X-Men - Season 3, Volume 2 [DVD]

Anything that follows the almighty "Phoenix Saga" on volume one was going to seem slightly underwhelming, but nevertheless this second volume from the third season of what was argueably Marvel's finest animated series ever still matches the success of the recent releases.

The volume begins with "No Mutant Is An Island" an episode plagued with animation problems that meant it was originally held back for season five. This in itself was a silly move, since the episode deals with the aftermath of Jean Grey's sacrifice at the end of volume one. The episode has Scott returning to the orphanage he grew up in and he finds himself fighting a war against the Purple Man (a Daredevil foe) as he uses mutant children (fans will recognise Boom-Boom, Skids, Whiz-Kid and Rusty Collins) to move up in the local politics. The episode is most interesting due to the emotional damage that Scott has to deal with, especially when he fights with Xavier over his role in the X-Men. The cliffhanger ending is not really explained, but does set up the storylines for volume three.

The next episode, "Obsession", is focused on the former X-Man Archangel who is distraught with the possibility of destroying Apocalypse. Needless to say this is a hard task, and Warren almost pushes himself to destruction, with a helping hand from Rogue, Gambit, Beast and Cyclops. The episodes on this volume seem to be focused on X-Men seen in the comics rather than the X-Men regularly seen on the show. A decent episode, and fun for fans of Archangel.

Longshot returns in the episode entitled "Longshot", the downside being the return of TV-obsessed Mojo. While not the best episode (it also had the same animation problems as "No Mutant Is An Island") it does have a nifty new set of (shortened) opening titles with a new faster and more upbeat version of the theme. The focus on Jubilee is the most important aspect of this episode and it is most welcome for a character who has been neglected since volume one's "Out of the Past".

"Cold Comfort" is another fan favourite in that it introduces Iceman to the series. This is his only appearance on the series, and it also introduces X-Factor, who will briefly reappear in season five. There are also flashback segments to the beginnings of the X-Men, and it is nice to see the various original members of the team in thier early days.

Finally, the volume ends with then two part "Strange Heart, Savage Land" which focuses on the Savage Land and the aftermath of season two. Storm comes to the foreground in a very welcome way in these episodes, a fact which is awesome as you realise that she hasn't been seen at all on this volume and that she hasn't had anything to do since "Whatever It Takes" in season two's first volume. The voice acting is incredible in Ororo's case as she unleases all of her fury on her teammates. Oh, and there's even a small reference to Jean Grey being alive on Muir Island, which goes completely unseen unfortunately, at least until volume three.

Being sandwiched between the two adaptions of the Phoenix Saga on volume one and the forthcoming volume three, this volume could have been a disaster. But just like all the volumes that have come before and hopefully all the ones that are coming next, 'X-Men' season three, volume two has something for every X-Fan, old and new, to enjoy.

X-Men Series 3 started with excellence in Vol 1 and Volume 2 manages to remain very good in between epic volumes. This Volume focusses quite extensively on the inner tensions within some of the X-Men and fleshes out character nicely. The series starts with Jean having disappeared with the Phoenix which leaves those who love her either romantically or parentally somewhat bereft. It ends though with a terrific adventure back to the Savage Land.

The episode immediately following Jean's departure is primarily about Cyclops. His is a particularly interesting character because he is noble, responsible, and dedicated yet not at all popular. Cyclops has to come to terms with the grief he feels for Jean while at the same time maintaining his leadership of the X Men in the field. Cyclops rediscovers himself by facing an enemy at an orphanage - his own lonely childhood becomes painfully familiar.

Following the grief of Cyclops is the rage of Archangel who makes a reappearance to tackle Apocalypse. Apocalypse is probably the best villain in these csrtoons and his combination of exceptional power, ancient knowledge, and portents of opponents futility make him really stand out. Archangel has clearly been broken by Apocalypse as he fights without thought. Rogue follows Archangel because she understands him - but clearly Gambit is unimpressed by Archangel spending such close time with Rogue. The episode throws in another piece of inner turmoil, this time for Beast who is the one X Man who desires affection more than any other but cannot have it because he despises the physical appearance he wears.

The one downer on thie Volume is the return of Mojo. As in the earlier series when Mojo appears, he is a waste of screen time. The only redeeming feature of the episode is Jubilee's flirting with Longshot but that is more of an entree into the next episode where Iceman makes an appearance. Iceman is the archetype for internal conflict and his previous departure from the X Men still clearly rankles some, especially the disciplined Cyclops. His impact on Jubilee is entertaining and the story also serves the purpose of introducing Forge and the X Factor.

The Volume ends with its two best episodes and a return to the Savage Land. Garokk makes for a worthy opponent and his story is entertaining, with the machinations he has performed while biding his time as Magneto, Sinister, and Sauron each had their turn ruling the Savage Land. The two-parter is mostly about Storm unleashing her wild side. She is a very reserved character but it is because of the tumult that bubbles inside her. It is a fascinating character, reflecting the need to adhere to societal norms while subduing the true passions within.

Volume 2 brings Series 3 literally back down to Earth after the space adventures of Vol 1. It does so by delving inside the X Men and finding the roundness in many of their characters that are revealed by their own foibles. Excellent characterisation.

This DVD of X-men contains some of the most memorable episodes. It takes me back to those Saturday morning cartoons, when they were truly coming into their own. A must for all fans.