Here at Zavvi, we're launching our X-Men Original Hero collection, inspired by the classic 90s animated series.
With X-Men 97 coming soon to our screens, there's no better time to revisit the golden age of the franchise on the small screen, with this collection paying tribute to some of the most beloved mutants from the cult show.
Who are the X-Men?
Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the X-Men first debuted in Marvel comics back in 1963. Since then, they have continued to endure, with successful TV and film adaptations helping new generations discover them.
The X-Men is a nickname for mutants, humans born with special genetic capabilities that grant them superhuman powers. The series follows the exploits of the characters at Charles Xavier's New York headquarters, who include iconic figures such as Wolverine, Storm and Beast.
What's in the Collection?
The X-Men Original Hero collection features a wide array of T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, caps, beanies and varsity jackets inspired by the original comic book saga and X-Men: The Animated Series.
The bright, vibrant T-shirt collection has a range of colourful designs featuring the famous mutants, their logo, and designs spotlighting some of the most iconic characters; Wolverine, Storm, Gambit, Rogue, Colossus, Magneto, Beast and Mystique.
Other designs highlight famous iconography associated with the series, such as the logo for the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters, which you can also find on the Varsity Jacket.
The two hoodies feature the original team, and a bright yellow design featuring Wolverine that's well worth sinking your claws into.
Designing the X-Men Original Hero Collection
We spoke to Zavvi's in-house designer about how the X-Men Original Hero Collection came to life.
Tell us about your inspirations for the X-Men collection!My main inspiration was the announcement of X-Men 97, it got me feeling all nostalgic and wanting to revisit one of my all time favourite shows as a kid. Naturally this got me thinking about that incredible line-up of characters, the colour palettes and story lines that every 90's kid will remember.
The 80s and 90s were definitely a golden era for the X-Men and one that has continued to inspire me.
Did you grow up reading the X-Men comics?
I actually grew up watching the OG animated series, but obviously being interested in superheroes, as I got a little older I naturally gravitated towards comics, where I re-discovered the X-Men and some of the incredible stories that were told through the years.
Those classic Chris Claremont stories are some of my all time favourites, alongside the Frank Miller run on Wolverine. Not to mention the unbelievable artwork created by Jim Lee, a lot of which this range takes inspiration from!
Favourite item in the collection?
I think my favourite is the Wolverine Weapon-X Hoodie, But I'm a little biased, because let's face it, he's easily the coolest X-Men Character.
The runner up would probably be the blue Super Team tee, this one gave me all of the retro 90's vibes I wanted to encapsulate in the collection. I can almost hear that amazing theme tune when I look at it!
Favourite X-Men characters?
Wolverine is my ultimate favourite - I always gravitate towards the darker, more broody characters with a penchant for violence. But Nightcrawler is a close second, everything from his design to his personality just make him a firm favourite to me.
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