Morph Had To Follow One Rule On Marvel's X-Men '97

"X-Men '97" reunites the X-Men team (with many of the roles recast) for a continuation of "X-Men: The Animated Series" that explores familiar character dynamics and experiments with new ones, including proclaiming Marvel's coolest mutant. While the 1st season tries to give equal screen time to each mutant, there's a strong emphasis on the backstory of Morph (J.P. Karliak), the scene-stealing shapeshifter who takes on the personas of different characters. Morph can seemingly do just about anything, which is a huge help when the team finds themselves in impossible situations. However, the creators of "X-Men '97" do have one important rule Morph must follow.

In the book "X-Men '97: The Art and Making of the Animated Series" (via /Film), director and producer John Castorena explained that while Morph can take on the purely physical attributes and abilities of other mutants, other elements are not attainable. "But what Morph cannot do is mimic any sort of mutant power ability, like laser fire, anything like that. That isn't the physical attribute of the character," he said. 

This means that if Morph turns into Wolverine (Cal Dodd), they can produce a version of his claws because it's a physical trait. However, when portraying Professor X (Ross Marquand), they cannot access his telekinetic powers because it's a mental ability. Some may think that this rule takes away from Morph's fantastic power, but it's a crucial detail that affects all of the X-Men. 

Since shapeshifting is a physical feature by definition, it makes sense that Morph's power is limited to the physical traits of others. However, having Morph adhere to this one rule protects their wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of the entire X-Men team.

Morph's official Marvel bio states that they've never been able to acquire the non-physical powers of other mutants, and this limitation protects their unstable molecular structure. The instability of their body allows them to quickly change into any form. However, while these transformations seem effortless, they require a lot of energy. If Morph were to take on mutant power abilities, their molecules would work overtime to adjust. This could lead to prolonged exhaustion, which could be detrimental in a sudden battle.

Allowing Morph to adopt the powers of another mutant would make him more appealing to the X-Men's foes. Longtime fans will remember how Mister Sinister (Chris Britton) tried to manipulate Morph's powers during Season 2 of "X-Men: The Animated Series." It's a traumatizing part of Morph's past that's revisited in "X-Men '97," Season 1, Episode 3, "Fire Made Flesh," and this moment is a reminder of the X-Men's vulnerability. If Morph were to be captured while breaking the power rule, villains like Mister Sinister would be unstoppable, and the X-Men would never stand a chance. This harsh reality means that Morph must stay the course to help and protect their friends.