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X-Men: The Complete Age of Apocalypse Epic
X-Men: The Complete Age of Apocalypse Epic, Book 3
The mirror gets darker and the Amazing X-Men more Astonished by the minute! Magneto has dedicated his life to freeing humanity and mutantkind alike, but will Apocalypse now require him to destroy reality to save it! Sides are switched and secrets shown with repercussions ringing from the Savage Land to the Shi-ar Galaxy! Plus: a rare look at how Apocalypse altered the rest of Marvel's mightiest! Doctor Doom and Reed Richards, side-by-side? Matt Murdock and the Kingpin, allies? Gwen Stacy in mourning for Peter Parker? Avengers, Exiles, etc. in the original alternate X-saga!
Collects X-Calibre #2-3, Astonishing X-Men (1995) #2-4, Generation Next #2-3, X-Man #2-3, Factor X #3, Amazing X-Men (1995) #3, Weapon X (1995) #3, Gambit & The Externals #3, and X-Universe #1
Collects X-Calibre #2-3, Astonishing X-Men (1995) #2-4, Generation Next #2-3, X-Man #2-3, Factor X #3, Amazing X-Men (1995) #3, Weapon X (1995) #3, Gambit & The Externals #3, and X-Universe #1
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2006
13 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Scott Lobdell
1,621 books230 followersScott Lobdell (born 1960) is an American comic book writer.
He is mostly known for his work throughout the 1990s on Marvel Comics' X-Men-related titles specifically Uncanny X-Men, the main title itself, and the spin-off series that he conceived with artist Chris Bachalo, Generation X. Generation X focused on a number of young mutant students who attempted to become superheroes in their own right at a separate school with the guidance of veteran X-related characters Banshee and Emma Frost. He also had writing stints on Marvel's Fantastic Four, Alpha Flight, and The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix mini-series with artist Gene Ha. He wrote the script to Stan Lee's Mosaic and an upcoming film from POW Entertainment featuring Ringo Starr. He also participated in the Marvel Comics and Image Comics (from Jim Lee's WildStorm) crossover mini-series WildC.A.T.s/X-Men.
He is mostly known for his work throughout the 1990s on Marvel Comics' X-Men-related titles specifically Uncanny X-Men, the main title itself, and the spin-off series that he conceived with artist Chris Bachalo, Generation X. Generation X focused on a number of young mutant students who attempted to become superheroes in their own right at a separate school with the guidance of veteran X-related characters Banshee and Emma Frost. He also had writing stints on Marvel's Fantastic Four, Alpha Flight, and The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix mini-series with artist Gene Ha. He wrote the script to Stan Lee's Mosaic and an upcoming film from POW Entertainment featuring Ringo Starr. He also participated in the Marvel Comics and Image Comics (from Jim Lee's WildStorm) crossover mini-series WildC.A.T.s/X-Men.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 12, 2016
BETTER THAN THE PREVIOUS COLLECTION, but that's not really saying much, honestly.
I think I've reached a point where reading this nineties landmark story has become very obligatory in scope which may have diluted whatever merit and enjoyment I may find as I peruse through its bulky content. But by this third volume, the issues compiled actually make more sense together than that of the previous two had on their belts. Lucky coincidence? Most probably. It's not as if Age of Apocalypse is the most finesse story arc there is for the X-Men universe. It lacks the kind of cohesiveness one might only expect from a story that is scattered throughout fourteen different titles. It's bound to get kooky and uneven somewhere in its breadth.
And by somewhere, I meant EVERYWHERE. But not this time, thank Loki. Collected for this third volume are the following: X-CALIBRE #2-3, ASTONISHING X-MEN #2-4, GENERATION NEXT #2-3, X-MAN #2-3, FACTOR X #3, AMAZING X-MEN #3, WEAPON X #3, GAMBIT & THE X-TERNALS #3 and X-UNIVERSE #1.
The closest two things I can compare it with are the period-specific charm and grit of Batman: Knightfall series and the convuluted multi-arc approach of Batman Eternal which are two titles I have read and reviewed with all the god-given patience ever possible for a mortal woman last year, so I know just what the ever-loving fuck I'm talking about when I say that Age of Apocalypse is a combination of both, and more often than not contain the least of the things I have enjoyed from either title.
Look, the series in its entirety so far (I have one last volume to go) is not that bad and might even be fun and engrossing if you like this type of comic book style which is pretty much nineties in flavor and depth (or so I'm told). In the last two volumes, my complaints range differently. For the first one, I thought the fact that it wasn't even ordered chronologically defeated the purpose of collecting the issues in the first place. That meant that I was so fucking lost and confused with only the most ridiculous and unintentionally humorous moments to gravitate to and for me to latch on just so I'd bother continuing reading it.
As for the second volume, I appreciated that I finally got some context and face-time with the titular villain Apocalypse himself, and I did find myself recognizing the qualities I knew and loved from these alternate-versions of Cyclops, Wolverine, Jean Grey, Rogue and Magneto. The last two for me are exemplary; the romantic angle to their relationship was played just right and the other characters who interact regularly with them (Quicksilver, Sabretooth, Blink, Morph and Gambit) have great respective chemistry with them. In fact, I think both the X-Men and the Astonishing X-Men issues are the ones I have most emotionally stake in than the rest of the roster.
More on this later. In the meantime...
How does its own blurb describe Age of Apocalypse? According to the back cover:
YOU. LYING. PIECE. OF. SHIT. Why would you market this deception to readers?
