Since 1985, Apocalypse has been the most unyielding enemy of theX-Men- an ancient mutant who preaches a lethal code of"survival of the fittest.“However, following X-Men’s 2019-2024 Krakoan Era,Apocalypse has retired, accepting that his vision for mutantkind is no longer viable. In his place,Apocalypse has appointed a new mutanthis one true heir, unleashing them against mutantkind.
In a new press release, Marvel has confirmed thatX-Men #19will see Apocalypse’s heir strike for the first time. Known as Revelation, the character is the former hero Douglas Ramsey,transformed into a new form by Apocalypse. With Marvel teasing an upcomingAge of Revelationevent, it’s clearX-Men #19will lead to big things.
X-MEN #19
Cover Artist:
RYAN STEGMAN
AFTER APOCALYPSE COMES REVELATION - Doug Ramsey, the heir to Apocalypse, begins his great work as Revelation in X-MEN #19 by Jed MacKay and Netho Díaz, on sale this July.
Until a few months ago, Douglas Ramsey was Cypher - a good-natured mutant with the power to understand and communicate in any language. However, following the events of Steve Foxe and Netho Diaz’sX-Men: Heir of Apocalypse, Doug is now Revelation, tasked to prepare mutantkind for the future by pushing them to new limits.Doug is accompanied in Ryan Stegman’s cover art by his alien friend Warlock and wife Bei the Blood Moon - powerful allies who will test the X-Men just as much as Revelation.
Stegman’s cover art gives Revelation a more human design than when fans saw him last, now wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the X-Men’s ‘X’ symbol. Is it possible that Revelation wants to claim leadership of the mutant team?
The X-Men Finally Face Revelation
The Age of Revelation Is On Its Way
At the conclusion of the Krakoan Age, Apocalypse - who had been working with mutantkind as a leader - turned against Marvel’s mutants yet again. After a gory battle, the villain finally stepped down, admitting that his ‘survival of the fittest’ logic had failed, and surrendering his right to try and mold mutantkind into the strongest possible form. However, rather than simply giving up,Apocalypse set up a tournament of mutant heroes and villains, ultimately choosing Doug Ramsey as his successor.
Ramsey became Revelation, but the series ended there, with Revelation’s plans still a mystery. More insight came in Steve Foxe and Ivan Fiorelli’sTimeslide #1, which revealed an upcoming event titled ‘Age of Revelation.’ This was strongly implied to be asequel to the epic ‘Age of Apocalypse’ eventthat took over X-Men books in the ’90s, showing a world where Apocalypse reigned supreme, remaking the world in his image. Revelation will have to do somethinghugeto provideX-Menfans with a worthy follow-up.
How Apocalypse has warped Doug Ramsey’s mind and powers has yet to be seen, but his advanced technology has produced many of X-Men’s biggest upgrades. Revelation’s powers have many unexpected uses, such as making him a master combatant, creating a lot of avenues Apocalypse could have exploited. In the past, Doug has been able to merge with the alien shapeshifter Warlock, while his wife Bei can produce powerful blasts with her voice. The trio are an intimidating threat to the X-Men and their renewed attempts to protect mutants in a world that hates and fears them more than ever. As Revelation finally takes on theX-Men, Marvel affirms thatApocalypse’s time as the franchise’s uber-villain is over- the Age of Revelation is about to begin.
