EXCLUSIVE: Apocalypse Wars Kicks Off In Extraordinary X-Men #8

12/11/2015 11:00 am EST

It's Apocalypse's world and we're all just living in it. Earlier this month, Marvel made mention at a convention in Brazil that it's doing something called Apocalypse Wars and no other details were shared at the time. Today, ComicBook.com can bring you the first exclusive details behind the event featuring the titular villain that will hit comic shops everywhere in March.

Apocalypse's presence will be felt in Extraordinary X-Men, Uncanny X-Men and All-New X-Men. We had the chance to speak with Jeff Lemire who will be firing the opening salvo in Apocalypse Wars with artist Humberto Ramos.

Here's the solicit for Extraordinary X-Men #8
EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #8
JEFF LEMIRE (W) • HUMBERTO RAMOS (A/C)
"APOCALYPSE WARS" STARTS NOW!
Mutantkind is an endangered species once more. But what better way to ensure your people see the future…than to skip ahead right to it? As the mutant race's last hope is jettisoned into the time stream, the Extraordinary X-Men make a startling discovery: the fate of their kind is about to fall into the hands of one of their most formidable adversaries — the immortal APOCALYPSE. Now, the X-Men race into a perilous future, desperate to reclaim what was taken from them…and completely unaware of the horrors that await them.

What is the excitement like for you being able to bring back a villain as big as Apocalypse?

Lemire: One of the first things I looked at when accepting the Extraordinary X-Men assignment was Apocalypse. To me, Apocalypse stands with Magneto at the premier X-Men villains. The original Apocalypse story in X-Factor by Walter and Louis Simonson is a real touchstone for me. As a kid that story had a massive impact on me.

So I wanted to craft a story that had the same energy and imagination as those early Apocalypse stories, but something where Humberto Ramos and I were also able to put my own spin on things. I think we've come up with a big story that will be very fresh, but also harken back to the classics.

What is it about Apocalypse that makes him such a perfect foil for the X-Men?

Lemire: Apocalypse has always had an aura of menace about him. There is just something inherently scary about the character, something haunting and larger than life. He is a very ominous figure and probably one of the few villains powerful enough to match an entire X-Men team.

Will fans get to see how the future that the X-Men are headed to got to that point?

Lemire: The future aspects of the story are very rooted in Mutant's present-day situation. It;s not just some imaginary story or some pocket universe. This story, even though partially set in teh future, will have lasting impact on the Extraordinary X-Men team and Mutants in the Marvel Universe moving forward.

Where there is Apocalypse, horsemen can't be far behind? Can you tease if we'll see new horsemen or if any of your cast are at risk of falling under the influence?

Lemire: No way! I'm not spoiling that. I think we've got some really fun and unexpected twists in store.

How will your story tie into the other books happening during the event. If not - can you talk about what you think makes Apocalypse such a popular villain that has stood the test of time?

Lemire: With Apocalypse Wars, X-writers Cullen Bunn, Dennis Hopeless and I are trying to craft something a little different from traditional event or crossover stories. So, each of our Apocalypse stories will be able to be read alone, but also tie together in unexpected ways for readers who check all three books.

I think it it a testament to the depth Apocalypse character that three book can tell three Apocalypse stories from three very different points of view.

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So what do you think ComicBook.com readers? Are you excited for Apocalypse Wars? Let us know in the comments below.

If you haven't already gotten into the Apocalypse mood today, check out the trailer for X-Men: Apocalypse to help.

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