X-Men: Evolution (2000–2003) User Reviews

Finally the New Mutants or X-Force gets a show!

[datdudesketch · 9/10 · 30 November 2008]

That's pretty much what I would chalk this up to. The New Mutants series finally hits the screen. If you read the comics back in the 80's like myself then you know what I'm talking about. Wolfsbane, Sunspot, Boom Boom, amazing!

Plus, it's totally different than any previous series or new one that's out now, in the sense that they didn't regurgitate old stories. The 90's series tried retelling some cool plots but left me yelling at the screen all the time. "That's not how that happened!" "Why'd they do that?!" lol.

X-Men Evo is all original start to finish. Awesome. Think about it. We all want to see some of our favorite tales retold visually but me, I don't want my favs being changed for the sake of cost or director's personal choice (X-men the last stand... ugh).

Evolution also had the best animation ever! Very anime influenced. Some characters like Wolvie were a little exaggerated visually but still very cool looking. Especially season 3 and 4 with Apocalypse. Best rendition of this character I've ever witnessed. He was totally evil. Magneto comes off like a dark shadowy madman, which is so different. No soft old man here. Magnus was vicious and calculating. Perfect!

I couldn't ask for anything more other than bring this one back! It was stopped when it just reached it's peak. So sad. I was ready to see all the things that Xavier seen for the future. (When you see the series finale you'll know what I mean). So...

until Wolverine starts hosting his own cooking show, talk show and reality TV... make mine Marvel.

Started off shaky, but got better

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 24 September 2012]

X-Men: Evolution may not hold a candle to the 90s series, but on its own merits it is decent. I can see why people dislike it as even on its own terms it does have glaring flaws, but I do think it should be judged on its own rather than being compared all the time. Okay, Season 1 wasn't brilliant, there was a lot of cheesy dialogue, slow and melodramatic story lines, not enough Wolverine, a great character, and too much of Spike, one like Kitty that annoys me to no end, plus Rogue seems bland to me in this series. However, Season 2 was much stronger, the pacing is much crisper, the action scenes are exciting, the writing was a little more intelligent if occasionally still with the odd cheesy one-liner and the stories were much more compelling. The animation is smooth and has some good atmosphere, while the sound effects really add to the adrenaline-rush feel of the action sequences and the music from the catchy intro to the haunting background music is very fitting. There are some good characters too, Xavier is quite likable to me, Wolverine and Gambit are great characters that could have been used more and Magneto is a very threatening presence. The voice acting is on the whole good. The crowning jewel for me was the finale, which was an epic knockout. Overall, shaky start, great end. 7/10 Bethany Cox

A Good X-Men show

[sharafina_teh92 · 8/10 · 7 February 2010]

X-Men: Evolution was the first real exposure that I had to the X-Men universe. The original animated series was way back when I was just a toddler, so I am not too familiar with it. Thus, I had a lot to thank to the Evolution series because it made me feel fascinated with the X-Men and eventually Marvel universe.

The concept of making the characters teenage high schoolers was a bit appalling, especially to the comic fans, but I guess it was intended to appeal to younger generations. In my opinion, making them teenagers aren't too bad at all. It allowed more character growth to happen for most characters whilst dealing with the anti-mutant issues, even for the notorious Brotherhood members like Avalanche and Quicksilver.

The story was a bit slow at first. Of course, it had intentions of introducing the characters that would later make up the X-Men team and the Brotherhood. It was good that it did this so that newcomers to the X-Men world would not feel lost when watching it. As the first season finale ended, I felt a bit empty, wanting more. But it satisfied my X-Men thirst, with enough action and character developments that made me wait for Season 2. As the series progressed, it did get better and more structured. More loved-by-fans characters were introduced such as Gambit and Colossus and added great dynamics to the conflicts and relationships (eg. the questionable bond between Rogue and Remy in the show).

The characters in the series are definitely fleshed out. They had opportunities to experience emotional and personal growth that changed them from the first time we met them in the series. In return, viewers will have certain opinions on most of them, be it love, hate or neutral.

The animation in X-Men: Evolution is of course much better and smoother than the X-Men: TAS (which is not to say the original animated series is bad or anything). The actions scenes excited me a lot, the showcase of the mutants' powers are made more subtle but still believable and the expressions on the characters are drawn well, making us believe in their emotions. Kudos to Steve Gordon for coming up with great character designs as well.

