The preparations are underway for X-Men ’97 Season 2. While the focus remains on the potential comeback of Gambit as the Horseman of Death, there is also a possibility for another X-Man to take on that role: Wolverine.
In the comics, Gambit’s story briefly included him serving as the Horseman of Death for Apocalypse. However, many years prior to that, Wolverine also found himself in a similar position.
Following the conclusion of the first season of X-Men ’97, popular character Wolverine finds himself in a dire situation. He has been stripped of his adamantium and appears to be on the brink of death.
As Wolverine faces danger and Apocalypse poses as one of the many looming dangers, the animated show’s second season could potentially showcase a notorious comic arc.
The storyline of Fatal Attractions, where Wolverine lost his adamantium, paved the way for numerous Wolverine stories that delved deeper into his character development.
Despite not having the adamantium, he discovered that his claws were a natural part of his mutation and not artificial implants from Weapon X. In addition, he had to face the challenge of a weakening healing factor as he struggled to recover, but once the adamantium was gone, his healing abilities intensified.
Despite the exploration of a more vulnerable side of Wolverine in these stories, it appeared inevitable that he would eventually regain his adamantium. Fans had been eagerly anticipating this and it had been teased for years, but some obstacle always seemed to prevent the change from happening.
Brainwashed by Apocalypse, Wolverine had his adamantium restored and became the Horseman of Death.
During a 1999 arc, Apocalypse captures Wolverine and forces him to battle Sabretooth. Despite emerging victorious, Wolverine is transformed into the Horseman of Death. This transformation includes brainwashing and the restoration of his adamantium by Apocalypse.
It is clear that the event has a profound impact on Wolverine, as he is once again brainwashed and forced to battle the X-Men under Apocalypse’s influence. However, he is fortunate to have the support of his closest friends, such as Jubilee and Psylocke, who are able to break him free from Apocalypse’s control.
Will Wolverine’s Return as Death be Featured in Season 2 of X-Men ’97?
Despite the X-Men ’97 finale teasing Apocalypse and hinting at Gambit as the Horseman of Death, it is difficult to ignore the possibility of Wolverine being a potential candidate.
Despite the world ending in the final moments of X-Men ’97’s finale, Wolverine remains on the bench, unable to assist due to the severe injuries inflicted on him by Magneto, who had forcefully removed his adamantium.
Wolverine uncharacteristically spends the entire X-Men ’97 season finale injured and unable to help.
The idea of Wolverine becoming a Horseman of Apocalypse, whether it be in the form of Death or another role, appears to be a simple twist. X-Men ’97 has proven to be skilled at taking established narratives and giving them a slight twist, such as with Bastion’s origin and the tragic events in Genosha.
Given that Apocalypse typically has a quartet of Horsemen–Death, Famine, Pestilence, and War–it is conceivable that both Gambit and Wolverine could become enslaved by Apocalypse.
Regardless of what the twist may be, fans can expect to find out soon. Production for X-Men ’97 Season 2 is already underway, as it has been greenlit.
While waiting, you can satisfy your X-Men cravings by delving into the comic books that influenced X-Men ’97 Season 1, as well as the top 10 X-Men comics.
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