Now, moving onto something more honest and not at all manipulatively interpreted to suit my own personal whim: as tradition, I'm allowed to pick a shippy Cherik moment from every volume and display it here like that precious artifact that it truly must be beheld as; sadly, there is only one here that came across as that but it's definitely a winner:
OH MY GOD NO SHIT, Erik, WE GET IT BY NOW. UGH. You're a creepy, obsessive man pining over your late best friend. And you've also been moping around about his loss consistently for three volumes now. There's no way we would miss the signs. WE GET IT. Charles Xavier was YOUR EVERYTHING and you're so DEVASTATED that he no longer lives so you had to name your son by Rogue with his own name too. Good lord--and I know this is asking too much--but can you please check your priorities and be less in love with him?
Now, what did I love about the third volume? How about the fact that certain character relationships were finally allowed to grow? I'm talking about the issues with mother and son, Raven and Kurt; Logan and Jean Grey's doomed yet easy-to-root-for love affair; Gambit's complicated yet intriguing dynamics with the Externals; and Sabretooth and Blink's surrogate father-daughter moments in between.
Because that's what makes me read X-Men: THE RELATIONSHIPS in the context of the madness and discrimination, the deaths and the second chances that surround these rag-tag team of lovable freaks. In addition, three characters as individuals stood out for me the most for this volume and they have been performing rather impressively since the second volume began (aside from Magneto who, let's face it, spends a good seventy-percent of his page time pining over Charles): I'm talking about Rogue, Cyclops and Morph. GODDAMN MORPH who serves as a comic relief but who actually gives this fucking story arc an unmistakable heart in its messy core.
Rogue here has been placed in stressful positions and yet she always comes up on top. That's my girl right there! Cyclops, on the other hand, actually plays the bad-guy role like a pro (EPIC FORESHADOWING, AMIRITE?) and Morph is so amazingly quirky and inappropriate sometimes but the fact that he always tries to make people laugh in spite of the bad timing of it all doesn't come off insensitive but rather sad and sympathetic. Ugh, I am loving these characters and I hope I get more of them in the next volume.
I would like for the writers to flesh out the romantic relationship between Storm and Quicksilver too while they're at it because this was only mentioned in passing and it's always a crime against nature to under-utilize motherfucking Ororo Munroe. So they better sort their crap soon.
Now let's end this review with something sweet which features the most tender and humane moment Magneto ever allowed himself to become a part of and say aloud, concerning his AU son Charles and how he feels about the fact that to rewrite the world he lives in now will also mean he will lose his son. AoA-Magneto often knocks the wind out of me whenever he demonstrates what a sensitive soul he is:
RECOMMENDED: 8/10
DO READ MY REVIEWS AT:
I think I've reached a point where reading this nineties landmark story has become very obligatory in scope which may have diluted whatever merit and enjoyment I may find as I peruse through its bulky content. But by this third volume, the issues compiled actually make more sense together than that of the previous two had on their belts. Lucky coincidence? Most probably. It's not as if Age of Apocalypse is the most finesse story arc there is for the X-Men universe. It lacks the kind of cohesiveness one might only expect from a story that is scattered throughout fourteen different titles. It's bound to get kooky and uneven somewhere in its breadth.
And by somewhere, I meant EVERYWHERE. But not this time, thank Loki. Collected for this third volume are the following: X-CALIBRE #2-3, ASTONISHING X-MEN #2-4, GENERATION NEXT #2-3, X-MAN #2-3, FACTOR X #3, AMAZING X-MEN #3, WEAPON X #3, GAMBIT & THE X-TERNALS #3 and X-UNIVERSE #1.
The closest two things I can compare it with are the period-specific charm and grit of Batman: Knightfall series and the convuluted multi-arc approach of Batman Eternal which are two titles I have read and reviewed with all the god-given patience ever possible for a mortal woman last year, so I know just what the ever-loving fuck I'm talking about when I say that Age of Apocalypse is a combination of both, and more often than not contain the least of the things I have enjoyed from either title.
Look, the series in its entirety so far (I have one last volume to go) is not that bad and might even be fun and engrossing if you like this type of comic book style which is pretty much nineties in flavor and depth (or so I'm told). In the last two volumes, my complaints range differently. For the first one, I thought the fact that it wasn't even ordered chronologically defeated the purpose of collecting the issues in the first place. That meant that I was so fucking lost and confused with only the most ridiculous and unintentionally humorous moments to gravitate to and for me to latch on just so I'd bother continuing reading it.
As for the second volume, I appreciated that I finally got some context and face-time with the titular villain Apocalypse himself, and I did find myself recognizing the qualities I knew and loved from these alternate-versions of Cyclops, Wolverine, Jean Grey, Rogue and Magneto. The last two for me are exemplary; the romantic angle to their relationship was played just right and the other characters who interact regularly with them (Quicksilver, Sabretooth, Blink, Morph and Gambit) have great respective chemistry with them. In fact, I think both the X-Men and the Astonishing X-Men issues are the ones I have most emotionally stake in than the rest of the roster.
More on this later. In the meantime...
How does its own blurb describe Age of Apocalypse? According to the back cover:
The critically acclaimed fan-favorite storyline that rocked the X-Men universe to its core is collected in chronological order across these four volumes.
YOU. LYING. PIECE. OF. SHIT. Why would you market this deception to readers?
Now, moving onto something more honest and not at all manipulatively interpreted to suit my own personal whim: as tradition, I'm allowed to pick a shippy Cherik moment from every volume and display it here like that precious artifact that it truly must be beheld as; sadly, there is only one here that came across as that but it's definitely a winner:
OH MY GOD NO SHIT, Erik, WE GET IT BY NOW. UGH. You're a creepy, obsessive man pining over your late best friend. And you've also been moping around about his loss consistently for three volumes now. There's no way we would miss the signs. WE GET IT. Charles Xavier was YOUR EVERYTHING and you're so DEVASTATED that he no longer lives so you had to name your son by Rogue with his own name too. Good lord--and I know this is asking too much--but can you please check your priorities and be less in love with him?