All in all, X-Men: Evolution is definitely a good series to try if you're an X-Men fan. The stories does not quite follow to the comics, but that's what makes it good, as it tries to tell the stories of the X-Men universe in a more relatable way, especially to the younger generations.

Defied expectations

[gears_chatroom_god · 17 April 2003]

Okay, now, I'll be frank. When the first information on "X-Men: Evolution" was released, *everyone* thought it would suck. I did too.

Then, I saw it. And against all expectations, the product was a very, very good show.

There's a way to sum up people's attitudes - those who don't like it are largely those who can't get beyond the fact it doesn't follow the comics versions of the characters. Well, tough noogies, people, it's a different interpretation of the characters, and it's an interpretation that works extremely well. If you let a purist attitude blind you to enjoying them, then it's your loss.

Very few good cartoons have come out of America in the last couple of years, in part as a result of the over-reliance on Japanese animation, which is currently so popular. But of the few quality shows that were made, "X-Men: Evolution" is easily one of them. It's a series with a direction - underlying story threads and sub-plots are all intricately woven together, although sometimes they get a little buried under the focus of the episode, which can sometimes be something as boring as "new kids take jet for joyride."

Many of the characters aren't THAT different from their original selves, anyway, just made a bit younger. Rogue stands out as the character altered the most, but her new goth look is a brilliant take on the character, and a very welcome departure from the "Woe is me, Ah can't kiss anybody!" attitude that we've suffered through in the past. The show's "new" character, Spyke, is really quite needless, though - essentially a P-C version of Marrow (from the comics), he is reduced to a nonentity for much of the season season, because he just doesn't *need* to be there. And say what you will about Nightcrawler, but I just really wish they'd hired an actor who could DO a German accent.

Speaking of voice acting - "X-Men: Evolution" easily scores high points in that area, too (German accent notwithstanding...), with a lot of experienced talent lending their voices to the show. Beautiful animation - that's on a par with, and surpasses a lot of, the current wave of Japanese anime - finishes off the whole package - I swear, this is the only cartoon I have ever seen where *dancing* has been animated so well.

So, that's "X-Men: Evolution." Take it or leave it. But I recommend quite heartily that you take it.

A brilliant interpretation of the xmen story

[titch161 · 10/10 · 27 October 2007]

I'll try to keep this brief as a lot has been written already concerning what xmen evolution is about. This incarnation is not too dissimilar to the television series 'smallville' in that it focuses more on teenage issues and growing up, but with the added burdens and responsibilities of mutant powers. Rent or buy the DVD, but stick with it. You WILL be rewarded.

This in my opinion is the best made technically (cant argue with the high production values - especially sound) - and in my opinion is the best animation series for the xmen franchise. Imagine the batman series that was so popular, but less dark - but certainly as adult when needed to be. The series get better and better towards the grand finale, so stick with it and I assure you, you'll be hooked. I was a die-hard fan (and still am) of the previous extremely popular animation of xmen. But this takes us back to the beginnings of the xmen characters, but also reminds us what its like not to fit in, and what its like to be part of a family or community. A happy environment to be in and immerse yourself for the most part, but fret not, when it gets serious - it gets serious. Huge battle sequences? You got it. Puts the live action versions to shame. Its characters and stories that this show builds on and utilises. Great voice-over work, great sound just the icing on the cake.

The Best Version of an X-Men cartoon ever!!!

[eddiemuruako · 10/10 · 20 March 2007]

Quite frankly, I can't see how anybody can trash this adaptation its simply brilliant and easily surpasses the mid-nineties version. I hear a lot of talk about this version not matching up the comic book version. Well nor did the mid nineties version. E.g Like Cyclops meeting Dazzler for the first time during the Phoenix saga, The X-MEN's first encounter with both Nightcrawler & Collosus. Rogue, Gambit and Jubilee were not even around b4 these two. How about Mgneto knowing nothing of Pedro and Wandas until season 4?. The Pyslocke encounter? A lot more thought went in to Evolution. Parts are shared equally and Wolverine 4 once isn't hogging all the action. You actually see the characters grow up throughout the 4 seasons. Unlike that terrible mid-nineties version where characters like Jubilee were the same from 1-5, still acting like a baby. Gambit was underused, Beast was underused and Storm's voice was laughable especially when she spoke to the elements. Cyclops was okay. I'm baffled however that when he was encountered his brother Havok at X-Factor camp on 'Cold Comfort' he didn't recognise him. Jean was just a waste until her Phoenix debut.

