Key Takeaways:
* The new animated series “X-Men ‘97” has been generating buzz as well as some controversy, especially regarding the nonbinary character Morph.
* Voice actor J.P. Karliak is not bothered by the backlash, drawing strength from his background as a queer activist.
* Despite the debate, many fans have been enjoying the show, which continues the original series’ legacy.
* X-Men ’97 is available for streaming on Disney+, with new episodes airing weekly.
Since its release, Marvel’s recent animated series, “X-Men ’97,” has been enshrouded in discussions about its story and character development. The show, a successful continuation of the original series hailed for its relatability to its predecessor, has however, witnessed backlash from some quarters, particularly regarding the character Morph’s nonbinary identity.
Character Morph’s Nonbinary Identity Sparks Debate
An initial description of the X-Men ’97 characters by Empire Magazine described Morph (Kevin Sydney), a shapeshifting X-Men, as nonbinary. This development, different from the original series where Morph was portrayed as a brunette man, drew an immediate response from fans. But despite the discontent sparked off among a portion of the fandom, J.P. Karliak, the voice actor of Morph, remains unfazed.
J.P. Karliak’s Position on the Backlash
In an interview with CBR.com, Karliak shrugged off the criticism revolving around his character’s identity. Unsurprised by the public’s reaction, Karliak attributed his stance to his familiarity with world issues, aided by his status as a queer activist and his political involvement. He expressed gratitude for the counter-backlash from fans familiar with the essence of the X-Men.
Rather than view the contention adversely, Karliak appreciates it, maintaining that such resistance could potentially drive series’ increased popularity. The actor, expressing no offense with the criticism, pointed out how certain critical publications inadvertently promote his cause.
Karliak, who described Morph as still evolving after experiencing the trauma of a resurrection, and the creators of the show argue that some fans have missed the message of the original series.
X-Men ’97 Continues to Thrill Fans
Despite the surrounding controversy about Morph’s identity, it’s noteworthy that the majority of followers are enjoying the “X-Men ’97” animated series. Undeniably, the resistance from some factions should not obscure the primary objective, which is to entertain Marvel’s fervent fans. A revival of the original series with fresh interpretations and rich character narratives, the series continues to find engagement every week when new episodes premiere on Disney+.
In conclusion, while the Morph identity debate rages, it has not dampened the spirit of the man behind the voice. For Karliak, the road is clear, and the journey – chaotic yet rewarding, remains thrilling for both the actor and the audience.
