The series is still primarily the Wolverine and Beast show (they do have good interactions though) and the other members are pushed off to the side. The writers understand Iceman and Shadowcat well but they sort of blend into the background and are portrayed as glorified sidekicks to Logan. The writers missed good opportunities to flesh out some back story between Kitty and Emma but the jealousy Kitty feels for her seems forced and hackneyed because they share no established history. Wolverine’s resentment for Emma is nice to see though. Forge is also introduced in this episode and is turned more into a young frat boy nerd than a credible government scientist that can build anything in one day. The change is welcome at least for me because this Forge is way more interesting than Forge in the comics has been in a long time.                 

The most notable (and interesting) part of the episode is the X-men’s field trip to Genosha. We finally see Magneto in action after making various appearances on billboards. The fight scene is well done and makes sense. Magneto is portrayed masterfully as a mutant with good intentions but willing to kill for his goals. He’s very refined but still deadly, I like it. The final scene gives the series a goal to work towards and sets it up well but the scene is a little clichéd.

With the first story arc complete “Wolverine and the X-men” is off to a good start but that doesn’t mean it’s flawless. It still seems like “Wolverine and his amazing friends” despite the other characters being handled well. Also the characters and X-men as a theme are never introduced, action scenes drag on a little too long and the animation can have some small glitches. Despite these small nitpicks “Wolverine and the X-men” is an entertaining ride that could rival the past two X-men animated series if it stays on this track.

4/5