Rogue in evolution is much better and more realistic. And since she is still a teenager and yet to encounter Ms Marvel and steal her powers and quirky personality, you get a much more vulnerable Rogue. Plus the goth look really worked because it made sense with her being at an impressionable age and secluded due to her powers. I love the fact that she was attracted to Scott and again that made sense too. Quite possibly the best character. I always find myself close to tears during her scenes. Like the episode where she had a chance to save Mystique but pushed her over the cliff. Those moments were magic.

Jean is good here too. Although I hated her character because she's so together. But then again Jean has always been like that. Interesting to watch her relationship with Scott manifest.

Cyclops was actually likable which is a CRIME! But it was great to see some resistance on his part to being so together. The clear outlines of a leader are beginning to form here. I actually felt quite sorry for him at times because there were parts of him that wanted to remain boisterous but professor forced him into structure.

Wolverine has less screen time which is a blessing. His voice in Evolution is much better and it was nice to see him playing the teacher role. The only downside was his encounters with Sabretooth. I think the writers could have spent more time on getting it right. The roar emotion between them was slightly missing. It's pure comedy though when they are forced to work together in later episodes.

Storm is slightly underused but drawn very well. Still the mother figure of the group. Her presence is always felt as the actress behind her voice does a great job. Her powers are drawn better here too matched with a nice looking costume.

There is a more troubled Beast here. Less comical and more serious. Still oozing a bit of fun but very repressed at the same time. It was smart of the writers to dedicate a whole episode to his transformation process.

Nightcrawler is absolutely hilarious. His accent is all over the place and sounds the most comical but that just marries into his characters quirkiness. So he's fun to watch. ]

Shadowcat is great and adds a lot of witty humour to the show. She's the baby of the group but super intelligent. Playing the typical all American teenager girl with all the ingredients of a 'Chick flick' I'd pick her over Jubilee any day, purely for the fact that she is more mature.

Spyke is a new one to me because I didn't even know he existed in the comics. But he fits in well with the rest of the team. He actually at times displays the most maturity but due to his irresponsibility with time keeping e.t.c it's always undetected. He was also the most sincere and the politest member of the group. Some of the more deeper story lines involve him and his scenes with Storm were always good. Soon after Spyke's departure, Iceman's role became bigger which was great. All the X-Kids are good here bar Wolfsabane and Jubilee.

Professor & Magneto are excellent. Their relationship was so well defined here.

Mystique was phenomenal. More than capable of taking care of herself. Her self-absorbed, vindictive, manipulate side was on form. PLus her combat skills were second to none. Taking on both Storm and Wolverine! A much better improved Mystique from the nineties cartoon version. Quite possibly the best villain of the whole series. Her relationships with Magneto, Professor, Storm, Nightcrawler & Rogue were so compelling. Not to mention her revenge plot on Cyclops, CLASSIC! Her Brotherhood team were great. All displaying individuality. But the standout character of the whole show was Toad. Toad has never been written & acted so well. This version of Toad was by far the best and the most outstanding. He was so entertaining. I think marvel would've been proud of Toad here as I believe he even outdid his own original character popularity from the comics.

Overall, An exceptional cartoon which was not given the attention it deserved. I recommend it to all not just fans but to everyone. There are real characters here with some interesting compelling stories. This version can be enjoyed by adults as well as kids because the creators took it a lot more seriously unlike that terrible over hyped mid-nineties version

Tired of all the bashing, loved it!

[AdamantiumSheWolf · 10/10 · 14 August 2004]

First of all, not to be juvenile, but I just wanna' lash back real quick at all those who say this show's stupid (or lame, "a disgrace to the original," pick one.) I've been waiting for this moment... *You* try adapting a mythology like the X-Men and making it fresh, new and relevant to today's youth! Hey, I'm 20 and I love it! I have friends my age who do, too so it's *far* from a "kid's show."

Now, onto my *real* point:

This series had the courage to take on a number of issues, metaphorically, and helped (in some small way) to highlight problems common to youth and suggest solutions.

