Marvel’s new X-Men ’97 Season 2 comic expands on Apocalypse’s history, addressing a perceived weakness in the animated season by providing more background on its main villain. The issue gives additional emotional context to Apocalypse’s killing of Magneto, including flashbacks involving his earlier identity, En Sabah Nur, and a connection with Magnus.

The story follows Psylocke, Cable, Jubilee and Sunspot as they steal the Opal of Ozymandias from an auction while fighting Pestilence. By reading the gem’s memories, Psylocke sees Apocalypse with Candra and Ozymandias, including his transformation of Ozymandias into stone and discussion of finding a son to carry his life force; Pestilence is briefly suggested as potentially relevant to that plan.