Apocalypse X-Men to Invade Main Marvel Universe in Epic Crossover

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Step into… the Era of Cataclysm.” With that phrase, Marvel introduced fresh X-Men series during the 1990s: Astonishing X-Men, Amazing X-Men, X-Calibur, Weapon X, Factor X, Gambit and the X-Ternals, Generation Next, and X-Man. These titles were set in the era of AX – or “After Xavier” – where the X-Men’s Cataclysmic Age depicted an alternate universe distinct from Earth-616 within the main Marvel Universe. In this reality, Professor Charles Xavier was killed twenty years prior, and his longtime friend Magneto formed a team of mutant resistance fighters to combat En Sabah Nur, the ancient and formidable ruler Apocalypse, who imposed mutant dominance and survival of the fittest in this post-apocalyptic world.

1995’s groundbreaking comic series, “X-Men: Alpha #1,” heralded the era known as the “Age of Apocalypse.” In this alternate timeline, a group of X-Men, named in honor of the fallen Professor Xavier, rose to prominence. Led by Magneto and Rogue, this formidable team included Quicksilver, Storm, Iceman, Morph, Nightcrawler, Blink, Sabretooth, and Wild Child.

As the “Great Conflict” unfolded, various mutant factions emerged. Gambit led a band of thieves known as the X-Ternals. Nightcrawler, along with his mother Mystique, founded the powerful mutant group X-Calibre and established Avalon, a sanctuary for flatscans. Lastly, Generation Next, a new generation of young mutants mentored by Colossus and Shadowcat, made their presence known.

In the 1995 comic series “X-Men: Alpha #1,” we see an alternate timeline called the “Age of Apocalypse.” The X-Men led by Magneto and Rogue fight against Apocalypse. Other mutant groups like Gambit’s thieves (the X-Ternals), Nightcrawler and Mystique’s mutant group (X-Calibre), and a young team trained by Colossus and Shadowcat (Generation Next) also appear as the conflict deepens.

In issue #1 of X-Men: Omega, it appeared as though a future where Europe‘s Human High Council attacked North America with nuclear weapons under Apocalypse’s rule was negated. This was due to Magneto’s ability to send Bishop back in time, preventing Charles Xavier from meeting his untimely demise.

Despite the original timeline being restored, the Age of Apocalypse persisted, initially appearing in Jeph Loeb’s X-Man comics and later in the 2005 six-issue series, X-Men: Age of Apocalypse, which celebrated the 10th anniversary of AoA. Marvel revisited this event in 2011’s Uncanny X-Force and 2012’s 14-issue Age of Apocalypse series. To mark its 20th anniversary, they explored an alternate universe version of AoA, linking it to Secret Wars and Battleworld in 2015.

In approximately ten more years, Marvel revisits the Age of Apocalypse in the “X-Men of Apocalypse” – a fresh six-part series penned by Loeb and illustrated by Simone Di Meo. The duo will lay the groundwork for their “Age of Apocalypse” 30th anniversary series in a supplementary story within the one-shot issue of “Giant-Size Age of Apocalypse” #1, scheduled for June. Additionally, they will establish the series in the “X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha” #1 one-shot, due out in September. The “X-Men of Apocalypse” four-issue run kicks off in November, and the event will culminate in “X-Men of Apocalypse Omega” #1.

The image at the top is a depiction featuring Gambit, Sabretooth, Wild Child, Blink, and Forge (previously associated with the Outcasts), characters who will encounter the regular X-Men from Earth-616 in an upcoming event.

Or simply:

The illustration above shows Gambit, Sabretooth, Wild Child, Blink, and Forge (formerly of the Outcasts) meeting up with the usual X-Men from Earth-616.

30 years ago, the X-Men of Apocalypse created a massive impact on the comics world, and I was fortunate enough to be involved. Fresh characters! Innovative designs! Characters flipping between good and evil! To celebrate this 30th anniversary, an entirely new story with stunning artwork by Simone Di Meo presents an unusual group of X-Men that seemingly shouldn’t exist. Get ready for Gambit, Sabretooth, Wild Child, Blink, Forge, Morph, and others as they strive to preserve one universe without jeopardizing another!

Di Meo expressed great excitement about collaborating with Jeph, noting that he has long admired his work and its significant influence on the industry. He also mentioned that he considers Jeph not just a colleague, but a friend who shares his enthusiasm for their craft. Working alongside Jeph, Marvel, and Tom Brevoort every day is an honor for him, as they strive together to create the best comic book of his career.

Di Meo went on to say, “It’s surprising for me to have a hand in such a renowned tale as Age of Apocalypse. This story holds significant value in Marvel lore, and having the opportunity to delve into it and offer my own perspective is simply amazing. I’m pouring my heart and soul into this project to ensure all readers are satisfied, from the original fans who adored it in the ’90s to the newcomers whom I hope will share their passion. I’m both thrilled and anxious about this experience!

Giant-Size Age of Apocalypse #1

The future hangs in the balance. Kamala Khan has emerged victorious against Legion, but they now find themselves in the bleakest future imaginable: the Age of Apocalypse. Not only is this future on the brink of collapse, but it’s mere hours away from its imminent end. If Kamala can’t locate what remains of the X-Men, she will perish in a nuclear inferno. Former adversaries must depend on each other as they traverse a desolate landscape filled with remnants of bones and shattered vows…but can Legion be trusted? And just how far will Rogue push Kamala to understand the essence of mutant existence? Return to the Age of Apocalypse – a place where no one escapes unscathed! In addition, Jeph Loeb and Simone Di Meo collaborate for a Revelations supplementary story that exposes a chilling secret about the Age of Apocalypse, a revelation that will bring about dire consequences in the future. This is one of five extraordinary standalone issues!

On sale: June 25

X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha #1

In a grim turn of events following Charles Xavier’s untimely death due to a time-travel mishap, the era known as AGE OF APOCALYPSE emerged. This world is marked by endless conflict, with Magneto leading a band of X-Men fighting for survival under the oppressive rule of Apocalypse. Desperate to end Apocalypse’s tyranny and secure freedom for their planet, they were prepared to give up everything—even their own lives, it seemed. However, the primary timeline was reinstated, Apocalypse was vanquished, yet surprisingly, their world persisted!

Following the intense conclusion of the first crossover, X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE resumes the task of the legendary X-Men from another reality. They embark on a critical mission to safeguard their universe, which leads them into the primary Marvel Universe. Here, they will clash with their traditional counterparts, an encounter that will irrevocably alter the courses of both teams’ fates!

On sale: September 3

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2025-05-11 23:58