You don’t have to look hard to notice the ‘90s are back in full force in the comic world, with its over-the-top aesthetic and character favorites getting ample spotlight on the shelf. For those riding high on that nostalgia, the X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse TPB is right up your alley, embracing that era with open arms. From its over-the-top premise to its kinetic, detail-packed art, the series feels like a spiritual successor to the bombastic, action-heavy X-Men stories of decades past. Additionally, it picks up themes from the Krakoan era, with twelve mutants vying for Apocalypse’s throne in a brutal contest of survival and ideology. The miniseries delivers big fights, dramatic character moments, and a throwback aesthetic that will appeal to longtime fans, even though its lackluster conclusion left much to be desired.
X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse TPB collects the four-issue miniseries, bringing together twelve mutants competing for the right to inherit Apocalypse’s mantle. With the fall of Krakoa reshaping the mutant landscape, Apocalypse sets up a brutal contest that forces its participants to question their motivations and allegiances. The competition quickly escalates into high-stakes battles, unforeseen alliances, and character-driven conflicts, culminating in a final trial that redefines what it means to be Apocalypse’s heir. By the end, a surprising yet fitting victor emerges, marking a shift in mutant kind’s future. If you loved the Crucible from Krakoa, you will be thrilled to see elements of that plot in these pages.
Marvel
This miniseries thrives on its throwback ’90s aesthetic, with Netho Diaz’s artwork channeling that era’s kinetic energy and bombastic character designs. The action sequences and introspective moments feel equally weighty thanks to his line work. Steve Foxe’s writing strikes a balance between spectacle and introspection, offering quality character moments that make this storyline more than a mere brawl. While some pacing issues arise, particularly in setting up the stakes of the trials, the series manages to blend nostalgia with competent storytelling. The conclusion may leave some readers wishing for more exploration of the heir’s final decision, but overall, X-Men: Heir to Apocalypse successfully bridges the Krakoan era with what’s to come, the final choice of heir feels rushed, and the lack of clarity around their agency in the transformation leaves the ending feeling more like a setup for future stories rather than a satisfying resolution.
Marvel
X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse delivers gratifying action and an engaging competition with a healthy dose of ’90s flair. While its conclusion doesn’t quite stick the landing, the miniseries was unquestionably entertaining, with Steve Foxe crafting strong character moments and Netho Diaz’s art bringing an energetic design to every panel. It’s clear this book is setting up future storylines, so it’s worth a read just to get in on the ground floor of what could be a key changes in the X-Men mythos.
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