TV REVIEWS : ‘X-Men’ Presents an Array of Superheroes

“X-Men,” an animated series originally scheduled to premiere in September, makes its somewhat belated debut at 10 this morning on Fox (Channels 11 and 6) in a special hourlong episode. Based on a popular comic book about a cadre of mutants who fight for justice, the program resembles a cross between a Japanese sci-fi cartoon and a typical American Saturday morning superhero show. It’s not particularly good or bad--just run-of-the-mill.

The action takes place in a vaguely futuristic America, where mutants of unexplained origin are persecuted by the human population. Professor Xavier has taught a group of young mutants to control their superpowers and use them for the benefit of mankind. Storm controls the weather in her immediate vicinity, Wolverine grows long metal talons, and so forth.

Although the premise goes back to “The Fantastic Four” (if not further), the array of strange-looking characters, each with a special ability, is oddly reminiscent of the old “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” cartoons.

It’s difficult to assess the content of the series from the premiere episode. As 10 major characters and their powers have to be introduced, writer Mark Edward Edens intercuts action sequences with long Morris-the-Explainer speeches. Children who aren’t familiar with the comics may still have trouble telling the characters apart.

If the television version of “X-Men” wins the comic book audience, the show should be a hit. But after so much hoopla, it’s surprising that the series doesn’t have more individuality.