X-Men 97 Marvel Legends Wave 3
Hasbro has done it again. The newest addition to the X-Men ‘97 Marvel Legends lineup, Wave 3, brings together six standout mutants that perfectly capture the look and spirit of the classic animated series. This case of six 6-inch figures—Sunspot, Morph, Emma Frost, Cable, Jubilee, and Logan—is a collector’s dream that blends nostalgia, character depth, and top-tier craftsmanship.
A Wave That Feels Like Saturday Morning All Over Again
The packaging immediately grabs you with its retro-style cardbacks reminiscent of the early 90s cartoon era. Each figure sits proudly in a clear blister pack that shows off both the sculpt and accessories. For those who remember racing home from school to catch X-Men: The Animated Series, these designs deliver that same magic but with modern sculpting, paintwork, and articulation that collectors expect from the Marvel Legends line.
Each figure in the set features screen-accurate details, expressive faces, and over 20 points of articulation, giving collectors a wide range of posing options. Accessories are plentiful and smartly chosen—blasters, alternate heads, and power effects that help bring the characters to life.
Character Highlights and Legacy
Cable – The grizzled time traveler from the future, Cable has long been a fan favorite. As the son of Cyclops and Madelyne Pryor, he represents the complicated legacy of the Summers family. His inclusion in this wave adds a sense of gravity and leadership, perfectly matching his on-screen persona from the animated revival.
Logan (Wolverine) – No X-Men wave feels complete without Wolverine. His design here pays homage to his 90s look with bright colors, classic claws, and that unmistakable scowl. Logan’s influence across comics, animation, and film makes him one of the most recognizable characters in all of Marvel history, and this figure captures that legacy flawlessly.
Jubilee – The heart of the original animated team, Jubilee’s youthful energy and optimism brought warmth to the X-Men roster. Her iconic yellow jacket, pink glasses, and plasma “fireworks” effects are reproduced with perfect attention to detail. She’s a nostalgic highlight and a must-have for anyone building a 90s X-Men display.
Emma Frost – Known for her diamond-hard telepathy and icy demeanor, Emma’s appearance in this wave gives collectors a chance to add a complex and commanding presence to their shelves. From her days as the White Queen of the Hellfire Club to her transformation into a trusted X-Man, this figure showcases her powerful evolution as a character.
Morph – Once a tragic figure in the animated series, Morph became a fan favorite through his shape-shifting humor and emotional depth. Hasbro’s version captures both the playfulness and pain behind the character, making him one of the more unique figures in the line.
Sunspot – Roberto da Costa brings something fresh to this wave. The Brazilian mutant who channels solar energy adds a vibrant sculpt and dynamic paint effects that make him pop visually. Long overlooked in previous toy lines, Sunspot’s addition reflects Hasbro’s growing commitment to diversity within its Marvel roster.
Why Collectors Are Rushing to Get This Set
Collectors know how quickly Marvel Legends waves disappear, and this one is already proving difficult to find. Early listings on major retailers have sold out, and the secondary market is already seeing price hikes. Canadian stores have the case set hovering around $215, while individual figures are climbing past the $40 mark depending on rarity.
The buzz is justified. Between the character lineup, the nostalgic cardback presentation, and the quality of the sculpts, this wave strikes the perfect balance between collectible and playable art. For many collectors, it also completes the animated display lineup that Hasbro began building with the earlier waves.
Display and Investment Value
This wave has everything a serious collector looks for:
- High articulation and accurate proportions
- Excellent paint applications with vibrant tones
- Packaging that evokes the animated series
- Character variety that rounds out a display shelf
For display enthusiasts, the mix of core heroes and supporting characters allows for endless shelf setups. For investors, scarcity is already setting in, making this a solid pickup before prices rise further.
Final Thoughts
Hasbro’s Marvel Legends team continues to prove why this line remains at the top of the collector market. The X-Men ‘97 Wave 3 is more than a set of action figures—it’s a celebration of one of Marvel’s most beloved eras. Each figure offers a blend of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and storytelling that keeps fans coming back year after year.
If you spot this wave at retail, don’t hesitate. It’s already becoming one of the most talked-about sets of the year, and it represents the best of what Hasbro can do when paying tribute to the golden age of mutant storytelling. Whether you’re collecting for display or investment, this wave is a must-own for any X-Men fan.