“To Me, My X-Men”

Episode 1 of X-Men 97, titled “To Me, My X-Men,” kicks off with a dramatic continuation of the story from where the 90s series left off. One year after Henry Peter Gyrich’s assassination attempt on Professor Charles Xavier, which led to Xavier leaving Earth with the Shi’ar and being presumed dead, the X-Men continue his mission. The team now operates under the legal sanction of the United Nations (UN), making their endeavors both globally recognized and scrutinized.

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The X-Men’s New Mission

The episode opens with the X-Men rescuing a young mutant, Roberto da Costa, from the anti-mutant group Friends of Humanity (FoH), who are utilizing Sentinel technology. This intense rescue sets the stage for the team’s ongoing struggle against mutant oppression. With the UN’s backing, they have a new layer of legitimacy but also greater pressure to succeed.

Tracking Down Bolivar Trask

To dismantle the Sentinel threat, the X-Men seek out Bolivar Trask, the creator of the Sentinels. They locate Henry Peter Gyrich in prison and Jean Grey uses Cerebro to amplify her psychic abilities, probing Gyrich’s mind to find Trask’s location. This leads them to a junkyard in the Sahara, where Jean also experiences a terrifying premonition, hinting at darker times ahead.

Confrontation in the Sahara

At the junkyard, the X-Men destroy several Sentinel remnants and a Master Mold supercomputer. They manage to apprehend Trask, but not without significant effort and danger. This battle underscores the ongoing threats they face from anti-mutant forces.

Cyclops and Jean’s Departure

In a surprising twist, Cyclops and a pregnant Jean Grey announce their decision to leave the X-Men to raise their son safely. However, their departure is interrupted by Magneto, who reveals that Xavier’s last will appointed him as the new leader of the X-Men and Xavier’s school for mutants.

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