It’s hard not to think the recent mini-crossover Age of X is directly ripping off the legendary Age of Apocalypse. It’s a story of an alternate timeline where the X-Men never existed, but a group of surviving mutants have banded together under the leadership of Magneto. They might not be fighting Apocalypse, but the similarities are undeniable right down to the inclusion of Alpha in the title of the launch issue. Before I read Age of X, I’ve been rereading Age of Apocalypse to see if it lives up to my strong memory.

First, if you choose to reread Age of Apocalypse I suggest starting at Volume 2. The first volume actually collects supplemental material that was published after the actual event. If you read volume 1 and it is your first time reading AoA I think the series will easily not live up to the hype. However, starting at volume 2, you launch into the true starting point of AoA, X-Men Alpha. Here the time wandering Bishop encounters Magneto and his group of renegade X-Men and tells of a time where Apocalypse has not taken over the world.

The story kicks into full gear from that point, as Magneto assigns each team of X-Men a specific mission to verify if what Bishop is saying is true. Of all the crossover issues my favorite is Generation Next. Chris Bachalo’s art holds up better than any other contribution in AoA. The story of Colossus leading a group of untrained mutants into a heavily guarded power plant to rescue his sister Illyana is dire. It has a dark noir feel that still actually leaves me unsettled over 15 years after I originally read it.

Overall, I still think AoA is essential X-Men reading. Of all the events that came out in the 90s this one still remains relevant, even inspiring Age of X. If you’re going to read an “Age of” anything make sure you read Age of Apocalypse first.

-Jon

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