Thirty years ago, the X-Men line, the most profitable comic book line in superhero comics, underwent a complete transformation. The books as they were ended, and in their place was a new batch of twisted, dark X-Men titles. It was the Age of Apocalypse, an alternate timeline that enveloped the entire X-Men publishing line for several months. Nothing like it had been done in comics before. While the quality of the stories was debatable, the success of the event was unquestionable.
There’s much to say about Age of Apocalypse, and the nostalgia for it. What’s open to discussion now is the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the event, and one of the three stories this year that pays tribute to the iconic storyline.
X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha is the opening issue in a mini-series that picks up where the Age of Apocalypse left off: brought to the page by Jeph Loeb, the writer of X-Man during the Age of Apocalypse event, and Simone Di Meo, a newly announced Marvel Stormbreaker artist who has become exclusive to the company following a successful stint at DC.
Through the decades, there have been revivals and continuations of the Age of Apocalypse timeline, intricate and confusing in equal measure. Though the event was given at least two conclusive endings, it is back once more in this Alpha issue, to continue in 4 regular issues, and then an Omega issue to conclude the story.
X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha appears to be well aware of the complex and convoluted history of this timeline and its characters. Consequently, much of this issue serves as a general reminder of each key character and updates the reader on the current state of the story. There is some hand-holding and retconning that occurs here, in the name of telling a smoother story. But while that may frustrate some purists, it is a welcome relief to this reader at the very least. Thirty years is a long time, and the numerous spin-offs are hard to follow and not always equal in quality. A streamlined, simpler story was needed, and Apocalypse Alpha #1 provides a good jumping-on point for new and past readers alike.
The premise is simple. The mutants’ dystopian world is split down the middle between the followers of Magneto and those still loyal to the now deceased Apocalypse. A team of Magneto’s X-Men is assembled following an encounter with Mister Sinister, determined to set their timeline right and restore it to a world more closely resembling the 616. The team is comprised of some Age of Apocalypse fan favourites and some out-of-the-box choices.
Sabretooth and Wild Child return, and Blink, the character who made her name in the event and emerged from it as a fan favourite. Forge and Morph are part of it, too, and the leader is Gambit. A significant portion of the thirty-page issue explores the dynamic between Rogue and Gambit, not lovers or husband and wife in this timeline, but rather two individuals who seem to harbor mutual affection and attraction, yet are aware it can never be. Rogue has chosen Magneto, and though the fondness for Gambit is made clear, so is her sense of loyalty to Magneto. Gambit, for his part, has no desire to play interloper, volunteering to lead the dangerous mission in hopes that he can get away from his heartache.
The issue ends with a bang: the surprising return of a fan-favorite X-Men character from the Age of Apocalypse. Even 30 years later, their appearance is sure to bring a smile to readers’ faces, despite the characters’ sometimes questionable pasts.
If that sounds brief, it’s because it is. X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha devotes a significant portion of its page count to providing the reader with the necessary background information to launch the story, highlighting the altered circumstances of this world and its characters. But while that might be a bug to some, it will be a feature to others.
Ultimately, the issue succeeds at its aim. The stakes and story are clearly established, and the characters and central team are put together. The writing is efficient and establishes everyone quite well; a rather standout page features a heartbreakingly wistful line from Gambit. It’s been a very long time since Jeph Loeb wrote X-Men, and some of his earlier dabblings could be controversial, but in this issue, he has gotten the essential qualities right.
Simone Di Meo is the artist on this issue, for both the pencils and the colours. While his flashy and brightly lit style may not appeal to everyone (indeed, some of the page compositions and layouts could be a little confusing), Di Meo certainly brings a unique flair and sense of style to his artwork that stands out in the Marvel line-up in much the same way that Peach Momoko’s art and Devmalya Pramanik’s art stand out among their peers. There are clear manga inspirations to his work, as well as some nods to Joe Madureira, the iconic X-Men artist who defined the latter half of the ’90s in much the same way as Jim Lee defined the first half.
However, the issue is not without its drawbacks, particularly the retconning of earlier storylines involving this timeline and these characters. This could confuse familiar readers and invalidate previously established continuity. Additionally, while Di Meo’s art is stylistically strong, the bright lighting and layouts can sometimes make transitions between pages confusing and jarring.
X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha is a tight, breezy read, one that will inform new readers with just enough detail to get going, without bogging them down in exposition. Simone Di Meo’s art is unique, stylish, and aesthetically pleasing in its character design. Long-time readers and purists might be annoyed by some of the retcons and handwaving done to justify the story. Still, for those who want to revisit this world and these characters, X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha #1 serves as a fine reintroduction to the world.
‘X-Men Of Apocalypse: Alpha’ #1 Review: Delivers a Return to the Twisted ’90s Classic
X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha #1 is a tight, breezy read, one that will inform new readers with just enough detail to get going, without bogging them down in exposition. Simone Di Meo’s art is unique, stylish, and aesthetically pleasing in its character design.