Now, what did I love about the third volume? How about the fact that certain character relationships were finally allowed to grow? I'm talking about the issues with mother and son, Raven and Kurt; Logan and Jean Grey's doomed yet easy-to-root-for love affair; Gambit's complicated yet intriguing dynamics with the Externals; and Sabretooth and Blink's surrogate father-daughter moments in between.
Because that's what makes me read X-Men: THE RELATIONSHIPS in the context of the madness and discrimination, the deaths and the second chances that surround these rag-tag team of lovable freaks. In addition, three characters as individuals stood out for me the most for this volume and they have been performing rather impressively since the second volume began (aside from Magneto who, let's face it, spends a good seventy-percent of his page time pining over Charles): I'm talking about Rogue, Cyclops and Morph. GODDAMN MORPH who serves as a comic relief but who actually gives this fucking story arc an unmistakable heart in its messy core.
Rogue here has been placed in stressful positions and yet she always comes up on top. That's my girl right there! Cyclops, on the other hand, actually plays the bad-guy role like a pro (EPIC FORESHADOWING, AMIRITE?) and Morph is so amazingly quirky and inappropriate sometimes but the fact that he always tries to make people laugh in spite of the bad timing of it all doesn't come off insensitive but rather sad and sympathetic. Ugh, I am loving these characters and I hope I get more of them in the next volume.
I would like for the writers to flesh out the romantic relationship between Storm and Quicksilver too while they're at it because this was only mentioned in passing and it's always a crime against nature to under-utilize motherfucking Ororo Munroe. So they better sort their crap soon.
Now let's end this review with something sweet which features the most tender and humane moment Magneto ever allowed himself to become a part of and say aloud, concerning his AU son Charles and how he feels about the fact that to rewrite the world he lives in now will also mean he will lose his son. AoA-Magneto often knocks the wind out of me whenever he demonstrates what a sensitive soul he is:
RECOMMENDED: 8/10
DO READ MY REVIEWS AT:
May 8, 2025
Near the end of this third installment of the collected Age of Apocalypse comic books, things started to move more quickly and coherently. The problem with this whole storyline is a problem that often plagues Marvel and DC's multi-title storylines. Namely they stretch the story across several different comic book titles and thus have a wide variety of writers and artists working on the project. Inevitably there are hundreds of loose threads that get picked up here and there. Thus for a single driving story, there are literally 10 or more major plot lines, but unfortunately none of them are well enough developed to really drive the story. There have been notable exceptions like Marvel's Civil War.
Unfortunately the Age of Apocalypse isn't one of those exceptions. However, there are definitely good bits. In particular, Jeph Loeb writing in "X-Man," with art by Steve Skroce; Fabian Nicieza writing in "The Amazing X-Men", with art by Andy Kubert; and Scott Lobdell and Jeph Loeb writing in "The Astonishing X-Men," with art by Joe Madureira.
I do look forward to the ending to see where they take the story. Ultimately the power of this story line is in a couple of inter-related ideas. First, how do the essential character traits of figures in the Marvel pantheon play out in a dramatically altered reality. Second, what does real heroism look like in a dystopia. This second theme is a powerful one for superhero comics to take on as they provide a model and a space to explore how humans respond in the difficult and often ambiguous problems of daily life. Let us hope that we all have the will power to defeat our own personal Apocalypse.
Unfortunately the Age of Apocalypse isn't one of those exceptions. However, there are definitely good bits. In particular, Jeph Loeb writing in "X-Man," with art by Steve Skroce; Fabian Nicieza writing in "The Amazing X-Men", with art by Andy Kubert; and Scott Lobdell and Jeph Loeb writing in "The Astonishing X-Men," with art by Joe Madureira.
I do look forward to the ending to see where they take the story. Ultimately the power of this story line is in a couple of inter-related ideas. First, how do the essential character traits of figures in the Marvel pantheon play out in a dramatically altered reality. Second, what does real heroism look like in a dystopia. This second theme is a powerful one for superhero comics to take on as they provide a model and a space to explore how humans respond in the difficult and often ambiguous problems of daily life. Let us hope that we all have the will power to defeat our own personal Apocalypse.
June 25, 2020
The penultimate batch of this alternate reality genius graphic novel extravaganza. It was nigh impossible to keep up the writing standard of the opening books, but the stories continue apace towards an uncertain climax, one that leaves the reader holding their breath in anticipation. 7 out of 12
Collects X-Calibre #2-3, Astonishing X-Men Vol. 1 #2-4, Generation Next #2-3, X-Man #2-3, Factor X #3, Amazing X-Men #3, Gambit & The Externals #3, and X-Universe #1.
Chris Bachalo's art in Generation X slayed me:
Collects X-Calibre #2-3, Astonishing X-Men Vol. 1 #2-4, Generation Next #2-3, X-Man #2-3, Factor X #3, Amazing X-Men #3, Gambit & The Externals #3, and X-Universe #1.
Chris Bachalo's art in Generation X slayed me:
August 9, 2011
Book three is the rising of the climax. And thus far in the series, it's the been the most interesting, page-turning, on the-seat's-edge collection. Housing X-Calibre #2-3, Astonishing X-Men #2-4, Generation Next 2-3, X-Man #2-3, Factor X #3, Amazing X-Men #3, Weapon X #3, Gambit & The X-Ternals #3 and X-Universe #1, it brings to light the battle that's looming upon Apocalypse's doorstep - not to mention the one he dropped on the High Human Council and the X-Men.
