In X-Men Origins: Wolverine, we begin with a young Logan in the mid 19th century, who following a violent situation realizes his true nature. Scared and in shock, he goes on the run, led by his older brother, Victor – the man that would become Sabretooth. The two run amok through various U.S. wars, but Victor shows signs of drifting to the dark side; his distaste for humans and willingness to kill on command begins to worry his more moral partner. Nevertheless, the two are recruited by the government through a man named William Stryker, who promises them that they can find their true calling by carrying out missions for him. But Stryker’s motives are less than sincere, and Logan soon goes on the run.

Read the rest of the X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie review.

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.