It was *so* much more than a simple animated series--It said it's okay to be different, be accepted for who you are, things will even out... It spoke of there still *being* heroes in this world, even when things look their worst. It spoke of finding, *using* the power within yourself to be the force of change in this world and make it a better place for *all* to coexist. It has a higher degree of emotional resonance -- on a number of levels!-- than most are willing to give it credit for. Most decry it as immature, watered-down or juvenile if only because it's an animated series. The common feeling is that animated series are for children. As stated above--*NOT*!

I may have to comment again when I can come up with a more coherent response, but in closing, I feel the *original* animated series was a disgrace to *this* one! The original, from what I've seen, had its merits, but it pales in comparison to "Evolution." The art in the original was mediocre at best, and often less than that, while here it is sharp and crisp, and the coloring is masterful. The original "X-Men" animated series often read like nothing more than an "action-soap opera." The plot lines were convoluted, the action sequences overblown and superfluous. Here, the plots are clear and the action pared down to only the necessary battles. More effective all around, I'd say.

In conclusion, give me an hour of XME over four of XMTAS any day of the week. Period.

Regards, and Make Mine Marvel! Logan'sSheWolf

A worthy successor

[paularjyarishi · 10/10 · 5 April 2020]

X-Men - Evolution didn't really surpass 1992's X-Men - The Animated Series, but it did shine on its own merit. The BGM was impressive yet again and the character designs were slick. The storyline was engaging to the core and I hope they do come up with Season 5 someday.

Some things work and others don't.

[Animany94 · 7/10 · 31 January 2019]

This re-interpretation of the X-Men could have been handled better, but it did deliver something of substance. But I must be honest with you guys, the first and second seasons were rather weak. Not that they didn't have good episodes, but they could be counted on one hand.

The idea of turning either a beloved solo hero or in this case a team into highschool students is in the category of being prone to clichéd stereotypes that come with such a setting, and while has worked in shows like Batman Beyond, X-Men: Evolution sadly falls into many of those clichés.

Not that it's complete garbage, because some of them kind of work even though it on papers sounds stupid. Rogue as an introverted emo chick actually made it through the eye-rolling idea, and Wolverine as this tough guy with a heart of gold inside was my favourite.

Speaking of Wolverine, I must touch the subject of the new voice actors, because they were really good! I had problems with how theatrical many of the voice actors sounded in the 90's series, but here we got more grounded and still worthy replacements. But to be fair, Nightcrawler sounded a little weird to me and Toad was really annoying at times.

And the animation had undergone a welcomed upgrade, because the animation in the 90's show hasn't aged especially well. My only minor complaint here is that if you look at many of the characters' hair, you'll see that many of them have the same haircut with little variation. A nit-pick, but it struck me as a little lazy.

So to sum up, in terms of substance X-Men: Evolution is noticably weaker than the 90's show and delivers best in the third and fourth seasons, but it looks really good and offers some interesting takes on the different characters and their ways to becoming the X-Men or The Brotherhood.

X-MEN: EVOLUTION: The Mutant Breakfast Club

[Jinxxa_Wolf · 10/10 · 13 December 2023]

X-MEN: EVOLUTION (2000-2003) was a blast of show. Having spent my younger childhood on other Marvel series, (like the Classic Spider-man, X-Men: The Animated Series (1992-1997), Spider-man: The Animated Series (1994-1998) and a whole bunch of other Marvel series) and a diehard fan of the X-Men, this series hit me in my young adult years, and relevantly was aimed at preteens, teens and young adults. It was a meaningful series, indeed.

Although it was chalked with action, adventure, comedy and romance, this series also dealt with a lot of teenaged and adult aged issues like being an outcast, individuality, loyalty and friendships, rivalry, being a team player, dealing with depression and anxiety and other mental health issues, trying to belong, dealing with your past ghosts and traumas, battling your inner demons, discovering yourself, the beauty of diversity, how not to be your own worst enemy, fitting in, acceptance of others, embracing who you are, stregth in numbers, unity, loving your unique gifts and personality, dealing with loss and rejection, bullying etc, as well as the beauty of a found family. Family is so much more than blood. Some very relevant and deep subject matter. Even today this series is still very relevant and meaningful to me.