The theme is choice, of course. Isn't that the most case with these superhero graphic novels? How the choices we make affect the outcome of a series of events? We're asked to what degree would we allowed to stay human when the power is given in our hands? What would we sacrifice in order to save a loved one? What are we willing to give up in order to make a difference in this world and in the lives of the people we love? How much farther are we willing to go? And are we willing to die for what we believe in, for what we believe is right? For a dream?
The theme is choice, of course. Isn't that the most case with these superhero graphic novels? How the choices we make affect the outcome of a series of events? We're asked to what degree would we allowed to stay human when the power is given in our hands? What would we sacrifice in order to save a loved one? What are we willing to give up in order to make a difference in this world and in the lives of the people we love? How much farther are we willing to go? And are we willing to die for what we believe in, for what we believe is right? For a dream?
September 27, 2020
This really picked up the pace. Generation Next, Amazing X-Men and X-Man are the standouts for me in this collection. The stakes are upped, the action increased. You can tell that this is all coming to a head!!
Very enjoyable. Best X-men comics of the 90's so far. Some are still a little wordy and it' hard to follow sometimes but worth reading none the less
Very enjoyable. Best X-men comics of the 90's so far. Some are still a little wordy and it' hard to follow sometimes but worth reading none the less
December 18, 2021
This is actually starting to improve, or maybe its just because my expectations couldn't get any lower. Although they were pretty low to begin with.
At this point its a bit like the X-Men movies in that its a ‘version’ of the x-men but it rarely focuses on any of what i would consider the true x-men characters.
On the other hand in tone its super-DCEU, with an infinite number of deaths and other attempts at shock value but purely in a PG-13 sort of way, and without much effort (or success) at emotional engagement so all the death means nothing much.
I think the best thing at this point in the story is that its been so long since it started that i can’t remember much of the state of the x-universe before age of apocalypse so it no longer has that knowledge of better characters weighing it down.
Overall a bit more consistent than previous and the characters have had enough time now to start to become more solid even if few of them are my X-Men of choice.
At this point its a bit like the X-Men movies in that its a ‘version’ of the x-men but it rarely focuses on any of what i would consider the true x-men characters.
On the other hand in tone its super-DCEU, with an infinite number of deaths and other attempts at shock value but purely in a PG-13 sort of way, and without much effort (or success) at emotional engagement so all the death means nothing much.
I think the best thing at this point in the story is that its been so long since it started that i can’t remember much of the state of the x-universe before age of apocalypse so it no longer has that knowledge of better characters weighing it down.
Overall a bit more consistent than previous and the characters have had enough time now to start to become more solid even if few of them are my X-Men of choice.
October 24, 2014
I continue to be impressed. Individual characters are more fully-realized in this alternate universe than I've ever seen them before! This issue does get a little confusing with so many arcs running -- it also introduces some non-mutant characters and what they're up to, plus all the other ongoing storylines, but that complexity also does make it feel more realistic. My other small complaint is that the art is often difficult to understand, which I believe I've mentioned before, but on the whole this is still a very enjoyable and satisfying story.
July 28, 2011
Part 3 of the Complete Age of Apocalypse saga, providing even more twists to the story, and more annoyances from the ever irritating Morph diluting whatever story is there. Although still a good read with beautiful artwork this volume has been the weakest for me in its storyline and lost much of my attention quite early on.
In this edition you discover the importance of the M’Kraan crystal, which is probably my favourite part in this compilation. It would seem that the M’Kraan escapade is not as futile as initially thought but in fact the key to everything.
Mother and son are reunited in the X-Calibre comics as Nightcrawler and Mystique try to find the pre-cog known as Destiny in the safe-haven of Avalon.
More beautiful artwork is given in the guise of the Generation Next comics in which Colossus and Shadowcat are searching with some of the more inexperienced X-Men to find Colossus’ sister Illyana… another key to bringing down Apocalypse. (This one is not the most exciting of serials in my opinion but the artwork is absolutely amazing!)
In headline news for the series Apocalypse intervenes in the plans to overthrow him and captures two of the main conspirators against his name…
Despite this third volume feeling a little longer it is definitely building up for a thrilling conclusion so carry on reading!
In this edition you discover the importance of the M’Kraan crystal, which is probably my favourite part in this compilation. It would seem that the M’Kraan escapade is not as futile as initially thought but in fact the key to everything.
Mother and son are reunited in the X-Calibre comics as Nightcrawler and Mystique try to find the pre-cog known as Destiny in the safe-haven of Avalon.
More beautiful artwork is given in the guise of the Generation Next comics in which Colossus and Shadowcat are searching with some of the more inexperienced X-Men to find Colossus’ sister Illyana… another key to bringing down Apocalypse. (This one is not the most exciting of serials in my opinion but the artwork is absolutely amazing!)
In headline news for the series Apocalypse intervenes in the plans to overthrow him and captures two of the main conspirators against his name…
Despite this third volume feeling a little longer it is definitely building up for a thrilling conclusion so carry on reading!
October 1, 2013
This one certainly takes more of the good from the last volume than it does of the bad. The writing and characters and plot are still delightfully awfully 90s, but at least the story is finally moving at a decent clip.
This volume doesn't have the job of setting up the premise. Nor is it bogged down by some unrelated miniseries (I'm looking at you, Blink). The vast majority of the book is from the main series: Gen Next, Astonishing/Amazing X-Men, Factor-X, and X-Calibre. The only real outlier is from X-Men Universe, which gives a semi interesting look at the non X-Men characters in the Age of Apocalypse.
There are some genuinely awesome moments. Unfortunately, one of the best ones that comes to mind was completely undone shortly after, but there is some awesomeness nonetheless. It's still not really my style of book. And it's still crazy long and way too many words. It just gets all bogged down in itself. It's gotten more entertaining, but I'm glad that I'm almost done with this "epic" story.
