For centuries, Apocalypse tested the mutants of Earth to guarantee that only the strong would survive. Now, as he takes his throne on Arakko, another must rise in his place and ensure the mutants of Earth do not grow weak in his absence! Twelve mutants chosen from the X-Men’s greatest heroes – and villains – will compete for the honor, but only one can become…the HEIR OF APOCALYPSE! X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #1 feels like a bit of a throwback in some ways but may be key in what’s to come.

In X-Men #35, not only did we see the end of Krakoa as we know it, but also Apocalypse throwing a hissy fit for not getting his way. It felt odd and a little jarring. X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #1 feels like a much better direction, delivering an Apocalypse who is cooler headed and looking at the long game. He’s focused on Arakko and wants to find an heir to take his place to guide mutantdom for what comes next.

Writer Steve Foxe gathers an eclectic group of mutants to play Apocalypse’s game. Taking on a familiar formula, the issue flashes around showing Apocalypse recruiting the various individuals, some accepting and some declining. Interspersed is their current mission of getting through the initial traps laid out for them while pondering what’s to come next.

It’s all an interesting idea and each character shows potential if they were to win. We get an idea for a few as to why they’re taking part in the game but overall the motivation feels a bit thin for a lot of them. Still, the first issue focuses in on a few and delivers far than enough that you wonder if we’re being teased with the most likely winners.

Foxe’s style overall feels like a bit of a throwback taking us to miniseries that happened in the 00s, especially those with Apocalypse. Many of those saw concepts that were better than the execution but moved the story along. This feels like it’ll have some major ramifications when the X-Men line of comics kicks off again in July.

The art by Netho Diaz is pretty solid. There’s some amazing depictions of characters with a lot of detail for as much is packed in. Diaz’s style adds to the throwback vibe of it echoing a modern classic look I’d expect from X-Men comics. Diaz is a talent and could be the real draw as the series continues. JP Mayer‘s ink, Alex Sinclair‘s color, and Clayton Cowles‘ lettering all add to the visual treat that is the comic.

X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #1 is an interesting concept and feels like the logical next step for Apocalypse. It teases some major conflict to come in the future and dark clouds off in the distance. It also has a nice retro vibe, a break from more recent X-Men comics during the Krakoan age which had a voice and look all to their own. It’s an interesting debut that feels like it tees up a lot to come.

Story: Steve Foxe Art: Netho Diaz
Ink: JP Mayer Color: Alex Sinclair Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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