EchoBlog

While Morph being revealed as non-binary might upset reactionaries looking for an excuse to call the long-progressive series “woke,” this sort of reaction misses the entire point of the X-Men, who have always been intended to be an allegory for marginalized people. Giving the hero the updated identifier makes sense, even if they weren’t classified as non-binary before. In the original “X-Men: The Animated Series,” Morph often changes genders while shapeshifting, despite presenting as male in their “default” form. The fact that the X-Men hero sees themselves without a defined gender or adhering to specific gender roles is perfectly in line with their characterization. “X-Men ’97” also updates Morph’s appearance, giving them the bald, noseless look they sport in the comics, a design inspired by an alternate universe version of the character in Marvel’s classic “Age of Apocalypse” event.

The X-Men roster is filled with characters who defy gender norms, such as the otherwise female-presenting shapeshifter Mystique being the biological father to Nightcrawler, the New Mutant Escapade being non-binary and trans, and Jessie Drake being the first openly transgender character in the Marvel Universe. More than 30 years after the first episode of “X-Men: The Animated Series” premiered, the continuation is doing what the franchise always has: reflecting real-world issues in a universe with mutant powers and appearances. Morph’s being non-binary is simply a natural and fitting evolution for the character.

Audiences can see Morph and the rest of the X-Men when “X-Men ’97” premieres on Disney+ on March 20, 2024.

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