REVIEW: ‘X-Men: Book of Revelation’ Issue 1

X-Men Book of Revelation Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics and written by Jed Mackay, art by Netho Diaz, ink by Sean Parsons, colors by Fer Sifuentes-Sujo, and letters by Clayton Cowles.

This is part of the Age of Revelation crossover. Inside Revelation’s stronghold, a new child is chosen to be one of his new Choristers – one of his servants.

X-Men Book of Revelation Issue 1 has a spectacular setting and concept, taking place in the heart of Revelation’s gone by. The other comics have spread out across the territories, discussing consequences and ripples. This chapter follows the man responsible. The cult is strong, with a recruit added to the ranks. However, it becomes clear that not everything is well within the beautiful natural landscape.

The man who named Doug Ramsay as his heir, Apocalypse, is trying to stoke war, but his own minions are acting against him. It’s not safe for anyone. The core elements of the issue aren’t challenging to understand, but the extensive history can be bewildering. It’s not just the present that’s important in this crossover – it’s the unspoken moments that are yet to be revealed that build an entire region. There is an unpredictable nature to every character and moment. Anyone can pop up in any position.

Mackay really explores this crossover’s primary villain in extraordinary detail. X-Men Book of Revelation Issue 1 features many facets of Doug. When on a balcony in front of a crowd of his loyal supporters, he’s like a monstrous god. He is truly living up to the legacy of Apocalypse. He’s powerful and magnificent.

But then, when talking to a little girl whom he wants to add to his conclave as a new Chorister, he becomes much more personable. He can lure her in by becoming more like Cypher, the kid from the New Mutants, whom he was known as for so long.

In these moments, he’s able to convince anyone that his way is the right one. And towards the end of the issue, the dark, dangerous figure who must stand up for his people resurfaces. It’s a challenge to those who were once above him. In just one issue, so much is revealed about Revelation.

The other characters inside X-Men Book of Revelation Issue 1 are also terrific. The real central protagonist is Elbecca Voss, a young girl who has been dragged to Philadelphia and chosen for greatness. Her innocence and naivety allow the exposition to flow and reach the reader. But she isn’t just a black page, and some see her as a threat.

Fabian Cortez presents himself as Revelation’s right-hand man, even if he isn’t. He’s awful towards Elbecca, nasty and foul, and even worse in the later clashes. If Revelation is questionable and often comes across as a force for good, Cortez provides us with one person to really hate in X-Men Book of Revelation Issue 1.

The art is terrific. Diaz steps from the main X-Men comic into this chalet of the crossover. He infuses the panels with both beautiful and disturbing imagery. Revelation’s design is fantastic. The bald head, papery skin, and regal attire follow in the footsteps of Apocalypse.

Philadelphia has been devastated and then reincarnated as a utopia. The buildings have been completely taken over by nature, with the mutants living among trees and vines. But there’s still the skeleton of the city underneath. The other Choristers and members of Revelation’s forces are extravagant and dramatic. And peering at everything in both fear and bemusement is Elbecca. She’s a work of contrasts with her gigantic, expressive eyes, but diminutive stature. 

The colors are stunning. The vibrant green of the landscape is interspersed with mutants wearing a combination of white and gold. It’s a set of shades that represents a celestial, godlike demeanor as Revelation rules with impunity. The lettering is consistently easy to read in every panel.

X-Men Book of Revelation Issue 1 enters the house of the man who rules over it all. Jed Mackay excellently creates a kingdom that has detail and nuance, often without being overly expressive. Whilst it can be easy to get lost in the exposition, the story is rich with the concept of the crossover. There are plot threads created in this individual issue that can be grabbed onto, providing a platform to absorb everything else.

X-Men Book of Revelation Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.