X-Men ’97 Finally Gives Colossus & Nightcrawler the Spotlight They Deserve

Tamal KunduWed, July 29, 2026 at 1:40 PM UTC

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Photo Credit: @marvel/YouTube

Two of the most underrated characters in X-Men ’97 until now have been Colossus, aka Piotr Nikolayevich “Peter” Rasputin, and Nightcrawler, aka Kurt Wagner. Season 2 Episode 7, titled “Strange Land, Savage Heart,” finally gives them their glorious moment under the sun.

X-Men ’97 makes Colossus join a dark team

The episode heavily focuses on the sibling bonds and how those impact various characters. Toward the start of the episode, Colossus’ sister, Illyana Rasputina, is killed during a Sentinel attack, leaving him inconsolable. Later, it is revealed that he has joined The Acolytes of Magneto, a radical group led by Exodus. The Acolytes harbor strong anti-human beliefs. Exodus claims that their ideology is inspired by what Magneto used to think about humans, but Professor X refutes this. He seems to think that the Acolytes are twisting Magneto’s name “to justify their war.”

Exodus, Colossus, and the others abduct Graydon Creed, a human politician who is the antithesis of Exodus. He spews anti-mutant rhetoric as he aspires to be the President of the United States. He also happens to be Kurt’s half-sibling through Mystique.

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Nightcrawler plays a crucial role in bringing Colossus back to X-Men

Kurt and Rogue are part of the team that Professor X sends to rescue Creed. They eventually encounter Colossus, who details his life in the Savage Land, where the Acolytes have set up their base. Colossus seems to be thankful for his current circumstances and believes that Exodus and the Acolytes have brought a sense of purpose back into his life after Illyana’s death.

However, Kurt helps Colossus realize that Illyana wouldn’t have wanted this for him. Kurt demonstrates nothing but compassion for Creed, who has only contempt for the mutants. Nightcrawler even convinces Exodus to hold a trial for Creed, with Colossus serving as the judge.

Ultimately, Kurt fails to convince Creed to mend his ways. But his efforts bring Colossus back into the X-Men fold.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”