Also, there's a lot of stuff happening that sort of makes me question what I saw happen in Remender's X-Force. Specifically Iceman seems very different from that version.
This volume doesn't have the job of setting up the premise. Nor is it bogged down by some unrelated miniseries (I'm looking at you, Blink). The vast majority of the book is from the main series: Gen Next, Astonishing/Amazing X-Men, Factor-X, and X-Calibre. The only real outlier is from X-Men Universe, which gives a semi interesting look at the non X-Men characters in the Age of Apocalypse.
There are some genuinely awesome moments. Unfortunately, one of the best ones that comes to mind was completely undone shortly after, but there is some awesomeness nonetheless. It's still not really my style of book. And it's still crazy long and way too many words. It just gets all bogged down in itself. It's gotten more entertaining, but I'm glad that I'm almost done with this "epic" story.
Also, there's a lot of stuff happening that sort of makes me question what I saw happen in Remender's X-Force. Specifically Iceman seems very different from that version.
June 6, 2016
Oh my god, you guys, this comic is hilariously dated.
It is GUN and it is GRIMACE, it is POUCHES and PUNCHES and OVER-EXAGGERATED MUSCULATURE, X-TREME spelling and grammar and conversations between characters who refuse to face one another, choosing instead to face front like the cast of a bad high school play. In 1995 I was all up for this, but with the benefit of hindsight, I blush at some of the more over-the-top elements presented here.
That said, Age of Apocalypse is the '90s X-Family crossover that's remembered most fondly for a reason, and for the most part it does hold up. There's real ambition and scope here, in a narrative sense, and some of the recontextualizations of characters I already know and love were fascinating to walk through. And when the disparate pieces do finally come together in the third act, it's presented in a way I found tremendously satisfying. I don't know how much of my enjoyment here is nostalgic in nature, but I suspect that even if I were reading this run for the first time I'd find it an interesting bit of counterfactual worldbuilding, and a compelling read to boot, once I got past the very specifically '90s tropes and idioms.
It is GUN and it is GRIMACE, it is POUCHES and PUNCHES and OVER-EXAGGERATED MUSCULATURE, X-TREME spelling and grammar and conversations between characters who refuse to face one another, choosing instead to face front like the cast of a bad high school play. In 1995 I was all up for this, but with the benefit of hindsight, I blush at some of the more over-the-top elements presented here.
That said, Age of Apocalypse is the '90s X-Family crossover that's remembered most fondly for a reason, and for the most part it does hold up. There's real ambition and scope here, in a narrative sense, and some of the recontextualizations of characters I already know and love were fascinating to walk through. And when the disparate pieces do finally come together in the third act, it's presented in a way I found tremendously satisfying. I don't know how much of my enjoyment here is nostalgic in nature, but I suspect that even if I were reading this run for the first time I'd find it an interesting bit of counterfactual worldbuilding, and a compelling read to boot, once I got past the very specifically '90s tropes and idioms.
March 8, 2021
The beginning of the end is set up in this volume, as all the pieces start moving in place for the endgame.
While the previous volumes had to do with getting acclimated with the new reality of Apocalypse's world, this one begins to make those final moves towards getting everything back to normal. We have Gambit and his team trying to steal a piece of the M'Krann crystal, we have Logan locating gateway in order to enact the human's last desperate plan (hint: it involves a nuke), and we have Apocalypse vs Magneto, round one.
This was a good volume as it really ramped up the feelings of desperation. The possibility of failure seems very real, and that is a testament to the writers of the series, who really dove in to make this event a memorable one. The artists in this volume all do well as well, with each contributing their own styles, but all the while matching the tone and feel of each other to again, create this unified semblance of one universe.
A lot of setup in this one, but it's leading towards its conclusion, book three is probably the most cohesive volume of the event so far.
While the previous volumes had to do with getting acclimated with the new reality of Apocalypse's world, this one begins to make those final moves towards getting everything back to normal. We have Gambit and his team trying to steal a piece of the M'Krann crystal, we have Logan locating gateway in order to enact the human's last desperate plan (hint: it involves a nuke), and we have Apocalypse vs Magneto, round one.
This was a good volume as it really ramped up the feelings of desperation. The possibility of failure seems very real, and that is a testament to the writers of the series, who really dove in to make this event a memorable one. The artists in this volume all do well as well, with each contributing their own styles, but all the while matching the tone and feel of each other to again, create this unified semblance of one universe.
A lot of setup in this one, but it's leading towards its conclusion, book three is probably the most cohesive volume of the event so far.
September 3, 2022
Collects X-Calibre #2-3, Astonishing X-Men #2-4, Generation Next #2-3, X-Man #2-3, Factor X #3, Amazing X-Men #3, Weapon X #3, Gambit and the X-Ternals #3 and X-Universe #1. All April through June 1995.
My comments would be much the same as the previous volume. Dark, dark tone with people dying right and left. Though the writing is seeming to gel into something coherent, the artwork is still all over the map (some quite excellent and some too cartoonish). Again, almost too big and broad a story to keep together, even reading it all smashed together. Don't understand how anyone kept up with all this when they were individual comics.
My comments would be much the same as the previous volume. Dark, dark tone with people dying right and left. Though the writing is seeming to gel into something coherent, the artwork is still all over the map (some quite excellent and some too cartoonish). Again, almost too big and broad a story to keep together, even reading it all smashed together. Don't understand how anyone kept up with all this when they were individual comics.
March 30, 2009
Our hereos are trying to fight their way to victory. Scott Summers is finding less and less in common with his masters. Several other Marvel heroes feature and many of the characters are trying to work with what they have to create a better world, but without Professor Xavier things aren't as easy as it might seem.
It's an interesting series. You would need a fairly decent knowledge of the Marvel universe to understand some of the character motivations and changes.