While at time it may feel a bit "Breakfast Cluby" and fits certain youths into certain tropes / types, that's never quite a bad thing (i.e JEAN GREY = The Smart Girl, SCOTT SUMMERS = The Good Guy, KITTY PRYDE = The Good Girl, ROGUE = The Outcast, EVAN DANIELS = The Athelete, KURT WAGNER = The Joker, TABITHA SMITH = The Bad Girl, LANCE ALVERS = The Loner, WANDA MAXIMOFF = The Basket Case, LOGAN = The Bad Guy, HANK McCOY = The Smart Guy, ORORO MUNROE = The Wise Woman, PROF. XAVIER = The Wise Man, FRED DUKES = The Bully, PIETRO MAXIMOFF = The Mean Guy, TODD TOLANSKY = The Loser etc.) the series is still excellent in its portrayal of acceptance, tolerance, diversity and family.

Overall, X-Men: Evolution was a great show to follow every Saturday morning and binge the reruns throughout the week after school, a great escape, and as a young adult it inspired me. As an adult it still moves me. This was such a great, meaningful series. Highly enjoyable and rewatchable.

[NOTE: Fav Chars. Wolverine, Rogue, Nightcrawler, Storm, Jean Grey, Mystique, Prof. X, Scarlet Witch]

I hate to write review that is in part a rebuttal, but...

[captainhoek-72632 · 6/10 · 19 March 2017]

The series' bigger fans seem to be unable to acknowledge that some don't mind the differences from the comics, and just think it's a good show that doesn't do it for them. Let me be clear, I like this series. I haven't watched it all, and that might sway me in some way. But I just can't get into it. The characters and stories are good, but not great. No spectacular arcs, but overall enjoyable and entertaining.

I have an opinion regarding the dissimilarities with the comics: The series is so different that there isn't any reason to use the usual X-Men favourites, aside from money-making. Most audiences will be familiar with the names and faces, but the fans of the characters will find little to grab onto. What I'm saying is that the people behind the series should've built up the courage to just use different or even original characters. Although different interpretations of characters are welcome, there isn't much reason for it. I can also relate to those fans who are even the least bit tired of the lack of attention that this series receives due to the popularity of the '90s series (which is also great, but overrated in my opinion). I would check out Wolverine and the X-Men for a different interpretation that really works well.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY CHILDHOOD

[rachelkdegnan · 10/10 · 6 June 2019]

This television show took my comic dreams and transformed them into a tv show I could relate to. The show does an amazing job as a cartoon to teach children about acceptance while still providing interesting content. The shows cancellation is a shame as I felt it had plenty of stories to still tell.

I hope that another show can take this shows example and tell comic book stories soo well. I would compare this show to a modern day Young Justice to be honest

Not Bad At All

[Death-Walk · 7/10 · 9 September 2006]

X-Men as kids...a good idea I'd say. I'm really quite fond of the show, it comes every weekday and, though I'm a teenager, I usually watch it. To be fairly truthful, I do like shows about people with superpowers. Which is one reason I like the snow. I hear there are people complaining of the characters not being involved in enough of the original story arcs, maybe the reason I like it is because I don't know of any of these story lines (save maybe the whole Dark Phoenix thing) but I really don't think an adaptation of a comic book should be down put by some die-hard fans who can't stand the idea of every single detail from the original comic not being in every adaptation.

Condescending re-imagining of X-Men riddled with clichés and stereotypes.

[sasha-tifton · 1/10 · 24 July 2013]

This series is awful and I can't believe how many good reviews it has gotten. Many on IMDb seem to assume that haters of X-Men Evo dislike it because it changed precious characters from their established canon personalities. Now, I have no problem with the re-imagining of characters for a fresh perspective. What bothers me to no end is HOW they were transformed and written.

These were complex, interesting, fleshed out characters in the comics and other mediums, and they have been reduced to the worst stereotypes possible in this animated series. This series was meant to appeal to a younger generation and introduce them to X-Men and the creators seem to think that the only way to do that is by dishing out shallow clichés. Do they honestly think that that is the only way they can relate to younger folk? Do they believe that the younger set cannot understand, empathize or develop interest in characters that aren't formulaic embodiments of every bad cliché associated with social groups like 'goth', 'prep', 'jock', 'the weird foreign students', 'valley girl', etc.? The choices made in developing this show and its characters are nothing short of patronizing to a younger generation who are clearly given less credit than they deserve. They have to endure these unimaginative, one dimensional characters that are an embarrassment to the X-Men franchise. One can only hope they will discover the true depth and richness of the X-Men universe through other mediums.

