It may be a work of the past, but "X-Men '97" is a modern-day hit for Disney Plus The series premiere set an audience record, surpassing even Marvel's "What-If" and becoming the most-watched first season ever for a Disney Plus original animated series

Praised by critics and fans alike, "X-Men '97" remains true to the essence of its predecessor while introducing a fresh story that resonates with modern audiences Blending action and heartfelt storytelling, the series has captivated seasoned X-Men fans as well as newcomers, and TG's Malcolm McMillan considers it the best Marvel TV show in years

The first season is currently airing weekly through May 15, and with the second and third seasons already in development, more mutant adventures are on the horizon It's going to be quite a while before these additional seasons debut (and the days between episodes dropping already seem so long), but in the meantime, if you're looking for thoughtful superhero TV shows to stream, definitely worth checking out Here are a few:

If you love "X-Men '97" but missed the first "X-Men: The Animated" series, which aired from 1992 to 1996, this is the perfect time to dive into the original series: 72 episodes over five seasons The original series brilliantly depicts iconic stories such as "The Dark Phoenix Saga" and "Days of Future Past"

While there are comedic moments and characterizations, it was also one of the first animated comic book series that was not afraid to explore darker themes The series is widely credited with boosting the popularity and visibility of the X-Men franchise in the early 1990s and setting the stage for a series of popular films beginning in the late decade

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For a retro trip back in time from another superhero world, the original 2003 "Teen Titans" animated series featured Robin, the most recognizable young superhero in the DC Universe, Cyborg, Raven, Starfire, and Beast Boy, face not only iconic villains like Slade Wilson and Trigon, but also the perils of teen life

Like "X-Men '97," "Teen Titans" boldly confronts real-world issues such as racism and organizational injustice, weaving these social concerns into its narrative Through poignant storytelling and nuanced character development, the series transcends traditional superhero narratives and sheds light on the complexities of the human experience

Although the original series has been overshadowed by the comedy-focused spin-off Teen Titans Go, its original incarnation remains a fan favorite because of its mature storytelling, distinctive animation style, and complex character arc

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Another show based on the famous comic book series, "Umbrella Academy," is a live-action series about the dysfunctional Hargreaves family Led by the enigmatic Sir Reginald, the show follows seven superpowered adopted siblings as they navigate a labyrinth of complex relationships against the backdrop of a looming apocalypse

Incorporating concepts of time travel, alternate realities, and destiny, the show leans strongly on the bizarre elements of superheroics, with plenty of mind-bending science fiction and supernatural elements to keep viewers on their toes

With a penchant for the bizarre and the unexpected, the show offers a fresh twist on the traditional superhero story and is sure to appeal to fans of "X-Men '97"

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"Wander Vision," the first Marvel series to be distributed exclusively on Disney Plus, set the bar high for Marvel TV content The series follows Scarlet Witch Wanda Maximoff as she deals with the aftermath of The Avengers: picking up the pieces of her shattered life in the wake of the Avengers' climactic battle with Thanos

Instead of following a simple linear storyline, "Wanda Vision" takes a unique format in which the early episodes are each portrayed as a sitcom from a different era, taking cues from "I Love Lucy" to "Full House" Smart viewers will quickly realize that as they try to unravel the mystery of what is really going on with Wanda Maximoff, they will have to watch carefully what they see on the screen to discover clues as to what is behind the sitcom's laugh track

"Wanda Vision" lasted only one season because of its unique format (and connection to the larger MCU) However, "X-Men '97" fans who have yet to check it out will definitely appreciate its winding storyline and connection to the larger "X-Men" universe

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While "X-Men '97" is about a small group of superpowered people, the hit anime "My Hero Academia" is about the opposite: a world where most people are born with a variety of superpowers, called "quirks" In this world, despite the ubiquity of special abilities among people, only a few talented young people are allowed to train at the Hero Academy and become superheroes

The series follows the main character, Midoriya Izuhisa, whose goal is to become the number one superhero His over-powerful quirks give him incredible strength, speed, and agility, and he immediately gains fame and attention at the prestigious UA High Hero School

However, Midoriya has a secret He was not born with the power And his power did not just appear out of the blue, but after a fateful encounter with All Might, the current number one superhero in the world, who gave him the legendary power of "One for All"

As Midoriya embarks on an adventure to master his new abilities, "My Hero Academia" unfolds as a story of heroism, friendship, and self-discovery With each exhilarating battle and heartfelt moment, the series explores the complexities of heroism in a world where even the most unlikely individuals can rise to greatness

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