When you tune in to X-Men '97 on Disney+ tomorrow...
...ask yourself what do you know about what led to it...even before the now-legendary animated TV series aired in the mid-1990s...
...with a then-heavily-promoted pilot by Marvel Animation, New World Studios, and Toei Entertainment that aired in syndication during September 1989.
Marvel Comics devoted much of their monthly "prozine" Marvel Age's 63rd issue to the project (including a new cover by the pilot's primary character designer Russ Heath which was also used for the first VHS release of the cartoon)!
Here's the main article...
(Note the panels running along the bottom of the pages are actually from a storyboard used during production)
In addition, there was an animators' size-comparison chart...
...and the issues's back cover was an illustration showing the characters'...backsides!
Two special treats for you...
First, the centerfold from this issue of Marvel Age by ever-amazing writer/artist Fred Hembeck about the fan anticipation for the pilot...
...and here's the pilot itself!
Note, it's from an EP (6-hour speed) VHS release.
(The slower the speed, the poorer the quality!
But a studio could fit more shows and/or movies on a single video cassette at a bargain price!)
Don't Miss X-Men '97!
