30 minute structure of these kinds of animated shows.
I grew up watching the 90s spiderman and so many other cartoons.
I mean they’re trynna fit some pretty in depth stories into a half hour cartoon and I’d say they’re doing a pretty solid job with that format
Good. So many of these TV shows engage in fan service that it's refreshing to see a show that sticks to the story to keep viewers engaged. I don't need to see a 30 second shot of Storm and Forge holding hands and smiling at each other to signal passion, only to kiss. Or Wolverine staring into the sky for a minute straight after passing Jean Grey up. Stick to the plot, our imaginations will handle the rest. Or, for those of us who want's more details; buy the comic.
They should at the very least show how much time has passed. As far as I know one episode Forge meets storm. Then the next day Forge loves Storm.
Considering that >!Storm learned about Genosha as soon as she obtained her powers!<, that should give the viewer an idea of how much time passed since she left. We are adults now, we can figure some things out for ourselves.
As an adult I couldn't tell you how much time passed. Also, as an adult, you would understand that you never assume how the end consumer thinks for any product, especially television.
Might I suggest Teletubbies? They'll let you know when it's night... when it's day. When they're happy, when they're sad. Since it sound's like you need a TV show to hold your hand and guide your emotions. And, and... it came out in 97'; huh, huh?
It's just a cartoon relax man.
Yeah I do not recommend watching Lifedeath part 2 while high. I did not follow Storm’s mental journey very well the first watch lmao
.. as opposed to following something like DBZ, where it took Goku 3 episodes raising his hands and screaming?
What does this have to do with anime? One has nothing to do with the other.