:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(665x0:667x2)/paul-wesley-natalie-kuckenburg-amalfi-coast2-71825-10b4444f9a6242c8aa742476e5d68235.jpg "Paul Wesley and Girlfriend Natalie Kuckenburg on Yacht Vacation in Italy: Photos")
There was a lot to love about X-Men ’97‘s continuation and evolution of the iconic X-Men: The Animated Series when its first season rolled out last year, but perhaps one of the best was the reminder to X-fans who’s primary experience with the character had been in adaptation, rather than in the comics, that Cyclops has always been one of the best X-Men characters. Marrying people’s memories of Scott from the original show with the huge development the character underwent throughout the 21st century was a key part of updating him for X-Men ’97–and now you can get some insight as to how it all happened in the series’ expansive new artbook.
Published by Abrams and written by James Field, X-Men ’97: The Art and Making of the Animated Series dives into the early days of Marvel Television’s decision to revive one of its most legendary cartoon series for a modern age. Featuring insight from creatives at every level of making the series, from head of Marvel TV Brad Winderbaum to artists and producers, the book also includes hundreds of new, never-before-seen concept art, storyboards, and early design concepts for how the team updated the ’90s aesthetic of the show, while incorporating elements of comics designs and evolutions from across the X-Men’s entire history.
It’s a perfect pickup for anyone who’s in the long haul waiting for the show’s highly anticipated second season, but for now, io9 has an exclusive first look inside the book for you to check out below, with insight on the earliest days of bringing X-Men ’97 to life, as well as an exclusive look at the book’s section on Cyclops. Want to learn just how long it took to get Scott’s optic-blast-fuelled superhero landing right? Look no further!
X-Men ’97: The Art and Making of the Animated Series Preview
X-Men ’97: The Art and Making of the Animated Series hits shelves July 1, and is available to preorder now.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
