Despite being a DC Comics fan and not a Marvel one as much, there was something about the show that had me waiting with bated breath for every episode. Compared to some of the other cartoons going on those days – such as the Batman animated series – the artistry was more in tune with the comic book art, the stories grittier and more realistic. In reality, the Batman series – which I also watched – was all-around better, but the X-Men series was the one to watch.

Now, over 15 years later, in anticipation of the May 1st launch of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Wolverine, Storm, Cyclops, Rogue, Gambit, Beast, Jean Grey and Jubilee return in a couple of new volumes of the original series, which span most of Season 1 and Season 2.

Those disappointed with how Phoenix was handled in X-Men: The Last Stand will be happy to find that the entire Phoenix saga is included in Volume 2; those who have been clamboring for Sentinels will be pleased to encounter the large robots the way they were meant to be seen, not as a holodeck illusion.

Of course, the X-Men series doesn’t completely stand the test of time. The animation isn’t nearly as good as I remember, and downright clunky at times. It’s amazing how a child’s eyes are so less critical. The dialogue isn’t great, either. Still, the stories are pretty complex for a cartoon and a little more mature than most; adults who like the X-Men should still find something to enjoy.

X-Men: Volume 1 contains 16 episodes spread across two discs, including Night of the Sentinels and Days of Future Past, two story arcs I feel should be turned into an X-Men movie at some point in the future. X-Men: Volume 2 contains the next 16 episodes, including Time Fugitives and The Phoenix Saga, another arc that will someday be fashioned into a movie that it way it was meant to be. Combined, these first two volumes get partway into Season 3 of the show.

There are no notable special features.