Cable, Exodus, Mirage, Wolverine, and more – Apocalypse saw great potential in twelve hand-picked mutants. But when a thirteenth contender crashes the tournament, endangering the lives of thousands in the process, will any survive to carry on in Apocalypse’s footsteps? Not if Mister Sinister has anything to say about it! X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #2 is n action-packed issue full of surprises as the group battles Genocide!

The debut issue of X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse was an interesting one that was a bit of mystery as to what was going on but also delivering a lot of background. Writer Steve Foxe packed the issue to catch readers up, provide motivation, challenges, and some action as well. The issue ended with Apocalypse’s son, Genocide attacking and forcing the contestants to do battle.

X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #2 is focused on the battle with Genocide as Steve Foxe adds a little more motivation for some characters but primarily focuses on the battle. We get a sense of who stands out as likely candidates to be the heir of Apocalypse and lead the mutant nation on Earth.

Foxe shocks in the issue though by seemingly killing some of the characters, surprises for the series but also headscratchers as to where things go from here for them. It does add a sense of danger to what’s to come and lives are now on the line. There’s some odd choices in dialogue and spending some time on one character’s invitation from Apocalypse when they are ones that look slain, but overall the comic is packed with action and excitement. It keeps the classic style the first issue established.

Netho Diaz‘s art too is classic in a way. With ink by JP Mayer and Sean Parsons, color by Alex Sinclair, and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the issue looks great in the battle. There are some issues though with some of the poses feeling rather odd and not natural. That’s most evident in the final panel that involves a confrontation. It just feels rather odd visually. But, Diaz has a flair for the dramatic and there’s a great use of closing in on his subjects to emphasize the moment by using something as simple as an eye and reaction to what’s seen.

X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #2 is an interesting issue that feels like one long fight but it removes some players from the board. It continues its throwback style in both story and look. Overall, like the first issue, the second feels like there’s going to be some long-term ramifications after this series wraps up.

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

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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