Amazing X-Men #1 – Age of Revelation

Hank and Scott wake up in a lost world in Amazing X-Men #1 by Jed MacKay, Mahmud Asrar, Matt Wilson & Clayton Cowles, Marvel Comics

THE AGE OF REVELATION..!

Marvel has frozen all stories from their X-Titles to launch the “Age of Revelation” event. It all started with the return of one character: Doug Ramsey. Also known as Revelation, the heir of Apocalypse. Who joined the X-Men in Merle, Alaska.

What started as dubious and sketchy reunion between Doug and the X-Men has evolve into a dystopian and tragic future 10 years later. Revelation possesses the power of “the voice of God” which he used to persuade, convinced or order the X-Men to follow his every whim. This was unchecked power, and unchecked power led to a lot of questionable decisions that derailed the entire world.

During Revelation’s ascension to power, the X-Virus spread from Philadelphia to the rest of the nation. Changin humans into mutants and the land to only sustain mutant life as well. However, Doug’s power grab drove him mad. Inevitably turning the survivors into a cult of personality.

With time resentment and opposition sentiments grew. Now, 10 years later, the X-Men rise together to fight back. This is the premise of the story for Age of Revelation.

*SPOILERS FOR AMAZING X-MEN*

FROM SOLICITATION:

“HOPE THEY SURVIVE THE EXPERIENCE! X YEARS LATER, on the run after a deadly clash with Revelation’s chief assassin, the shattered X-Men desperately gamble everything on one last mission.

With help from an unexpected ally, they venture into the haunted ruins of Graymalkin. What they find there may change everything… if they survive.” (From Marvel Comics)

“FLIGHT”

The X-Men of the Age of Revelation managed to bring Cyclop’s and Beast’s consciousness from the past to help them fight back. Since it was Revelation himself who released the X-Virus in the first place. Only to position himself as savior and king. The X-Men were going to need all the help they could get.

Because they have suffered considerable losses already. After making their first move against one of Revelation’s Choristers. The Choristers are Revolution’s court of trusted allies.  

As you can imagine, being summoned to a dystopian future can be complicated. While not the first time this plot has been used for X-Men stories, Age of Revelation has a distinct element to it. This dystopian future wasn’t created by an anti-mutant organization. Nor was it launched by some bigoted agents of a government.

Instead, this Age of suffering and extinction was set in motion by mutant kind. Scott is having difficulty reconciling with the fact that welcoming Doug Ramsey into the X-Men brought forward this dystopian world. Meanwhile, Hank’s analytic mind is taking it all in. As he focuses on the small details that might contain the solution to this age’s problems.

STRANGE YET FAMILIAR

The way Age of Revelation has altered characters, relationships and landmarks is something reader will be able to appreciate. Alliances have changed; landmarks have been defaced or destroyed.

Friends turned foes and homes refashioned into graves. Everything you know about the X-Men, or the Marvel Universe has been changed. Or completely turned upside down. Finally, the X-Men find themselves in the face of estranged friends. after barely escaping imminent danger.

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

Mahmud Asrar and Matt Wilson brought to life this dystopian world. From the character designs to the barren landscapes. It’s familiar yet new, fresh and interesting. The visuals completely submerged me into this new world and made me believe it is a dire and dangerous place.

OVERAL GRADE: 10/10

The Age of Revelation stretches across 19 titles for a total of 54 issues. Not only affecting mutant characters, but everyone who survived the effects of the X-Virus. Jed MacKay managed to tell a compelling and tragic story of unchecked power and abuse of trust. There’s also characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Binary and then Avengers featured in this event.

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