The appeal and reputation of X-MEN: Marvel's world of mutants

The appeal and evaluation of the X-Men animated series

■Overview of the work

"X-Men" is a TV anime series based on the superheroes created by Marvel Comics. It aired on Animax from April 1 to June 24, 2011, and consists of 12 episodes. It was directed by Kizaki Fuminori, known for "Basilisk" and "Afro Samurai", and animation was produced by Madhouse. The story was written by Warren Ellis, the series composition was by Hirota Mitsuki, the character design was by Yokoyama Ai, the chief animation director was Chiba Michinori, the art director was Ikeda Shigemi, and the music was by Takahashi Tetsuya.

■ Story

"X-Men" is the story of a mutant organization founded by Professor X, the world's most powerful telepath. The X-Men were formed to protect both humanity and mutants, but one year ago, member Jean Grey was killed in a battle with the secret society "Inner Circle," and the group was inactive. Meanwhile, a mutant junior high school student living in Tohoku, Japan, goes missing, and Professor X receives a call for help. Sensing that the disappearance is a sign of an even bigger mutant-related incident, X gathers the X-Men members scattered around the country, and the X-Men are reunited for the first time in a year.

■ Characters

The main characters of "X-Men" are:

• Cyclops : Leader of the X-Men. Real name Scott Summers. Has the ability to emit a powerful destructive ray "optic blast" from his eyes. He is summoned by X when he is unable to recover from the death of his lover and fellow member Jean.
• Storm : A member of the X-MEN, she is a woman with brown skin, white hair, and eyes that have a mysterious light. Her real name is Ororo Munroe. She has the ability to freely control the weather, generate thunderclouds to strike enemies with lightning, and freeze enemies with blizzards. She can also ride the wind and fly in the sky.
• Hisako Ichiki : A Japanese mutant with the ability to create telekinetic armor through emotional sensitivity. Apart from that power, she is an ordinary female student who still retains a childlike innocence. She loves cute things. She joins the X-Men as a junior member.
• Professor X : Founder of the X-Men and the world's most powerful telepath. An elderly gentleman with a shaved head and a suit. He is paralyzed from the waist down and always moves around in a wheelchair. His real name is Charles Francis Xavier. He is like a father to the members of the X-Men.
• Beast : A member of the X-Men, a large man with a beast-like appearance. However, he is a biochemist with a brain that is beyond imagination from his appearance, and is a professor at a university, and is the brains behind the X-Men. His real name is Henry P. "Hank" McCoy. He has a calm demeanor and often makes witty remarks. In addition to his violent battles, he often plays an academic role, developing vaccines and researching the special symptoms of mutants.
• Wolverine : The leader of the X-Men's charge. He has super-healing abilities and claws made of adamantium, a highly hard metal. His real name is James Howlett, but he calls himself Logan, and is often called by that name by the other members. He has a wild personality and often jokes. His words and actions are full of manliness. At first glance, he seems to be on bad terms with Cyclops, but in reality they trust each other deeply.

■Cast

The voice actors for X-Men are as follows:

• Cyclops / Toshiyuki Morikawa
• Wolverine/Rikiya Koyama
• Professor X/Katsunosuke Hori
• Storm/Aya Hisakawa
• Emma Frost/Kaori Yamagata
• Yui Sasaki/Ryoko Sakakibara
• Jean Grey/Yurika Hino
• Hisako Ichiki/Yukari Tamura
• Beast/Hideyuki Tanaka

■Subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "X-MEN" are as follows:

• Episode 1: The Return
• Episode 2: U-MEN - Mutant Hunting
• Episode 3: Armor - Awakening
• Episode 4: Transformation
• Episode 5: Power - Unity
• Episode 6: Conflict
• Episode 7: Betraval - Impact
• Episode 8: Lost - Omen
• Episode 9: Revelations
• Episode 10: Countdown - The Truth
• Episode 11: Revenge
• Episode 12: Destiny - Bonds

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music for "X-MEN" are as follows:

• OP1「RISING」
  Lyrics by Hiroshi Kitagawa Music by Akihiko Shinone and Shuhei Endo Arrangement by AMBIENCE
  Song: AMBIENCE
• OP2 "I want to hold you more than anyone else..."
  Lyrics: Hiroshi Kitagawa, Shuhei Endo Composition: Akihiko Shinone Arrangement: AMBIENCE
  Song: AMBIENCE
• ED: BACK TO YOU
  Lyrics by Shuhei Endo Composition by Shuhei Endo Arrangement by AMBIENCE
  Song: AMBIENCE

■The appeal of the work

"X-MEN" is an animated adaptation of a popular Marvel Comics work, and it brings out the charm of the original work to the fullest. In particular, the action scenes created by director Fuminori Kizaki are very dynamic and have the power to draw viewers in. In addition, Warren Ellis, who wrote the story, is considered a master among comic fans, and his storytelling will satisfy fans of the original work.

The characters are also portrayed very carefully, especially the feelings and growth of the main characters such as Cyclops, Wolverine, and Professor X. The appearance of a new Japanese mutant, Hisako Ichiki, also adds a fresh appeal to viewers. The voice actors are also impressive, with talented actors such as Toshiyuki Morikawa, Rikiya Koyama, and Aya Hisakawa playing the characters.

■ Evaluation and recommendation

"X-MEN" is a work that can be enjoyed not only by fans of Marvel Comics, but also by anime fans. The development of the story, the growth of the characters, and the dynamic action scenes will not bore the audience. In addition, the appearance of the Japanese mutant Hisako Ichiki makes it a familiar work for Japanese anime fans.

I would especially recommend this series to fans of Marvel Comics, people who like superheroes, and people who like action anime. It's a short series of 12 episodes, but the story is well-rounded and you'll be satisfied with it. In addition, the theme song and insert songs are enhanced by AMBIENCE's powerful voice, making it a work that can be enjoyed musically as well.

Related information

The X-Men animated series is also related to other Marvel Comics works, especially the Iron Man and Wolverine animated series, which share a common worldview. By watching these works together, you can enjoy the world of Marvel Comics more deeply. Also, by reading the original comics, you can learn more about the background and history of the characters.

Furthermore, the X-Men animated series has received high praise overseas, especially in the United States and Europe. You can enjoy interacting with and exchanging information with fans from overseas, while gaining a deeper understanding of the series.

Conclusion

The X-Men animated series is a work that brings out the best of Marvel Comics, and is packed with various elements such as action, adventure, and drama. The story and characters that draw the viewer in, as well as the dynamic action scenes, are well worth watching. This is a work that I would especially recommend to fans of Marvel Comics and those who like superheroes. Please watch it once and experience its charm for yourself.