Did ‘X-Men ’97’ Just Ruin a Classic Avenger?

When it comes to , by R. Jones and Tom Derenick, for the best of Cap’s advocacy).

So why is X-Men ’97 pitting Cap against the mutant team, especially after witnessing the Genosha genocide? He’s worried about “sending a message” by going off-book with Rogue, but there’s no better time to send a message in support of mutants. Cap has gone against orders for much less, so seeing him hesitate to cross the line here just feels like a blight against his true nature.

The X-Men have always represented the plight of the marginalized. That means non-mutants can be used as a tool for opposition, even if they would otherwise side with the team. Cap’s X-Men ’97 cameo does reinforce the idea that the X-Men are truly alone in this world, but it compromises his integrity to do it. It’s frustrating to watch, especially since there are plenty of other Avengers who actually would stand against the X-Men.

X-Men ’97 is streaming on Disney+.