- Written by: Jeph Loeb
- Art by: Simone Di Meo
- Colors by: Simone Di Meo
- Letters by: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
- Cover art by: Simone Di Meo (cover A)
- Cover price: $5.99
- Release date: September 10, 2025
X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha #1, by Marvel on 9/10/25, follows the remaining X-Men after the Age of Apocalypse when they enact a plan to set things right… with time travel.
First Impressions
As the title suggests, X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha #1 is a setup/prelude issue that sets the stage for the coming event. Simone Di Meo’s art is visually stunning (with caveats), and all the players are present (with caveats), but the central premise feels a lot like a rehash.
Plot Analysis
The issue beings in the Age of Apocalypse timeline as we follow Blink escaping from a Mister Sinister research facility. She’s chased by Sentinel Hounds, but Sabretooth and Wild Child intervene to save Blink. Havoc steps in to stop Blink, but Rogue and Gambit join the fight to even the odds. The battle ends with the X-Men on the run as Havoc lies dead.
We learn later that Blink stole a package containing the trapped form of Morph. When the elastic mutant pops out, he reveals that Sinister captured Forge. The team banters back and forth to give a reader a sense of everyone’s relationship status, with Rogue’s marriage to Magneto carrying the biggest weight, especially for Gambit.
The team launches a strike against Mister Sinister’s lab to rescue Forge. However, Sinister explained he fed Morph the information to get the X-Men to see him. Using Forge’s tech, Sinister learned that their timeline is a splinter of another created when Charles Xavier died. When Apocalypse was defeated, the timelines didn’t merge, so Sinister and Forge have devised a way to correct their current timeline to “set things right.” How? Time travel.
The issue ends with the X-Men traveling to the past.
Writing
The dialogue is sharp and to the point, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of character development. The pacing is frantic, which works for the action sequences but makes it difficult to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The narrative jumps around a bit, which can make the overall plot feel a little jumbled at times.
Art
Simone Di Meo’s art is a standout feature in the style department. The style is unique and visually stunning, with a vibrant color palette and dynamic layouts that create a sense of movement and energy. The character designs are sharp, and the action sequences are rendered with a kinetic, almost chaotic, feel that matches the tone of the story. That said, Di Meo’s blur-heavy, closeup-heavy style historically makes the action difficult to decipher. He’s improved on the action presentation, but it’s still not as clear as it could/should be.
Characters
The character of Blink is the focal point, and we see her as a resourceful and determined survivor. Her internal monologue provides some insight into her motivations. Creed comes across as a menacing and relentless ally who struggles with righting the wrongs of his past. The love triangle between Rogue, Gambit, and Magneto adds a nice touch of interpersonal conflict.
That said, some minor character points feel off. For example, Rogue touches Havoc and “steals” his power, which should temporarily render him powerless and weak. Instead, her touch “copies” his power in this issue. It’s not a big inconsistency, but one that has a direct impact on the outcome of the fight.
Positives
The art is easily the best part of this comic. Simone Di Meo’s work is a breathtaking display of color and motion, with a distinct style that sets it apart from typical superhero comics. The use of neon colors and layered effects makes every page a visual feast. The action sequences, particularly Blink’s teleporting escapades, feel incredibly dynamic. The kinetic energy of the art makes the fast pace of the story feel justified and thrilling.
Negatives
The primary weakness of this issue is the rushed and often confusing narrative. The plot jumps between different scenes without letting the weight of events settle, making it difficult to appreciate the events. The story feels more like a highlight reel of cool moments that set up what’s to come rather than a cohesive narrative that stands on its own. The dialogue, while punchy, lacks the substance needed to build real emotional stakes, leaving the reader with a sense of visual spectacle over a compelling story.
Furthermore, the core idea lacks a sense of originality. If you peel back the layers, it’s a sequel to a story that imagined fixing a timeline with time travel. What’s the new story about? Fixing an alternate timeline with time travel.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Final Thoughts
X-Men Age of Apocalypse Alpha #1 is a brilliant art showcase, but the writing is an exercise in stylistic chaos. It’s an issue that looks fantastic but feels thin on substance. The punchy dialogue and rapid pace deliver a quick hit of action, but they don’t give the reader enough time to invest in the characters or the plot. This comic is a treat for the eyes but leaves a lot to be desired in terms of narrative depth.
6.5/10
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