The adaptation of Lifedeath in X-Men ‘97 showcases one of the most well-known X-Men tales, while also foreshadowing a possible adaptation of the 1997 event Operation: Zero Tolerance in the future.
Fans were taken aback by the abundance of Easter eggs in the most recent episode of X-Men ’97, titled Motendo/Lifedeath Part 1. Yet, the most noteworthy revelation may have been concealed within Forge’s photographs, alluding to a potential adaptation of the popular X-Men tale, Operation: Zero Tolerance.
The photograph features Forge standing alongside scientist Gottfried Adler, the creator of the X-Men ‘97’s mutant power-inhibiting collars. A third man is also present in the photo, but his identity is concealed by a piece of paper. However, his costume bears a striking resemblance to that of Bastion, a well-known X-Men foe responsible for one of the team’s most tumultuous eras.
Bastion would have eradicated mutants if not for Iceman and a small mutant resistance.
Bastion made his first appearance in X-Men #52 as a man who promised to eliminate all mutants, taking advantage of the escalating panic caused by the emergence of Onslaught. Many years later, it was revealed that Bastion was created when the future sentinel Nimrod and the Master Mold were transported through the Siege Perilous, a portal that offers individuals a chance at a new existence.
The Siege Perilous fuses Master Mold and Nimrod together, resulting in the creation of the android Bastion. Bastion’s programming is constantly reinforced by the ongoing mutant propaganda, which ultimately drives him to embark on a crusade against all mutants.
Bastion gains control when it is uncovered that Onslaught is a combination of Professor X and Magneto’s minds, resulting in a powerful entity that nearly causes the end of the world. In order to defeat Onslaught, the Avengers and the Fantastic Four appear to give up their lives (although they are actually transported to an alternate reality made by the son of Reed and Sue Richards, Franklin).
Despite the X-Men facing increased public hatred, Bastion manages to persuade the government to implement Zero Tolerance. This leads to Bastion, along with X-Factor under the leadership of Forge, and a group of Prime Sentinels, falsely accusing the X-Men of being enemies of the state and seizing control of the Xavier Institute.
The X-Men are constantly on the move during the events of Zero Tolerance, fighting back against Bastion and his army of sentinels. One of the original X-Men, Iceman, takes charge and leads a group of both new and familiar X-Men in a resistance. Their efforts successfully reveal Bastion’s true identity as an android and pave the way for S.H.I.E.L.D. to intervene and put an end to his plans.
What storylines can we expect to see in X-Men ‘97?
The future of X-Men ‘97 remains uncertain at this time. Although the show is currently in its first season, it has already been confirmed for a second and third season.
The X-Men: The Animated Series often incorporated and modernized popular X-Men tales from the previous decade, including nods to The Dark Phoenix Saga, Days of Future Past, and Proteus.
The latest season delves into more current storylines, such as Inferno, Trial of Magneto, and Lifedeath. Based on the pacing, it would not be unexpected to witness the inclusion of Bastion, and potentially even Operation: Zero Tolerance, as a recurring plot element in upcoming seasons.
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