Apocalypse
Apocalypse is an ancient being who was born with the ‘mutant X-gene’, and is also known as En Sabah Nur, or The First One.
In the comics: The character of Apocalypse was created by artist Jackson Guice and writer Louise Simpson as an X-Men enemy and ‘Magneto-level’ villain. He debuted in 1986 in X-Factor #5, and his origin has him born 5000 years ago – only to be abandoned as a child because of his mutant nature. He is adopted and raised by the Sandstormers – a brutal ancient Egyptian group who advocate the survival of the fittest. En Sabah Nur then becomes embroiled in something of a time-loop, wherein the time-travelling Kang The Conqueror arrives to seek the mutant, having knowledge of his future. Violence and humiliation ensue.
En Sabah Nur’s adoptive father is fatally wounded and bestows hidden alien technology on the mutant before dying. In his quest for vengeance, En Sabah Nur becomes increasingly enraged, and assumes the identity of Apocalypse. As he rampages, he realizes that he no longer ages, due to the alien technology.
In the movies: Apocalypse made his big-screen debut in a brief, post-credits sequence at the end of 2014’s X-Men: Days Of Future Past, where he appeared as the youthful version of the character. He will next feature as an older version in 2016’s X-Men: Apocalypse.
Powers: Apocalypse has many innate super powers resulting from his ‘mutant X-gene,’ but these are enhanced by his use of alien technology, which originates from a race known as The Celestials. He can alter his form on a molecular level – including changing his size, physical abilities and creating integral weaponry. He can also repair himself, adapt to disease, survive any environment and project and absorb energy. He can interface with technology, and has been known to display telepathy. Apocalypse has genius-level intellect in all subjects, and also possesses blood that can heal other mutants.
Enemies: Apocalypse has clashed with a vast array of characters in the Marvel comic book universe – including Thor, Loki and the Avengers team. His mutant nature means he regularly becomes entangled in conflict with the X-Men, however, at one point merging with Cyclops and clashing with Jean Grey.
Casting: In animation, Apocalypse has been voiced by John Colicos, James Blendick, David Kaye and Richard McGonagle. He appears in younger form at the end of X-Men Days Of Future Past played by Brendan Pedder, and will be played in X-Men: Apocalypse by Oscar Isaac.