It's an interesting series. You would need a fairly decent knowledge of the Marvel universe to understand some of the character motivations and changes.
December 6, 2015
The main arc grows better and better while the side issues are a mixed bag. Gambit get the worst of the lot, sent to (the edge of the universe) a terrible story arc. I also hope that there is x-universe #2 because it was a bit weird to introduce A of A versions of all these characters and then leave them so abruptly.
Overall it's a good ride. I can see why people love this series, but I think it's based on the main book rather than the complete epic.
Overall it's a good ride. I can see why people love this series, but I think it's based on the main book rather than the complete epic.
March 10, 2020
Okay, the whole Age of Apocalypse story kicked into high gear and I found myself tearing through certain issues of this. Very entertaining and I loved all the places this took characters—how some of them aligned more to the 616 counterparts and others took drastic turns. I also loved getting a look at some of the non-mutant heroes and what became of them. (Spider-Man, *sobs*) I'm excited to see how this all resolves!
July 17, 2023
The third volume of this "complete epic" which is printed in "in-universe" chronological order. After a bizarre start with volume 1 featuring post-saga time travel tales, this penultimate one represents the saga in full motion, if you were reading it in the 90s and able to afford to get every issue in order, and painstakingly reading it as instructed. It's also much more consistent in terms of printing than the previous two - with only the superlative Generation NeXt still suffering from the inks being slightly lighter than the colouring in some places. Even if every part here isn't top-notch storytelling, the sheer weight of world-building gives it a dizzying momentum. I still wish it had been imbued with some clarifying behind-the-scenes commentary or an introduction or... anything, but it is undeniably engrossing. I rushed through it and the ultimate compliment to any book is that I suddenly realised it was over and was shocked I hadn't noticed it coming to an end.
X-Calibre #2-3 (Ellis, Cruz, Arlem, Mota, Wagner & Lashley)
Ellis's X-Calibre covers Nightcrawler, Mystique and the saga of the mutant sanctuary of Avalon. It's very patchy and the narratives leaps here are often mind-breakingly absurd. The sole highlight really comes from a nicely kinetic battle between Nightcrawler and the twisted AoA Deadpool ("Dead Man Wade") which involves the former TELE-DECAPITATING the latter. What's bizarre is that the four (!) pencillers in the second issue are more consistent than Lashley's solo effort. Those eyes are often... miles apart.
The Astonishing X-Men #2-4 (Lobdell, Loeb & Madureira)
The "other" X-Men title goes with Rogue and in these last three issues mainly concern beating seven shades out of Holocaust - there are some satisfying battles here but some more of those familiar strange lurches in action which I can only imagine are a symptom of planning out a story across multiple titles ("this character needs to be THERE in this part, sorry if that's awkward"). Blink and Morph come out the strongest here - the latter seeming almost impossibly powerful. Madureira's art is fantastic in fight scenes particularly, and he's great at portraying "heft" - although it does occaisionally slide into EPIC POSE syndrome.
Generation Next #2-3 (Lobdell & Bachalo)
Still my highlight of all the stories here, Generation Next has a wonderful vibe where everything feels quite.. dangerous.. hard to describe but in my last review I compared it to the edgy heroics of Kirkman's Invincible. Bachalo's linework (with Mark Buckingham's inks) is breathtaking - scores of detail, lots of weight and character. I absolutely adore it. In fact I'm going to seek much more of it out when all this is done. We used to really mock the "Sugarman" action figure in our local toy shop as kids so it's wild to me that the story he debuted in is soooo good.
X-Man #1 (Loeb & Skroce)
Jeph Loeb's absurdly operatic X-Man is a weird part of the AoA canon for me, because in the first volume loads of his history is crow-barred in so he feels like the Poochie the Dog of this particular world. Still, the high comic book melodramatics are on full volume here and you have oodles of betrayals and lashings of screaming for vengeance. Skroce's assuredly 90s artwork, all splayed fingers and grimaces, adds to the heady cocktail. It's a vibe, and thankfully not the only one as it gets overwhelming quickly.
Factor X #3 (Moore, Epting & Dodson)
I was fond of the "New York, Angel has a nightclub, Havok resents Cyclops" set-up from the earlier volumes, so this is more of that, but with a dash of Jean Grey. I love the implication that Scott & Jean's love is somehow true across dimensions BUT BEAST IS JUST EVIL. Hot take: Beast is just evil. It is the one multiversal constant. Oh my stars and garters. A strong little link in the narrative chain and Epting & Dodson's art has a nice solidity about it - like it would grace an exciting action figure cardboard of the era.
The Amazing X-Men #3 (Nicieza & Andy Kubert)
Nicieza gives us quite a pivotal chapter in the saga, with Magneto being captured by Apocalypse. The main fight is pretty solid, but the aftermath is a little bogged down by the writer's usual to-and-froing. The art is by the less dynamic Kubert brother but the "big fight" is fantastically staged.
Weapon X #3 (Hama & Adam Kubert)
Hama's Weapon X is easily my second favourite segment of the saga, there's a solid focus (just Wolvie basically) and the pacing is absolutely fantastic. An amazing brief appearance from Carol Danvers which hints at the larger MCU and a striking ending. Adam Kubert is one of my favourite Marvel artists and he's spellbindingly good here - the dynamism, the framing, just the VIBE of it. There's a single page where Wolverine, from a fixed POV, cuts up and decaptates a hapless mechanical fellow that is perfection. "EAT ADAMANTIUM AND DIE, CYBORG!"
