With the current season of X-Men '97 drawing heavily from iconic X-Men comic storylines, speculation is mounting about how season two might continue to adapt or remix classic tales, particularly concerning the villain Apocalypse. While Apocalypse has been a significant threat in the Marvel Universe since his prominent role in the 'Age of Apocalypse' story arc, his comic appearances have been relatively sparse, making him a potent antagonist when he does appear.
Several key comic book narratives featuring Apocalypse offer potential blueprints for the animated series' future direction. These stories, ranging from direct adaptations to thematic inspirations, delve into his ancient origins, his complex relationships with other Marvel characters, and his enduring power.
The Twelve
One of the more complex storylines involving Apocalypse is "The Twelve," first referenced in X-Factor #14 in 1986. Initially conceived as a group of mutant future leaders targeted by advanced Sentinels, the concept evolved over time. Later iterations revealed the Twelve to be a specific group of mutants whose combined powers Apocalypse sought to steal to achieve godhood. Prominent figures like Cyclops, Phoenix, Iceman, Storm, and Magneto were among those identified, alongside lesser-known characters. The storyline eventually culminated in a messy narrative involving faked deaths, time travel, and the temporary demise of Cyclops, leaving lasting effects on his character. This kind of intricate plot, focusing on the abduction and power-draining of multiple mutants, aligns with the potential machinations of the animated Apocalypse, making it a plausible influence for X-Men '97.
The Further Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix
The miniseries "The Further Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix" by Peter Milligan and John Paul Leon offers another avenue for inspiration. This story is set in 1859 and serves as an origin for Mr. Sinister, then known as scientist Nathaniel Essex. Apocalypse, posing as a human, influences Essex, introducing him to the elements that would transform him into the villainous Mr. Sinister. The plot involves Cyclops and Jean Grey being displaced in time to 1859 by a character named Sanctity, with a limited window to stop Apocalypse. The potential for an animated episode that blends superhero action with a Victorian London setting makes this a strong possibility for the series.
Apocalypse vs. the Brood
Apocalypse's ancient origins, dating back 5,000 years to Egypt, have been touched upon in various comic storylines. One such narrative involves his alliance with the pharaoh Imhotep and the era's Moon Knight to defend Egypt from an alien invasion by the Brood. This ancient conflict predates the modern Marvel universe and contributed to the formation of secret organizations like S.H.I.E.L.D. While perhaps less likely than other options, an episode featuring Apocalypse and Moon Knight battling alien threats could offer a unique historical perspective.
Apocalypse vs. Dracula
A more obscure miniseries from 2006, "X-Men: Apocalypse vs. Dracula," details a centuries-long feud between Apocalypse and Marvel's version of Dracula. The conflict stems from an encounter in 1400s Romania where Apocalypse nearly killed a young Vlad Tepes. The story escalates when Dracula discovers and eliminates a network of Apocalypse's descendants in 1897 London, prompting Apocalypse to awaken and join forces with vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing to combat Dracula. Given X-Men '97's tendency to fuse disparate comic elements, a confrontation involving Apocalypse, the X-Men, and Dracula presents an intriguing, albeit less probable, scenario.
Age of Apocalypse (1995)
Considered by many to be the definitive Apocalypse storyline, the "Age of Apocalypse" event from 1995 is also the least likely to be directly adapted by X-Men '97, especially given recent plot developments in the series. This massive crossover depicted an alternate reality created when David Haller, aka Legion, traveled back in time to kill Magneto but inadvertently killed Professor X. This resulted in Apocalypse conquering North America, with fragmented resistance forming the X-Men. While fans have long hoped for an animated adaptation, the series' narrative choices thus far suggest a divergence from this specific path, making a direct "Age of Apocalypse" adaptation in the near future improbable.