Not all the characters suffered this sorry fate (e.g. Professor X, who was fine for the most part). There were a few teenage characters who were also fun, though none of them were main characters. However, this characterization of Kitty Pryde was exceptionally annoying. Aside from the fact that the writers seem to have crafted her straight out of a 'How to be a Valley Girl' manual for dummies, her introductory episode was so grating that I nearly stopped watching the series immediately. Stupidly, I did not, and had to endure Rogue's introductory episode as well. The fact that she was a mall goth (a poor choice in itself) was not as bad as the fact that she wasn't even a proper goth (as anyone who has ever been around goth culture - even as a spectator - can attest). She was simply a cardboard cutout based on what most mainstream adults think teenage goths must be. I was never a goth myself but knew a few when I was growing up, and all of them would be embarrassed to have their sub-culture misrepresented in such a superficial and foolish way. It's like the creators decided they needed a token angsty, emo teenager, and so, by default, had to make her a goth, as that was the only bad teenage cliché that fit the bill. Now, if the creators were set on making a show to appeal to teens based on predefined stereotypes, why do they show two varsity jacket clad football jocks straight out of central casting chatting about how attractive Rogue is, and trying to hit on her in her introductory episode? In reality, such boys in high school would not be caught dead with anyone who looked like a freaky mall goth. They would be making fun of her, not discussing how hot she is. The show is insistent on perpetuating paper-thin stereotypes, and yet it fails to follow through logically on their behavior. And if anyone needs a strange foreign student who tries too hard to fit in, resulting in bizarre and often ridiculous behavior (because clearly, we don't have enough of that stereotype in films and television shows today), one need look no further than Nightcrawler.

Jean Grey wasn't too badly depicted but the creators also didn't stray very far from her established Little Miss Perfect, type A persona, so I can't really comment on the way they chose to re-imagine her.

The teenage X-Men weren't the only ones butchered. Characters like Mystique were reduced to one dimensional villains with no discernible deeper motive for half the evil deeds she does. We are just meant to accept that she is a bad guy, and therefore does bad things. No further explanation needed.

These characters are true 'cartoons' rather than well-developed animated versions (reworked or otherwise) of their comic book counterparts. Definitely the worst of any version of X-Men I have ever seen (and this includes The Last Stand movie, which is saying a lot). I kept waiting for the series to get better but I was obviously following a pipe dream.

Better than you thought

[thegreatgrundle · 13 September 2003]

A lot of people have been putting this show down, and I'd like to set the record straight. For those who don't know, the show is about the X-men when they were teenagers. The creators probably thought that by making them younger, they could appeal to a younger audience (it's survived 3 years up to this point, so who's to say they were wrong?). And for the most part, this angered X-men "purists", who argued that the series butchered their favorite characters, and that this was an insult to "true" fans. Get over yourselves.

I'll admit, the first season was pretty dull. The writers spent the majority of time introducing new characters (a necessity for a show with such a large, diverse cast). They couldn't develop individual characters very much, or put them into the complex story arcs that the comics are famous for.

But that all changed with season two. Unfortunately, by that time, most older fans had already given up on the series and are missing out on some great stuff. The story has evolved (no pun intended) over the years, and now we're beginning to see some of the classic X-men arcs. With the escalated aggression of Magneto, the rising tension between humans and mutants, and the emergence of Apocalypse, I feel that the series has reached a turning point. The writers are able to explore complex issues such as prejudice and tolerance, while still presenting it from a kid's-eye view. They've reached a new depth that they're now just starting to explore. So give it a shot. Just because these X-men aren't exactly what you're used to isn't necessarily a bad thing. Heck, if they were just going to copy what came before, there would really be no sense in making a new series in the first place.