Gambit and the X-Ternals #3 (Nicieza & Larroca)
From one of the strongest parts to easily the weakest in the saga - Gambits clunky cosmic sidequest should be the dreaded existential underpinning of the whole thing (and threatens the entire multiverse) but just amounts to a drab encounter with a cigar-smoking alien in a crystal. The big emotional blows fail to land for me but the silver lining is that Salvador Larroca takes over from the previous artist, and I've always liked his work. When he gets to do "dramatic lunging with a cape" sequences he's clearly in his element and it's electrifying.
X-Universe #1 (Lobdell, Kavanagh & Pacheco)
A ludicrous side-step into "well, what's the rest of the Marvel universe up to" and the polar opposite of the neat and touching Carol Danvers appearance in Weapon X. Here, the entire non-X roster are queasily rammed into a two-parter story and it feels crazy. Gwen Stacy is the main character for some reason, you get a fleeting glimpse into what folk like Iron Man and The Hulk have been up to and big hitters are unceremoniously marked as dead in an addendum at the back. It's refreshingly blunt, but a breathless tangle. For '95 though, Pacheco's art is arrestingly modern and very slick. The flip side though is that the dated computer colours feel more pronounced than usual here.
The third (and penultimate) volume of the Age of Apocalypse saga is just as engaging as the second, with a real sense of a gigantic story moving forward. Looking forward to reading the next - but also lightly sad to get to the end.
X-Calibre #2-3 (Ellis, Cruz, Arlem, Mota, Wagner & Lashley)
Ellis's X-Calibre covers Nightcrawler, Mystique and the saga of the mutant sanctuary of Avalon. It's very patchy and the narratives leaps here are often mind-breakingly absurd. The sole highlight really comes from a nicely kinetic battle between Nightcrawler and the twisted AoA Deadpool ("Dead Man Wade") which involves the former TELE-DECAPITATING the latter. What's bizarre is that the four (!) pencillers in the second issue are more consistent than Lashley's solo effort. Those eyes are often... miles apart.
The Astonishing X-Men #2-4 (Lobdell, Loeb & Madureira)
The "other" X-Men title goes with Rogue and in these last three issues mainly concern beating seven shades out of Holocaust - there are some satisfying battles here but some more of those familiar strange lurches in action which I can only imagine are a symptom of planning out a story across multiple titles ("this character needs to be THERE in this part, sorry if that's awkward"). Blink and Morph come out the strongest here - the latter seeming almost impossibly powerful. Madureira's art is fantastic in fight scenes particularly, and he's great at portraying "heft" - although it does occaisionally slide into EPIC POSE syndrome.
Generation Next #2-3 (Lobdell & Bachalo)
Still my highlight of all the stories here, Generation Next has a wonderful vibe where everything feels quite.. dangerous.. hard to describe but in my last review I compared it to the edgy heroics of Kirkman's Invincible. Bachalo's linework (with Mark Buckingham's inks) is breathtaking - scores of detail, lots of weight and character. I absolutely adore it. In fact I'm going to seek much more of it out when all this is done. We used to really mock the "Sugarman" action figure in our local toy shop as kids so it's wild to me that the story he debuted in is soooo good.
X-Man #1 (Loeb & Skroce)
Jeph Loeb's absurdly operatic X-Man is a weird part of the AoA canon for me, because in the first volume loads of his history is crow-barred in so he feels like the Poochie the Dog of this particular world. Still, the high comic book melodramatics are on full volume here and you have oodles of betrayals and lashings of screaming for vengeance. Skroce's assuredly 90s artwork, all splayed fingers and grimaces, adds to the heady cocktail. It's a vibe, and thankfully not the only one as it gets overwhelming quickly.
Factor X #3 (Moore, Epting & Dodson)
I was fond of the "New York, Angel has a nightclub, Havok resents Cyclops" set-up from the earlier volumes, so this is more of that, but with a dash of Jean Grey. I love the implication that Scott & Jean's love is somehow true across dimensions BUT BEAST IS JUST EVIL. Hot take: Beast is just evil. It is the one multiversal constant. Oh my stars and garters. A strong little link in the narrative chain and Epting & Dodson's art has a nice solidity about it - like it would grace an exciting action figure cardboard of the era.
The Amazing X-Men #3 (Nicieza & Andy Kubert)
Nicieza gives us quite a pivotal chapter in the saga, with Magneto being captured by Apocalypse. The main fight is pretty solid, but the aftermath is a little bogged down by the writer's usual to-and-froing. The art is by the less dynamic Kubert brother but the "big fight" is fantastically staged.
Weapon X #3 (Hama & Adam Kubert)
Hama's Weapon X is easily my second favourite segment of the saga, there's a solid focus (just Wolvie basically) and the pacing is absolutely fantastic. An amazing brief appearance from Carol Danvers which hints at the larger MCU and a striking ending. Adam Kubert is one of my favourite Marvel artists and he's spellbindingly good here - the dynamism, the framing, just the VIBE of it. There's a single page where Wolverine, from a fixed POV, cuts up and decaptates a hapless mechanical fellow that is perfection. "EAT ADAMANTIUM AND DIE, CYBORG!"
Gambit and the X-Ternals #3 (Nicieza & Larroca)
From one of the strongest parts to easily the weakest in the saga - Gambits clunky cosmic sidequest should be the dreaded existential underpinning of the whole thing (and threatens the entire multiverse) but just amounts to a drab encounter with a cigar-smoking alien in a crystal. The big emotional blows fail to land for me but the silver lining is that Salvador Larroca takes over from the previous artist, and I've always liked his work. When he gets to do "dramatic lunging with a cape" sequences he's clearly in his element and it's electrifying.
