After more than 30 years, the X-Men animated universe has finally given the Brood their due. The latest episode of X-Men '97, titled "Weapon X, Lies, and DVDs," not only brings these iconic alien parasites to the screen in full force but also serves as a loving tribute to James Cameron's 1986 sci-fi classic Aliens. It's a payoff that fans of the original series have been waiting for since the 1990s.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
The Brood first appeared in the original X-Men: The Animated Series back in 1994, but only as a brief virtual simulation in Mojo's twisted games. That cameo teased what could have been, as the Brood were originally slated to star in the Season 3 episode "Love in Vain." However, due to their grotesque, parasitic nature—and the constraints of Saturday-morning TV—they were replaced by a similar alien race called the Colony. Now, X-Men '97 finally gives fans the full Brood experience, complete with gory transformations and a nod to that abandoned storyline.
In the new episode, Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd) leads a team including Morph, Sabretooth, and Lady Deathstrike into a derelict Weapon X facility overrun by the Brood. Wolverine even remarks that he's "caught a whiff of something similar once, but these are something different," directly referencing the Colony from the original series. It's a clever callback that ties together decades of X-Men animation history.
An Homage to James Cameron's Aliens
But the episode isn't just a treat for X-Men fans—it's also a masterclass in sci-fi homage. The setup, with a team of heroes exploring an abandoned facility infested with deadly aliens, is straight out of Aliens. The parallels are unmistakable: the Brood, like Xenomorphs, reproduce by implanting themselves in living hosts, and they're just as vicious and feral. At one point, Maverick (Crispin Freeman) delivers a version of Bill Paxton's iconic line from the film: "Game over! That's it! It's game over!"
The episode's climax, where Wolverine and his team barely escape before the facility explodes, mirrors Ripley and Newt's desperate flight from Hadley's Hope. It's a thrilling sequence that honors Cameron's film while staying true to the X-Men's own mythology. For fans of both franchises, it's a perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling.
Comic Book Callbacks and What's Next
The episode also pays homage to classic X-Men comics, particularly Uncanny X-Men #234 (1988), where Wolverine is infected by the Brood and transforms into a horrifying "Broodverine." This attention to detail is one of the reasons X-Men '97 has been so beloved by fans, as it weaves together threads from the original series, the comics, and even pop culture at large.
While the Brood seem to be wiped out in the explosion, their cosmic origins suggest they could return. As interstellar parasites, they have a way of coming back, much like cockroaches. Given how long fans have waited to see them properly depicted, it would be a shame if this was their only appearance. New episodes of X-Men '97 Season 2 premiere Wednesdays on Disney+, and with the show's track record, there's plenty more excitement to come.
For more on the best in streaming and animation, check out our list of Binge-Worthy Brilliance: 10 Perfect Apple TV+ Shows Under 5 Seasons and our ranking of The Best Marvel Video Games of All Time.