One of my favorite animated shows

[x_badd · 10/10 · 21 February 2011]

I was a fan of the X-Men long before this show began. I understand that a lot of people didn't like the 1st season especially compared to the previous animated series by Fox. The show had a goal of targeting younger audiences and people who were not necessarily familiar with the X-Men. Therefore they decided to do a reboot of the 40+ years of x-history from the books. I must admit in the initial season some episodes seem to be lacking. However with the onset of the 2nd season that crazy, wild, yet fun ride that we know to be the life of an x-man began. The season finales after that were EPIC. Also that character that everyone initially disliked, Spyke evolved into a true Hero and x-man. The series had very intense stories like Avatar the Last Airbender I used to wonder if kids enjoyed the show as much as I did until I saw my younger cousins' reactions. The voice acting was simply flawless I'd just like to say, "Thank You" to Maggie Blue O'Hara who voiced Kitty and kept my ears happy. The animation was breath taking. They even changed Wolverine's costume later to give him that edge the colourful outfit lacked. The thing I like most about this series is that we got to know these character as people not just superheroes. We had a chance to meet Jean Grey the person before she became that all powerful Phoenix. In spite of all it's youth and that unpredictable nature this is my favorite X-Men series.

A different version of the X-Men

[Angelus2 · 10/10 · 19 July 2008]

This is a different interpretation of the comic heroes and but tries to incorporate the origins of certain characters; the show has some great story lines; with character development and shows the hardships that mutants face in their world. The group consists of, Xavier; Storm and Wolverine with fellow students, Cyclops, Jean, Kitty, Spike and Nightcrawler.

This show isn't colourful as the original series but has its own allure, it is dark and grim; with touches of the X-Men movies;I especially liked the episode with X-23 it was very touching and made Wolverine seem more human...The finale episode was just as good and incorporated the greatest X-Men villain; Apocalypse; bringing other characters like Forge, Nick Fury into the story lines.... A good entertaining show...

X-M:E-The Best!

[nabeelz2125 · 10/10 · 4 February 2007]

The show's great.I'm still loving it.I really love the art.Animation as well.It was awesome.Cool,when the fist time I saw it.The characters were well designed.A great variation and ' evolution ' among the X-Men.I cant wait for season 4 to be out on DVD.It's nice to see so many of fans of the show still wanting for more X-M:E.This show has a very obsessive fan base,though I don't know why.A job well done.After watching Season 3.It did gave hope me that there are fans of the show out there.I like Rogue,Jean,Scott and Kurt.Boom Boom as well.I think season box sets are coming out as well!I really wished there was a 5th season.But now the Wolverine and the X-Men animated series gives me hope for some reflection of evolution in it.

Brilliant!

[BigBadaBruce · 8/10 · 8 June 2006]

What you see on X-Mne Evolution is the development of the characters and story lines used in their later-years during the comics. With them in High School, the mutants have a new sight of Mutantism in that it coincides with puberty, and the development of their bodies and the changes of themselves. We see good storytelling in the development of the likes of Scott/Cyclops, developing from a young student of Professor X to the leader of the X-men, Logan/Wolverine is the given the role of an uncle to the X-Men, which gives his character a breath of fresh air, and the Acolytes as the High School bodies who have something else on their side; mutant powers. You see the decisions they make in the run-up to the comics, and you see a glimpse of the future in the last episodes as the story continues to grow. It's so disappointing that some bigwig decided to cancel it. Idiot!

Uneven, though ultimately rather good

[hodgesdanny · 7/10 · 5 August 2022]

The teen drama element can be initially off-putting and the series is certainly a lot more uneven than the 90s animated series, but Evolution picks up as it goes along and ends up being quite likable. It's a different take on style and characters, some of it works and some of it doesn't. The theme tune feels very dated and there are definitely some weak episodes, but the cast is solid, particularly the villains, and the show becomes much more consistent and engaging after the first season.

Its because of Wolverine

[ThunderKing6 · 10/10 · 28 September 2020]

Not being in the forefront why this show was better than Wolverine and the X-men.

This show was awesome. The characters were cool and each episode was an 8 to 10 in my opinion. Great times we had.

Original X-men, X-men Evolution, Justice League Unlimited and Avengers EMH are the Big four of superhero animated shows.

Verdict: X out Wolverine and you suceed.

It came up

[kevindagame · 7/10 · 27 May 2006]

I say this show came up a long way, I didn't think it was that good of a show at first, but around the time when they brought out the Scarlet Witch the show got WAY better. The only thing I didn't like about the first couple of episodes, is the fact they had all the heroes and villains work together. The best thing this show did was bring out X-23, since she didn't become a comicbook character until the show came out. I wish they had at least two more seasons, such as the phoenix saga and brought out a few more characters such as Mr. Sinister and Lady Deathstrike. I also liked the fact, they gave a few other characters more airtime unlike the other show did, such as Nightcrawler, Colossus, the new mutants, etc

Wow! Nearly as good as the movie!

