X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE ALPHA #1 – A Whole New Adventure

Magneto and Rogue married? The Summers brothers are not believing in Xavier’s dream? Wolverine and Jean Grey are together? Sabretooth is a noble hero?! What is happening here?!

In 1995, That was the reactions from X-Men fans. In the “Age Of Apocalypse” storyline. In said story, Xavier was accidently killed by Legion. This resulted in a split timeline where Apocalypse took over. All the X-line was transferred into this universe until the timeline was reset.

30 years later and those characters are returning to the Marvel Universe in a brand new series.

X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE: ALPHA #1 by Jeph Loeb, Simone Di Meo, and Richard Starkings begins an astonishing storyline.

Teaming up for this review is the EIC (Ken – ODPH Podcast) and yours truly (Megan – Vigilante Vibes podcast). Let’s hit the time warp on this one

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

MORE X-MEN REVIEWS HERE!

The Story

Megan – We all know the harrowing event of Age of Apocalypse, but what happens after it all? After Havok was killed. When their timeline actually continues on, rather than activating a nuclear launch and the X-Men watch as their world burns.

In X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha #1, we see the ending of AoA, but we also see it continuing with Magneto wondering why didn’t the Age of Apocalypse end? Magneto remembers seeing the bombs drop and he remembers killing Apocalypse himself. What Magneto does know is that Forge has been captured and taken prisoner by Mister Sinister.

Once the X-Men show up to save their teammate from the hands of Sinister, they’re surprised and in denial at the things the evil villain is saying. He’s repeating everything Magneto already questioned, why are they still here when Magneto knows he ended that timeline?

Of course, this is all brushed off with the reason that these are the ramblings of a madman, but even Magneto can’t deny something isn’t right. When Forge actually agrees with Mister Sinister, that’s when it’s time to take this seriously.

The Writing

Ken – Loeb picks right up on that classic 90’s era. Bringing in Blink and Sabretooth to open was the right call. It’s instant fast paced action. As the other X-Characters come in, there is a subtle recap for new readers. The move takes nothing away from the story at hand. Even after finishing their mission, something still isn’t right. Magneto is very self aware of this. His dialogue reflects he knows how the original AOA ended. Readers see how he has been making moves in the shadows. This does cause some friction in his team. The moments of doubt are only raised on a rescue mission.

Information is given that changes everything they know. Loeb poses a unique possibility on the table. This leads to a drastic call being made. It also leads into some moments which resonate with the past stories. New readers may not fully grasp Sabretooth’s actions here. Readers of the original run definitely do. This X-Men team delivered on many classic elements which made them great. Years later and they pick right up without pause. This pushes towards a predictable yet strong close. Another old friend returns on the final page which can only spell more drama to be had.

Megan – Jeph Loeb followed up an iconic comic event with continuation that was just as powerful. With Magneto remembering that he ended the timeline, but yet, it still lives on. Loeb brought a perfect amount of mystery and tension to the story.

Besides the storyline of the comic, Loeb also does a phenomenal job at showcasing the tension between the mutant teammates. The tension between Rogue and Magneto is noticeable. It’s not as noticeable as the thick air between her and Gambit, understandably so. We get to see the beautiful relationship between Victor Creed and Blink, one that’s as important as any father and daughter.

Even Morph, who uses their humor as a superpower to fit into the team, shows their vulnerable side when the going gets tough. If there’s anyone that can bring this kind of depth into a brand new lore of the iconic Age of Apocalypse storyline, Jeph Loeb proves that he’s the right person for the job.

The Art

Ken – Di Meo is the perfect artist for this series. His style captures the Joe Mad vibe from the “Astonishing” line where the majority of this group is from. The two page splash with Blink, Wild Child and Sabretooth is phenomenal. Everything about this altercation with Havok feels sleek and intense. It encompassed the stakes at hand. The conclusion of their fight is very electric. This is largely due to Gambit’s arrival via full page panel. The emotions start brewing until events shift back to the X-Leader: Magneto.

Readers see the wear on his mind as he puts events into perspective. The rescue mission at hand unveils a larger problem at hand. A strong two page splash shows the root of this issue. It causes some unlikely responses from the team. Magneto’s call starts a few ripple effects with members. None are stronger than Blink and Sabretooth. The art captures their bond as they prepare for the unknown. Rogue and Gambit have a heavy moment right before the close. A solid two page splash welcomes the AoA to the 616. They are also met by an old friend on the last page. Another full page image stops the show for now but certainly not for good.

Megan – Simone Di Meo is the artist of X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha #1 and boy, did he deliver. With bringing so much depth to each and every page, Di Meo brought this storyline to life in the most spectacular of ways. The artwork reminds me a lot of the artwork of the characters of the game, Marvel Rivals. It’s in the way the characters were drawn, which I think was a perfect way to go for this comic.

Along with the wonderfully detailed characters, they’re paired with almost abstract backgrounds. This method nails the otherworldly energy that comes with the story.

What I think I appreciate the most about Di Meo’s work is how he illustrates the X-Men’s powersets. It seems he’s captured the aura of their powers, showcasing just how strong each X-Man truly is and what damage their powers can cause.

With the jaw dropping backgrounds, the looks of the characters themselves, and the incredible power sets that nail in the fact that has to be something out of another timeline judging by the pure beauty, I’d say that Simone Di Meo elevated the already fantastic storyline heavily.

Overall Grade – 10/10

Ken – 10/10. Very rarely can an event recapture the magic of its’ predecessor project completely. In this chapter, Loeb and Di Meo found a way to take readers back to 1995 without feeling dated. The writing brings out the vintage winning elements of the X-Men. Bold and exciting images guide readers into this new timeline. There’s no time like the present to see why this past story is the future.

Megan – 10/10. I can’t say enough good things about X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha #1! The story is powerful, the depth is adamant, and the quality is more than obvious. This comic was made with the fans of Age of Apocalypse in mind, and it shows heavily. MORE FROM MEGAN HERE!