5 Comics You Must Read Before Watching X-Men: Apocalypse
On the one hand, it's possible that movie audiences will learn everything they need to know before heading into X-Men: Apocalypse purely by watching the previous movies in the series. (Although 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine can always, always be skipped in any re-watch.) On the other, isn't it always more fun to know more than you need? For those who rightfully recognize the answer to that question as "yes," we present to you the following five choices for comic book runs that will present some background on the various whos, whats, and whys of the new mutant superhero movie. Because cram-session studying should always be this much fun.
X-Factor #15-26 (1987-1988)
While this extended storyline isn’t the first appearance of Apocalypse—that happened some months earlier, in X-Factor #6—it is the first time we really see him flex his muscles and make a move against the good guys. Not only does the big bad attempt to destroy New York City, he also seduces two X-Members to the dark side, brings on his original Four Horsemen, and makes all manner of grandstanding speeches. With fast-moving pulpy writing from Louise Simonson and astounding art from her husband Walt, this is pretty much the cutting edge of 1980s X-Men comics—and still a joy to read almost three decades later.
How to read it: Available digitally and in the X-Men: Fall of the Mutants Vol. 2 print collection.
MarvelRise of Apocalypse #1-4 (1996)
It took almost a decade for the villain’s origins to be revealed, but they were appropriately epic when they arrived: Five millennia in the past, an abandoned baby is discovered by a group of nomads, who adopt and raise him, little knowing that he is the world’s first mutant. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, this is all happening in an ancient Egypt that’s ruled by a pharaoh who’s actually a time traveler from the future, and yes, that is actually important when it comes to explaining how that lowly orphan ended up a seemingly immortal supervillain. Comics, everybody.
How to read it: Available digitally and in the X-Men: Rise of Apocalypse print collection.
Marvel
Uncanny X-Force #1-18 (2010-2012)
Although Apocalypse barely appears in the long-term story-arc that runs through these issues (technically, it's three story-arcs: "The Apocalypse Solution," "Deathlok Nation," which is somewhat peripheral to the larger narrative, and "The Dark Angel Saga"), it's nonetheless true that these may be some of the most epic Apocalypse-centric comic books Marvel has produced, filled with a sense of urgency and moral confusion that informs the weird sci-fi that fills them. Wonderfully dark and claustrophobic at times, this is the story that you want to see from the X-Men: Apocalypse trailers.
How to read it: Available digitally and in the Uncanny X-Force by Rick Remender: The Complete Collection Vol. 1 print collection.
MarvelX-Men: Season One (2012)
Of course, it’s not all Apocalypse in the new movie; there’s also the introduction of some new X-Men who are only somewhat familiar to the longtime viewer. If you’re looking for the earliest comic book adventures of Cyclops and Jean Grey, you could read the original 1963 issues, or go for something a bit more modern, like this flashback graphic novel that lets you get inside Jean’s head as she settles in to her new school, and her new part-time job as mutant crime fighter. Charming and fun, this might make you wish that these were the X-Men that ended up on the big screen instead.
How to read it: Available digitally and in print.
Marvel
Storm #1-11 (2014-2015)
The third kinda-new addition to the movie is Alexandra Shipp's Storm, who isn't entirely faithful to her comic book counterpart, but does nonetheless offer an excuse to recommend Greg Pak and Victor Ibanez' fun Storm from a couple of years ago. This series explored the character's history and attitude towards the world while also providing all manner of material for anyone looking to make a solo Storm movie. You hear me, 20th Century Fox?!?
How to read it: Available digitally and in the Storm Vol. 1 & 2 print collection.
Marvel
