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While comic book fans have known for decades just how awesome Marvel characters are, for most people, it was the unprecedented success of theMCUthat did it for them. The fact that Marvel was able to build a massive cinematic universe, that now encompasses TV series too, and found a way to connect them all together with amazing continuity was a game changer. However, what many fans of the MCU and its huge catalog of awesome characters may not know is that Marvel actually once created an on-screen universe for its characters a long time before the MCU ever debuted.
Throughout the ’90s, that universe took the form of an animated TV series format that encompassed many of the characters audiences have come to love from the MCU. The Marvel Animated Universe (MAU) may not have featured the virtually flawless continuity of the MCU, but it was still pretty awesome and comprised plenty ofcrossovers between showsand cameo appearances by other famous Marvel characters. With one of the most popular shows from the animated universe having recently been revived,X-Men ‘97has reignited interest in the MAU all over again.
If you’re interested in catching up with all of it, here’s how to watch all the ’90s shows from the MAU in chronological order, as well as all the major crossovers that occurred between them and which episodes you may find them in.
The ’90s Marvel Animated Shows in Chronological Order
X-Men: The Animated Series (1992-1997)
The first animated show Marvel dropped in the early ’90s turned out to be the undisputed best of the lot.X-Men: The Animated Seriesbegan in 1992 and lasted five seasons. During that period, it became a groundbreaking, award-winning show that showcased the famous mutants to a new generation.
The show follows the complex adventures of Professor Charles Xavier, a powerful mutant telepath who builds a special school that acts as a safe haven to teach, train, and raise other mutants in an environment where they aren’t feared or hated. With the core team consisting of fan favorites like Wolverine, Cyclops, Gambit, Rogue, Storm, and Beast, the show brilliantly addressed the characters’ core tenet of acting asa champion of marginalized groupsand an allegory against prejudice, discrimination, and racism.
Seeing the characters come to life on screen was amazing enough after they’d largely only been seen in comics. With a full complement of famous villains like Magneto and Apocalypse showing up regularly, as well as a ton of other characters who show up in it, the show was known for being too sophisticated and intriguing to ever be confused with a typical kids' cartoon.Its brilliant voice cast, artwork, and even its theme music have all become iconic, so much so that Disney+ decided to revive the show this year, asX-Men ‘97debuted to massive fanfare and critical acclaim.
Iron Man (1994-1996)
Long before Robert Downey Jr. turned Iron Man into a household name, the animated seriesIron Manran between 1994 and 1996 for two seasons, becominga beloved part of ’90s kids’ childhoodsall over the world. With prolific voice artist and actor Robert Hays voicing Tony Stark and Iron Man, the series depicted the best classical elements of the character’s duality as the genius, billionaire playboy and the superhero we now all know and love.
Intricately weaving in themes of arms proliferation, politics, and the responsibility of tech entrepreneurs, the show again showed why Marvel characters were so loved and admired for their reflections on the real world. Featuring the likes of characters like War Machine, and villains like the Mandarin and Justin Hammer,Iron Mandid a great job of also portraying what an emotionally troubled and often unstable person Tony Stark can be despite all his wealth and power.
Stream on Disney+
Fantastic Four: The Animated Series (1994-1996)
A memorable adaptation of another famous superhero team from Marvel,Fantastic Four: The Animated Series,ran during theIron Manyears, with the two shows being broadcast consecutively in syndication. Starring the franchises' iconic teammates, Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing, the show gave them the full background treatment as it showedhow they got their powers.
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It also highlighted themes like family and often delved into scientific notions, since Mr. Fantastic and Dr. Doom were known for theircomplex battles of the mind. Also showcasing other major characters like Galactus and Silver Surfer, the show was another winner from Marvel that proved how ahead of the curve the legendary company had always been as storytellers. By its second season, the artwork sharpened up drastically, also making it one of the most visually pleasing shows of the lot.
Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994-1998)
One of the most definitive adaptations of Marvel’s most famous hero,Spider-Man: The Animated Seriesbecame iconic in its own right, quicklyjoining theX-Menseriesas one of the best animated series there’s ever been. Chronicling the dual identities of Peter Parker, the show did a fantastic job of delving into his personal problems as much as it did his challenges as a superhero.
While the show packed a lot more cheesy humor as Spider-Man often mused wisecracks to himself as he slung around after his enemies, it also weaved in mature themes like identity, responsibility, and facing adversity. With a plethora of side characters, cameos, crossovers, and an amazing array of villains, like Venom, Carnage, Morbius, Dr. Octopus, the Goblins, and Craven the Hunter, now would be the perfect time to catch up with this amazing show asSony continues building its cinematic Spider-Verse.
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The Incredible Hulk (1996-1998)
Although a late entry to the mix, asone of the most popular Marvel heroesof all time, it was only a matter of time before Bruce Banner and his green friend joined the party. Between 1996 and 1998,The Incredible Hulkbecame the fifth show to join the now-packed MAU. It featured the best of the Hulk’s complex creation, his relationship with Betty, the complications with her father, and Banner’s battles with the monster inside him and those around him.
The show was another fantastic example of a Marvel show that took the maturity of its comic book history seriously. Great art, a line-up of powerful villains to contend with, and some awesome crossovers made for many memorable episodes from it. Definitely not one to miss, this one provided the kind of depth for the iconic character that he never got with the MCU, despite being one of its most famous offerings.
