Uncovering the Hidden Gems: 5 Missed Easter Eggs in Episode 4 of ‘X-Men ’97’
The latest episode of X-Men ’97 on Disney+ is one that fans won’t want to miss. Packed with 16-bit action and a major turning point in Storm’s life, “Motendo/Lifedeath – Part 1” is a nostalgia-filled adventure that will leave viewers craving more. But what about the hidden gems and Easter eggs that may have gone unnoticed? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the five missed Easter eggs from Episode 4.
The opening credits of X-Men ’97 continue to impress with their attention to detail. In Episode 4, we see a switch from Jean Grey with her hair down to Ponytail Jean. But why the change? It turns out that the Jean in Episodes 1-3 was actually a clone. This small detail adds another layer of intrigue to the story.
The opening credits also feature re-animated moments from previous animated series. We see Jubilee saving Longshot from Mojo, Polaris holding Havok after a skirmish with X-Factor, and Professor Xavier being mentally shut out by Emma Frost. These shoutouts to past episodes and storylines demonstrate the show’s commitment to honoring its rich history.
Fans of the X-Men comics will be delighted to discover a reference to one of the most famous X-Men covers of all time. When Jubilee and Sunspot find themselves in a deadly Motendo game, they reenact the iconic X-Men #141 cover, which is the first part of “Days of Future Past.” This nod to the comics adds an extra layer of excitement for long-time fans.
No discussion of ’90s X-Men would be complete without mentioning the Konami arcade game. X-Men ’97 incorporates elements from this beloved game, including three level designs: City, Island M Jungle, and Battle with Magneto. However, there is one small error – Magneto does not say “Welcome to die!” as he does in the game. Nonetheless, the inclusion of these designs is sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia.
One of the most intriguing Easter eggs in Episode 4 is the introduction of Abscissa, a mysterious player dressed like Tim Burton’s Hellraiser. It turns out that Abscissa is an alternate reality version of Jubilee herself, held captive as Mojo’s slave. This character first appeared in Wolverine #52 and hasn’t been seen since Wolverine #53. The fact that Abscissa is voiced by Alyson Court, the original voice actor for Jubilee, adds an extra layer of nostalgia to the mix.
Finally, we meet the Adversary, a villain who poses a major threat to the X-Men. The Adversary is known for killing all of the X-Men and seeking to destroy reality. This storyline was featured in Uncanny X-Men #225-227 and is considered a classic among fans. The introduction of the Adversary in X-Men ’97 hints at dark times ahead for our beloved mutants.
In addition to these Easter eggs, Episode 4 also includes a flashback to the Season 1 episode “Slave Island,” triggering Storm’s claustrophobia. The Motendo cartridge featuring artwork from X-Men Sega Genesis and X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse for Super Nintendo adds another layer of gaming nostalgia. And let’s not forget Jubilee’s famous line, “Magneto was right,” which has become a recurring phrase in the X-Men universe.
With each episode, X-Men ’97 continues to impress fans with its attention to detail and deep cut references. Whether it’s the opening credits, nods to iconic comic book moments, or references to beloved video games, there is something for every fan to enjoy. As we eagerly await the next episode, we can’t help but wonder what other hidden gems and Easter eggs are in store for us.