X-Universe #1 (Lobdell, Kavanagh & Pacheco)
A ludicrous side-step into "well, what's the rest of the Marvel universe up to" and the polar opposite of the neat and touching Carol Danvers appearance in Weapon X. Here, the entire non-X roster are queasily rammed into a two-parter story and it feels crazy. Gwen Stacy is the main character for some reason, you get a fleeting glimpse into what folk like Iron Man and The Hulk have been up to and big hitters are unceremoniously marked as dead in an addendum at the back. It's refreshingly blunt, but a breathless tangle. For '95 though, Pacheco's art is arrestingly modern and very slick. The flip side though is that the dated computer colours feel more pronounced than usual here.
The third (and penultimate) volume of the Age of Apocalypse saga is just as engaging as the second, with a real sense of a gigantic story moving forward. Looking forward to reading the next - but also lightly sad to get to the end.
March 14, 2014
This volume's pacing picked up considerably over the last volume. Although there was a lot more of Madureira and Bachalo art spread over this volume, so that might have picked things up a little for me as well. Still a fun premise and they're doing a decent job of not contradicting themselves from plot point to plot point most of the time.
June 30, 2014
This one was ok. At least better than the first two volumes. The stories get much darker, which is a plus, but I still don't find myself caring about what happens. I think one of the biggest problems with all of these AoA volumes is that whoever chose the specific issues to include didn't choose as wisely as he should have.
July 7, 2013
The resistance start to fight back against Apocalypse. Some are more successful than others, and plans to change the world are put in place. This is a more cohesive book than the first two, all the groundwork helps to tell the main story. A good read.
August 10, 2016
It's at least interesting to see artwork by artists form 20 years ago and see how many of them have improved. The cover to this volume is a good example, John Romita Jr. shouldn't have been allowed to turn in such sloppy work, but he got away with it in the mid 90's. HIs work now is amazing.
November 6, 2016
A fan favorite of the 90s that doesn't hold up as well as one would hope. Although part of my problem is that the some (but not all) of the art hasn't aged well. Following the storyline is a bit problematic as well, which shouldn't surprise in these multi-author crossover events.
July 31, 2015
...kept getting better as the volumes continued. A lot is at stake at this moment in all of the mini-series they've established.
November 4, 2020
A piece of art!
January 28, 2015
Oh, 90s, you were ever so silly!
May 8, 2015
So, so much better than the first two books, with some iconic artwork inside. And much better story and writing! And it's worth a bomb. And very rare. And I have it.
April 4, 2019
Convoluted but entertaining.
June 21, 2024
This is migraine inducingly chaotic with its energetic and bright artwork and its high drama, and I should really say something about what a grand narrative it is, an epic tale, but all I can remember of this story right now is Mystique’s Ripley-from-Aliens moment when she saves Kurt (cool) and Magneto sitting in the Xavier mansion cradling his baby Charles (wth Magneto, wth) – this guy, I mean, he has some epic brooding going on this storyline. He also has a creepy nanny-bot that creates a metallic shell around his son in times of trouble, which…is so Magneto in its total going-too-far-ness. Hmm, babycam for security, Mr Magneto? NO! I SHALL HAVE A PROTECTIVE CAGE OF STEEL AND WEAR A LONG PONYTAIL OF MOURNING IN HONOUR MY DEAD BAE, I MEAN, BRO, TOTALLY - YOU’RE GOING DOWN APOCALYPSE! Despite the hugeness of the whole Apocalypse storyline, I did actually find myself enjoying this instalment (oh god let it end at volume four tho). I also finished it wondering how much of the female presence in this will carry through to the movie adaptation (I’d certainly like to see Blink kicking a horseman in the apocalypses). Yes, not bad at all.
August 29, 2017
This was perhaps one of my favorite crossover events. The X-Men are completely reimagined in a dystopian world ruled by mutants. Professor X is killed in the past by his son allowing Apocalypse to conquer North America and start a global genetic war. Magento eventually forms the X-Men to protect humans and bring an end to the reign of terror. Every X-Men series was stopped in 1995 for four months and replaced with an Age of Apocalypse title. Yes, it was incredibly gimmicky, but it was also completely immersive.
The X-Men and their allies continue their various missions to discover the truth about their reality and find the pieces needed to return it to "normal". They must do this while saving humans and themselves from Apocalypse's forces -- and with the understanding that it will also mean that if they succeed, they will no longer exist.
This collects X-Calibre #2–3, Astonishing X-Men #2–4, Generation Next #2–3, X-Man #2–3, Factor X #3, Amazing X-Men #3, Weapon X #3, Gambit & the X-Ternals #3 and X-Universe #1.
The X-Men and their allies continue their various missions to discover the truth about their reality and find the pieces needed to return it to "normal". They must do this while saving humans and themselves from Apocalypse's forces -- and with the understanding that it will also mean that if they succeed, they will no longer exist.
This collects X-Calibre #2–3, Astonishing X-Men #2–4, Generation Next #2–3, X-Man #2–3, Factor X #3, Amazing X-Men #3, Weapon X #3, Gambit & the X-Ternals #3 and X-Universe #1.
December 19, 2024
Compré hace como 6 años estas tres antologías del evento Age of Apocalypse y la verdad no les tenía mucha fe. Las dejé para cuando fuera necesario y apenas este mes sentí que podían ser buena excusa para terminar el año con broche de oro, y no me decepcionaron. La historia escala rápido, las pérdidas se lloran y se sufre el mundo apocalíptico en el que se encuentran nuestros heroes. Los villanos ahora están del lado correcto y la trama tiene un aroma indiscutible de fascismo y eugenesia que no debemos olvidar. Una maravillosa escena sin igual de la cultura popular.
September 24, 2025
There stories are far more entertaining than the previous book, which makes sense since those were introductions and set up. I felt very invested to all these different storylines and main leads, urging me to know what will happen next. It’s sad knowing they’re all going to end now, having just one issue left in the next and last tpb. Unrelated but wow I’m a big fan of Chris Bachalo here.
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