All-New X-Men #9 – A Deep Dive into Destiny and Identity
Genre
Superhero, Science Fiction, Action, Coming-of-Age
Main Characters
- Evan
Sabahnur (Genesis) – A clone of Apocalypse, wrestling with the
possibility of inheriting his predecessor’s dark legacy.
- Hank
McCoy (Beast) – The young, time-displaced genius whose experiments
inadvertently trigger the central conflict of the issue.
- Scott
Summers (Cyclops) – The younger version of the famous mutant leader,
working to redeem his future legacy.
- Laura
Kinney (Wolverine/X-23) – A fierce fighter and clone of Logan,
balancing her aggressive instincts with her growing humanity.
- Bobby
Drake (Iceman) – A humorous and compassionate member of the team,
still learning to embrace his identity.
- Apocalypse
– The ancient and powerful mutant villain who represents both a physical
and ideological threat to Evan.
Writer
Dennis Hopeless – Known for his character-driven
narratives and ability to inject emotional nuance into ensemble superhero
casts. Hopeless offers a complex portrayal of young mutants confronting
legacies they never asked for.
Artist
Mark Bagley – A veteran Marvel artist renowned for
dynamic action sequences and expressive character work. His experience in
titles like Ultimate Spider-Man and Thunderbolts lends weight and
visual clarity to this dramatic installment.
Editor Details
- Editor-in-Chief:
Axel Alonso
- Series
Editor: Mark Paniccia
- These
editorial leads ensured that All-New X-Men #9 remained consistent
with the overarching “Apocalypse Wars” event while allowing it to develop
its own unique emotional tone.
Publisher and Brand
Marvel Comics
Marvel NOW! imprint – Part of Marvel’s initiative to relaunch titles
with fresh perspectives, character focus, and new creative teams post-Secret
Wars.
Release Year
2016
Brief Plot Summary
In All-New X-Men #9, the youthful team steps into the
larger “Apocalypse Wars” narrative, but this chapter focuses more intimately on
Evan Sabahnur—Genesis. Haunted by the shadow of becoming Apocalypse, Evan is
thrown into a time-displaced confrontation with the villain himself after
Beast’s experimental technology backfires. The issue unravels Evan’s inner
conflict: Is he bound to a future of tyranny, or can he carve a path of his own
making? With his teammates at risk and the weight of fate pressing down, Evan
must confront the darkest question of all: Can destiny be rewritten?
Notable Arcs or Storylines
- Apocalypse
Wars Crossover Event – A multi-title Marvel storyline exploring
different generations of X-Men as they deal with the past, present, and
future influence of Apocalypse.
- Evan
Sabahnur’s Moral Dilemma – A deeper exploration of Evan’s internal
conflict with his origin and potential, building on earlier appearances in
Wolverine and the X-Men and Uncanny X-Force.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
- Some
fans speculate that Evan Sabahnur may eventually split into a separate
identity entirely, diverging from both the original Apocalypse and his
current Genesis persona—forming a new legacy altogether.
- A
recurring theory posits that Beast’s obsession with time-travel and
technology could make him the real catalyst for darker futures, raising
questions about his role as a hero.
- Readers
also interpret this issue as a metaphor for generational trauma—Evan
symbolizes young people inheriting the burdens of history and fighting not
to repeat its mistakes.
Review Summary
All-New X-Men #9 is a thoughtful and engaging entry in the series that delivers more than just action—it presents a layered meditation on fate, free will, and self-identity. Dennis Hopeless brings emotional depth to Evan Sabahnur’s arc, elevating the narrative beyond a typical superhero scuffle. Mark Bagley’s art shines through kinetic fight scenes and quiet emotional beats alike, making this issue visually captivating. The synergy between script and illustration makes for a powerful installment in both the All-New X-Men series and the wider Apocalypse Wars event.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