[Curt-k · 10/10 · 1 August 2000]

A great teaser for the movie that will make anyone rush to the theatres on opening day. Great special fx, original ideas, impressive cast, smart plot, improvements to the original X-men all greatly help to make this an incredible show.

Muppet babies is not a good example of making shows child-friendly

[imaad-shahrukh · 3/10 · 28 February 2015]

I can't believe people are in love with this show and are giving it such high scores. The shows is just Marvel's excuse to make shows child-friendly by de-aging the characters to teens. This is unacceptable. When we usually think of X-men, what comes to our mind? Take over the world. Apartheid and Holocaust to mutants by putting them under registration. Futures ruled by the immortal supervillain Apocalypse and robots called Sentinels. Well, in this show, we barely see any. X-men are reduced to teens and are now attending high school. What's the use of them going to Xavier's if they get to go to a public high school. The characters are entirely changed. Wolverine, who is the best X-men character, hardly gets a screen time. Nightcrawler is no longer the Catholic, serious-minded mutant who wants to explore surroundings, but now a teenage prankster. Jean Grey, who is supposed to be an outcast is the popular girl in school. Gambit and Colossus are villains and the villains are terrible. Magneto, who is supposed to be violent, using his magnetic powers to kill is now a manipulator. If that is so, he should not be a ferrokinetic, but a telepath. The Brotherhood are now juvenile delinquents instead of terrorists. Toad, who is supposed to be genius and assisting Magneto is now a weak and brainless prankster. Avalanche is no longer destructive and totally out of character. He behaves more like Rictor. Senator Kelly is no longer the Senator who wants mutants under registration, but now a school principal. The Sentinels are underdeveloped and only get a few episodes. Way to go, X-men Evolution. Because of that people have more similar mutilated shows such as Iron Man Armored Adventures.

First Lame, Then Good, Then Epic

[Nicholai · 6 January 2006]

I had the opportunity to watch the first four episodes of this series when they first aired. Seeing all the producers and directors that were from "Batman: The Animated Series" being involved with this show and the superior production quality courtesy of Mook Animation ("Aeon Flux", "Spawn") and DR Movies ("Justice League") that was far superior than the cheesy Akom animation of the early nineties X-Men cartoon provided me with high expectations for this show.

Unfortunately, those episodes were long on the melodramatics and suffered from a poverty of the necessary action. I had to suffer through Scott Summers moaning and whining about his powers, Kitty and Rogue being freaked out by their manifesting powers and their subsequent confrontations with the X-men. But the episode that really made me groan was the one where the Blob is discovered, develops a possessive crush on Jean Grey and I guess turns evil when she rejects him.

What was this, Did "Dawson's Creek" and "X-Men" decide to hook up and have a baby? I wasn't even that much of an X-men fan anyways, never having watched the old nineties cartoon due to number of characters and story lines I had to keep track of. Also, back when "Evolution" premiered, I had "Batman Beyond", "Static Shock" and "Men in Black" to keep me entertained, I didn't need this crap. *Click*

Fast forward three years. "Batman Beyond" and MiB were both cancelled and Static Shock was in a prolonged hiatus, so I was left with practically nothing to watch, so I decided to see a repeat of X-Men: Evolution on Cartoon Network and it happened to be the season two episode "On Angel's Wing." That episode was well crafted to include the ambiguities of being a hero, religious allusions and a kick-butt battle between Rogue and Magneto at the end with a dazzling flight through the New York skylines and landmarks, in a way that reminded me of "Gargoyles". It got me hooked to see the rest of season two which brought about the great reveal of the existence of mutants to the outside world during the finale. Now these kids not only have to live their lives with their powers but now everyone will know them as freaks? Now it's getting interesting.

The series finale that featured the X-Men defeating Apocalypse was the coup de grace of the series which made me wish they made more episodes. I can honestly say that they managed to pull off the impossible during that event. With the half-hearted fare that the TV and cable stations are trying to feed us ("Coconut Fred's Fruit Salad Island!", "Loonatics Unleased") I miss that series more and more.

**** out of **** stars.