Joe Madureira Returns To Help Usher In The New Era Of Age Of Apocalypse

Comics

by Jay Cochran
June 6, 2025

The Age of Apocalypse, the revolutionary �90s X-Men crossover, is reborn this September in X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE, a six-part event series by legendary scribe Jeph Loeb, a writer behind the original event, and Eisner nominated artist Simone Di Meo. Today, Marvel Comics is thrilled to announce that Joe Madureira, another superstar creator who brought Age of Apocalypse to life, will draw a variant cover for each issue.

Madureira transformed the look of the X-Books throughout the �90s with his distinct and innovative art style. Now, this highly influential artist returns to the franchise for the first time in decades with glorious depictions of the very characters he defined�the iconic X-Men of the Age of Apocalypse!

�I am beyond excited to be dipping back into this corner of the X-Men universe,� Madureira said. �I was literally a kid when I drew the Astonishing X-Men�it feels like several lifetimes ago, and I want to bring something new to these characters on my covers. Hopefully I can do justice to Simone�s incredible, explosive pages!�

"I met Joe Mad during the original 1995 Age of Apocalypse,� Loeb shared. �His style and storytelling brought a revolutionary look that is still influential today. When Marvel and I first started talking about this project there was no way we couldn't ask Joe to do his distinctive, incredible covers (pencils, inks, colors) to the book. We were so thrilled when he said �Yes!� I should point out that despite our friendship/partnership and overlooking his role in designing these characters, his real reason for joining was he's a huge fan of Simone Di Meo! Uncanny!"

THE X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE CRASH INTO THE MAIN MARVEL UNIVERSE!

A dystopian future created when Charles Xavier was killed in a tragic time-travel accident, AGE OF APOCALYPSE is home to a wartorn group of X-Men led by Magneto. In order to free their Earth from Apocalypse's cruel reign, they were willing to sacrifice their very existence�or so they thought! The main timeline was restored, Apocalypse was defeated, but their world lived on!

Taking place in the direct aftermath of the original crossover�s explosive finale, X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE reignites the mission of this iconic reality's X-Men as they journey here to ensure their universe�s survival. This desperate mission will take them into the main Marvel Universe, where they will come into conflict with their classic counterparts, forever impacting both team's destinies!

Mirroring the first AGE OF APOCALYPSE saga, X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE will kick off in X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE ALPHA #1, continue through X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE #1-4 starting in November, and conclude in X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE OMEGA #1. Check out Joe Madureira�s variant cover for X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE ALPHA #1 and be on the lookout for the rest to be revealed in the months ahead!

X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE ALPHA #1 � 75960621271200111
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and Cover by SIMONE DI MEO
Variant Cover by JOE MADUREIRA � 75960621271200151
On Sale 9/3

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Comments...

Last 10 comments - ( Read All Posts )

GarimusPrime - 2025-09-17 @ 9:18 pm

On 9/10/2025 at 9:10 AM, khorowski said:
I agree, it sucks. The best we can hope for these days is that they'll at least keep the Legacy Numbering on the covers. That makes it somewhat tolerable. It's better than having to figure out WHICH #1 you're looking for.
From my understanding, all the storylines will be concluded before this event. So chances are they will relaunch again. Personally, I don't know what I will do if they do another relaunch. Marvel has been pulling the same old garbage for many years now and I've just been going along with it, but I've been screwed too many times now by following a book and having it end after 10 issues, so I have a real sour taste in my mouth when it comes to Marvel.

khorowski - 2025-09-10 @ 1:10 pm

On 9/10/2025 at 6:08 AM, leokearon said:
Probably new #1 to try and drum up sales

Always about the almighty dollar.

On 9/10/2025 at 2:45 AM, GarimusPrime said:
Once this event ends, are the ongoing titles going to pick back up where they were, or are they going to relaunch with new #1's?

From my understanding, all the storylines will be concluded before this event. So chances are they will relaunch again. Personally, I don't know what I will do if they do another relaunch. Marvel has been pulling the same old garbage for many years now and I've just been going along with it, but I've been screwed too many times now by following a book and having it end after 10 issues, so I have a real sour taste in my mouth when it comes to Marvel.

leokearon - 2025-09-10 @ 10:08 am

Probably new #1 to try and drum up sales

GarimusPrime - 2025-09-10 @ 6:45 am

Once this event ends, are the ongoing titles going to pick back up where they were, or are they going to relaunch with new #1's?

MvCfan - 2025-09-09 @ 10:39 pm

Wow that Splatt cover is pretty bad.

MeGrimlock78 - 2025-08-20 @ 3:47 pm

Yes I will buy this, and yes I will pick up the Joe Mad covers.

Why? Because I'm a sucker.

But at least the covers will be pretty when I thumb past them in my collection, probably never to be read again.

leokearon - 2025-06-07 @ 7:04 am

Wow, this gets worse sounding by the minute. I loved the AOA but I'll be skipping this