Despite some messy storylines, the 1990s are a fondly remembered period for X-Men fans. The comics were incredibly popular and featured work from top artists, though the writing quality varied. A major highlight of this era is the acclaimed “Age of Apocalypse” story. It began with the “Legion Quest” arc, where a time-traveling mishap resulted in Professor X’s death. This created an alternate reality where Apocalypse controlled both North and South America, and a team of X-Men led by Magneto fought against his powerful, mutant-dominated empire.
The artwork in these comics was top-notch, created by the most talented artists from Marvel in the 1990s. The costume designs were particularly impressive, often offering fresh takes on familiar characters. These ten alternate X-Men costumes from the “Age of Apocalypse” storyline were especially memorable and are considered some of the best character designs in X-Men history.
10) Phoenix
Jean Grey and the Phoenix Force have a deep connection, but in the initial “Age of Apocalypse” storyline, they weren’t united. Jean died in X-Men: Omega #1, but she was resurrected as the Phoenix in 2005’s X-Men: Age of Apocalypse, a story marking the tenth anniversary of the original, written by C.B. Cebulski (originally credited to Akira Yoshida) and illustrated by Chris Bachalo. Bachalo’s design for the Phoenix costume is particularly striking and glamorous, and it’s so visually appealing that you don’t even question its practicality.
9) Apocalypse
Apocalypse is a major Marvel villain known for his impressive appearances. One of his most iconic looks is from the “Age of Apocalypse” storyline. Unlike his typically dark armor, this version features shades of blue and red, giving him a more majestic and royal presence. The addition of large shoulder pads and a cape creates a memorable design that’s both recognizable as Apocalypse and refreshingly unique. It’s a fantastic costume, and you can even see elements of it reflected in his more recent Krakoa-era designs.
8) Sabretooth
Sabretooth is a popular X-Men villain, so it was a pleasant surprise to see him fighting with the X-Men in the “Age of Apocalypse” storyline. This version of the character was very different, and his costume reflected that change. While his usual costumes emphasize his savage, animalistic nature with a wild look, this one was a more classic superhero design. It kept the familiar tan, orange, and brown colors often seen on Sabretooth, but focused on his strength and physique rather than his bestial side. It might not seem like a groundbreaking costume, but it stands out as one of Sabretooth’s best.
7) Rogue
Rogue is known for her fantastic costumes, and her look from the “Age of Apocalypse” storyline is considered one of her very best. It builds on the colors and style of her classic 90s outfit, but with a unique twist. The collar hints at her connection with Magneto, and her hairstyle was inspired by the character Major Motoko Kusanagi from the manga and anime Ghost in the Shell – a series that artist Joe Madureira was a big fan of at the time. A flowing cape sometimes completes the look, but it’s striking even without it. Considering Rogue’s history of great outfits, this one truly stands out as one of the all-time best.
6) Holocaust
In the acclaimed Astonishing X-Men storyline, Holocaust served as the primary antagonist. As the son of Apocalypse, he was destined to rule and enjoyed mercilessly killing humans, commanding the Infinites in worldwide purges. His intimidating costume was incredibly effective – the massive armor made him appear truly dangerous, and the exposed skeletal details amplified the fear factor. It was a perfect villainous design and remains one of the most memorable villain costumes ever created.
5) Kitty Pryde
Kitty Pryde is famous for her many different outfits, and like most people, she’s had some fashion misses. But her costume from the Age of Apocalypse storyline was a standout. It was a sleek and practical look – leather pants and boots, a simple top, and gloves with retractable claws. It had a cool, almost Marvel Cinematic Universe vibe, but with added details that really worked. This costume perfectly reflected the character’s background as a battle-hardened warrior who had been fighting for survival for years. It visually communicated that she was tougher and more experienced.
4) Cyclops
The Cyclops from the “Age of Apocalypse” storyline was a drastically different character. He was raised by the villain Mister Sinister and became a key leader in Apocalypse’s regime. His costume maintained a familiar look from the 1990s, with the same blue and yellow colors and practical pouches and straps. True to the storyline’s title, he was a literal cyclops, having lost an eye in a fight with Weapon X, which changed his visor. Combined with his long hair, this version of Cyclops is considered by many to be one of the most striking designs ever.
3) Blink
Blink first appeared as a teenage mutant in the 1994 story “The Phalanx Covenant,” and though she initially died at the end, she quickly returned in X-Men Alpha #1, instantly becoming a popular character. She was known for her striking costume: a long dress with hip-high slits, gloves reaching the forearm, pirate-style boots, and a backpack for her staves. The green color scheme complemented her lavender skin tone perfectly. This simple yet memorable outfit played a huge role in establishing Blink as a cool and unique character, and remains her most recognizable look to this day.
2) Sunfire
Sunfire has been an X-Men member on and off for many years, and he’s worn some memorable outfits. But his look from the “Age of Apocalypse” storyline is arguably his best. It’s a surprisingly effective design, featuring a mask that references a war-torn Japan and strips of fabric that highlight his fiery powers. The costume was immediately popular and even appeared in the main Marvel universe (Earth-616) for a brief time when Sunfire served as one of Apocalypse’s Horsemen.
1) Weapon X
Weapon X is a fan-favorite alternate reality hero in Marvel, and many consider his costume in “Age of Apocalypse” to be the best. The costume was a standout feature of the character – a dark blue version of the all-black suit Wolverine wore in his early appearances, but with striking red claw marks and a red belt. Adding to his fierce look, his missing left hand (lost when he injured Cyclops) was covered with metal. This costume is a classic, looking fantastic in the comics, inspiring a highly sought-after Marvel Legends figure, and recently appearing in Deadpool and Wolverine, proving why it remains one of the most iconic designs.
Read More
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: 50 Easter Eggs, References & Major Cameos Explained
- 10 Best Free Games on Steam in 2026, Ranked
- Surprise Isekai Anime Confirms Season 2 With New Crunchyroll Streaming Release
- Sydney Sweeney’s The Housemaid 2 Sets Streaming Release Date
- Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun season 4 release schedule: When are new episodes on Crunchyroll?
- Preview: Sword Art Online Returns to PS5 as a Darker Open World Action RPG This Summer
- Skate 4 – Manny Go Round Goals Guide | All of the Above Sequence
- Why is Tech Jacket gender-swapped in Invincible season 4 and who voices her?
- Forza Horizon 6 ‘Prologue’ gameplay
- Joel Kinnaman Claims ‘Peacemaker’ Was His Last Time as Rick Flag Jr. in the DCU
2026-04-10 16:12