X-Men '97 has dropped several hints that we may see the ultimate crossover: X-Men vs. Avengers. Although The Marvels hinted at the possibility of a multiversal war between the 20th Century Fox's X-Men vs. Disney's Avengers due to the incursion that occurs at the end of the film, X-Men '97's is more likely to adapt the four-issue limited series The X-Men vs. The Avengers (1987). The 1987 series is the first time these two iconic teams come into conflict.
This match up would be truly epic. Fans will go absolutely insane if we see these two teams face off against one another. Is it worth investing in that Copper Age limited series?
X-Men '97 perfectly tees up a conflict between the X-Men and the Avengers.
In The X-Men vs. The Avengers Limited Series, the Avengers seek to capture Magneto and bring him before the World Court to stand trial for crimes against humanity. At this point in time, Magneto is no longer a villain, but serves as Headmaster of Xavier's Institute for Gifted Students. Consequently, the X-Men fight against the Avengers to protect Magneto from human judgment. It's a great read with fantastic artwork from Marc Silvestri.
Sound familiar?
X-Men '97 begins with Magneto becoming headmaster; however, by episode eight, we see him taking a villainous turn once again after the mutant massacre on Genosha and ignites a genetic war between humans and mutants by triggering a global electromagnetic pulse.
If I had to speculate, Magneto and the X-Men defeat Bastion and his army of Prime Sentinels at the end of season one. Season one will end with a cliffhanger where President Kelly directs Captain America and the Avengers to b Magneto in for trial. We've already seen Captain America in episode seven, and he's portrayed as being more concerned about politics than taking a stand with mutantkind. To me, this is contrary to how I understand Captain America, which makes it all the more likely that his appearance suggests future confrontation with the X-Men. He even mentions his "team" which is an obvious reference to the Avengers.
Current price points for X-Men vs. The Avengers are very low.
Purchasing raw copies of all four issues of the limited series is extremely affordable; if you're patient, you can likely purchase four high grade copies for only $15 to $18. This VF/NM set sold on eBay for only $12.50 a few weeks ago:
In general, buyers on eBay have generally purchased all four issues as a set, but you can purchase individual issues for only a few dollars a piece.
Since many collectors will want to read these issues, there may not be much of a market for slabbed copies. There are generally very few graded copies of these issues on the CGC Census. That being said, if you are interested in graded copies, there is some data that suggests a CGC 9.8 copy of issue #1 could be a decent investment.
Although sales data for a 9.8 is limited, back in 2016, a 9.8 sold for just $32 which wouldn't even cover shipping and grading costs today. Today, a 9.8 will likely sell for over $100; this 9.8 sold for $110 earlier this month:
In addition, I just love Silvestri's cover; I vividly remember rooting for the X-Men when I first read this issue in middle school. I still have my copy.
Would you be excited to see Captain America and the Avengers pursue Magneto in the second season of X-Men '97? Please let us know what your thoughts are in the comments section below!
