X-Men: Season 1 Vol. 1 Review

Without this cartoon, there’d arguably have been no Bryan Singer X-Men, no comic-book-movie revival, no Dark Knight. Introducing millions of us to the joys of Stan Lee’s conflicted mutant superheroes, these primary-coloured adventures manage to be largely faithful to the best-loved comic adventures (look out for the Phoenix Saga in later volumes) while taking inspiration rather than gospel from their source. The focus on Jubilee, always a rubbish character, is irritating, but when Wolverine, Gambit and Beast are on form - and they usually are - you won’t care. The dialogue swings from smart to camper than a row of tents (we’re looking at you, Storm), the animation is often shonky, but for sheer bravado this is immensely entertaining.