Silver Surfer (1998)
As a faithful adaptation of the famous character,Silver Surferdepicts the mostclassical elements of Norrin Raddand his time as the Herald of Galactus. Playing on the moral dilemma he faces through the choices he has to make during his enslavement to the devourer of worlds, the show featured some great philosophical themes as it pushed its main character to question who he truly was and what he stood for.
It also utilized some amazing artwork that paid homage to the comic book heritage of its main characters while sticking to mature elements within its storylines. While Galactus is chief among its main villains, you can also look out for other well-known characters like Thanos. Filled with cosmic beings, and an extremely likable main protagonist, the show might have only had one season, but is great value for it. As the MCU recently just announced that it will feature Norrin’s partner, the female Silver Surfer known as Shalla-Bal, it’s a great time to relive the classic character whosecomic book historygave birth to her.
Spider-Man Unlimited (1999-2001)
Spider-Man Unlimitedsought to take the place of its predecessor show and capitalize on the former’s success. The show featured a newer version of the classic Spider-Man, giving himan updated lookand a more functional costume. Largely based on a more futuristiccomic series, it saw Spidey traveling to an alternate version of Earth where he finds a planet gripped by chaos and civil strife.
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The show was initially canceled after just one episode but was later revived and managed to complete its 13-episode first season. While it ultimately struggled to compete with other popular shows of the time, likePokémon, it did later enjoy cult popularity. The show was also renowned for a great line-up of villainous characters and featuredfeatured alternate versionsof antagonists like Venom, Carnage, The Hunter, and Electro.
The Avengers: United They Stand (1999-2000)
Closing out the century on the MAU,The Avengers: United They Standalso lasted for 13 episodes. After all the success of theAvengersfilms in the MCU, the team from this one may seem a little strange given that most of the core members of the cinematic version aren’t in it. However, the show does feature the likes of Ant-Man and the Wasp. They are later joined by the likes of Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, and Vision, as well as some lesser-known characters, like Tigra and Wonder Man.
Despite its short run, the show still showcased many notable Avengers villains, like Kang the Conqueror. Although paying homage to some of the characters' comic book lore, the show mostly re-imaginedthe iconic team of heroeswith its own identity. Although a second season was planned that would have included appearances by the likes of Thor and members of the X-Men, the show was canceled, as the new century ushered in a new wave of Marvel animated shows that never quite managed to hit the same heights as their ’90s counterparts.
Notable Crossovers in the ’90s Marvel Animated Universe
Despite the ’90s reign of the MAU being its most successful period, it never featured the kind of singular continuity that has defined the MCU. While there were multiple crossovers in many of the shows that featured some continuity, other shows likeSilver Surfereither completely or partiallyignored continuity at times— with each series mainly concentrating on its own core characters and their stories most of the time.
Nevertheless, there were still some amazing crossover episodes and famous cameos from other famous Marvel characters featured in the ’90s MAU shows. Here’s a look at the most memorable among them listed in the table below.
Characters Featured
Episode(s)
X-Men: The Animated Series
S2, E7 and E8 (“Time Fugitives”); S5, E7 (“Old Soldiers”)
Captain America and Red Skull
S5, E7 (“Old Soldiers”)
Spider-Man, War Machine, Doctor Strange, Thor,
S3, E3 - E7 (“The Phoenix Saga”)
Black Panther
S4, E3 and E4 (“Sanctuary”)
Carol Danvers / Ms. Marvel
S2, E9 (“A Rogue’s Tale)
Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver
S2, E17 (“Family Ties”)
War Machine
Series Regular
Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, Spider-Woman, MODOK
Howard Stark
S1, E11 and 12 (“The Origin of Iron Man, Part 1 and 2”)
S2, E1 (“The Beast Within”)
S2, E11 (“Hulk Buster”)
Fantastic Four
The Silver Surfer
S1, E5 and E6, (“The Silver Surfer and the Coming of Galactus”) S1, E13 (“The Silver Surfer and the Return of Galactus”
S2, E7 (“Prey of the Black Panther”)
S2, E1 (“And a Blind Man Shall Lead Them”
S2, E9 (“Nightmare in Green”)
Ghost Rider
S2, E8 (“When Calls Galactus”)
Spider-Man: The Animated Series
Iron Man, War Machine, and Doctor Strange, Madame Webb
S3, E11 - E12 - Part Two of the Venom Saga (“Venom Returns” and “Carnage”)
The Punisher
S2, E7 - E8 (“Enter the Punisher” and “Duel of the Hunters”)
S2, E10 (“Blade the Vampire Hunter”)
Captain America
S5, E4 - E8 (“Six Forgotten Warriors Saga”)
Members of the X-Men
S2, E4 and E5 (“The Mutant Agenda” and “Mutants Revenge”)
S5, E9 - E11 (Secret Wars Saga - Chapter I to III)
S3, E4 (“The Man Without Fear”)
The Incredible Hulk
Iron Man and War Machine
S1, E4 (“Helping Hand, Iron Fist”)
S1, E9 (“Mortal Bounds”)
Doctor Strange
S2, E3 (“Mind Over Anti-Matter”)
Silver Surfer
Shalla-Bal
S1, E1 - E3 (“The Origin of the Silver Surfer”)
Drax the Destroyer The Watcher Gamora Nebula
S1, E5 and E6 (“Learning Curve”)
