This installment formally introduces Apocalypse, a formidable and ancient mutant with grand designs, and explores his contrasting ideology in relation to Professor Xavier and Magneto. Additionally, we witness the emergence of the character Angel in this pivotal episode.

Apocalypse, an immensely powerful mutant, plots to reshape the world according to his vision. His belief in “survival of the fittest” stands in stark opposition to Xavier’s dream of peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans. While Xavier advocates for understanding and harmony, Apocalypse seeks dominance through strength and control.

As the X-Men confront Apocalypse and his Four Horsemen, the battle unfolds at Stonehenge. The combined might of Apocalypse and his loyal followers proves evenly matched against the X-Men. Desperate, Rogue decides to use her gift on Archangel. In doing so, she frees him from Apocalypse’s compulsion but also inflicts pain upon herself.

Meanwhile, Angel, also known as Warren Worthington III, plays a pivotal role. Initially manipulated by Apocalypse, he becomes one of the Four Horsemen. However, as the truth about Apocalypse’s plans comes to light, Angel experiences a profound transformation. Disgusted by what he has become, he turns against the Horsemen, revealing his inner struggle between loyalty and morality.

Come the Apocalypse serves as the second part of the Apocalypse story arc, weaving together action, character development, and ideological clashes. It exemplifies the series’ ability to balance multiple threads while preparing for new narratives. Apocalypse’s introduction leaves an indelible mark, setting the stage for future conflicts and challenging the X-Men’s core beliefs.

Angel believes he is receiving a cure for his mutation, but in reality, he is being transformed into a servant of Apocalypse. The supposed inventor of this ‘cure’, Gottfried Adler, is unmasked as Mystique in disguise.

In a pub on Muir Island, Charles Xavier and the X-Men discuss the controversial desire among some mutants to eliminate their powers. Warren, claiming to be cured, walks into the pub. Cyclops argues that no mutant should feel compelled to renounce their unique genes out of shame. Rogue counters, insisting it’s a personal choice whether to retain mutant abilities. Unbeknownst to them, Apocalypse watches from the shadows, having replaced the real Warren with Mystique. The true Warren has become Archangel, the Horseman of Death. As Apocalypse’s other Horsemen gather, he unleashes them to wreak havoc worldwide, proclaiming his intent to create a new world from the ruins of the old.

As Rogue and Gambit engage in a casual game of pool, Storm turns on the television to the World Peace Conference in Paris. Suddenly, the broadcast is overtaken by Apocalypse, who dispatches his horsemen to wreak havoc at the conference. Professor X promptly sends the X-Men to Paris to thwart Apocalypse’s plans, instructing Rogue and Jubilee to remain on Muir Island due to the horsemen’s identity as mutants in need of Adler’s cure.

Amidst the turmoil in Paris, Rogue confronts Adler in his laboratory, only to discover Mystique’s deception as the scientist. She attempts to bind Mystique to the ‘cure’ machine, which is revealed to enslave mutants to Apocalypse. Learning of Apocalypse’s stronghold at Stonehenge, Rogue releases Mystique, who then assaults her. However, Rogue narrowly escapes.

The X-Men succeed in overpowering the Horsemen and trace them back to their lair. Rogue arrives at Stonehenge, where Apocalypse is about to execute her, but the defeated Horsemen’s return distracts him. The X-Men converge on the scene, battling Apocalypse and his minions. In a pivotal moment, Rogue absorbs Archangel’s power, inadvertently freeing his will. Ashamed of his actions, Archangel rebels against the horsemen. Although Apocalypse and his remaining horsemen flee, Archangel departs alone, grappling with his newfound autonomy.

One of the Horsemen, Pestilence, is Plague, who was seen amongst the Morlocks in Captive Hearts.

It’s unclear whether Scott and Warren know each other. Scott feels familiar enough to confront him directly. Maybe Rogue didn’t know Angel in the same way Bobby Drake wasn’t known to Jubilee in Cold Comfort – continuity error solved?

Apocalypse first appeared in X-Factor #5. His ethos of ‘only the fit will survive’ instantly makes him a dangerous threat. He appears in every version of the franchise and is the central figure in X-Men: Apocalypse. He reappears at the end of X-Men ’97 season one.

Angel becomes Archangel in this episode. We see different versions of this transformation throughout different medias: in Wolverine and the X-Men it’s a gradual process over time, whereas in X-Men: Apocalypse it’s remarkably less traumatic.

The Eiffel Tower was also damaged in a battle between the X-Men and their foes in Uncanny X-Men #406.

The vessel Apocalypse flees the scene in, appears to be Shi’ar in origin. In season four, he has an ongoing alliance with the rebel princess Deathbird.

The Cure | Days of Future Past (Part 1)