X-Men: Is Apocalypse's X of Swords Betrayal Inevitable?

WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Free Comic Book Day: X-Men, by Jonathan Hickman, Tini Howard, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia and VC's Clayton Cowles, available now.

Ever since the start of the Dawn of X era, the X-Men have united mutantkind, allies and enemies alike. Possibly the most shocking example of this mutant alliance's breadth is the reformation of X-Men villain Apocalypse. Yet the upcoming crossover, X of Swords, may be hinting at a return to form for the menacing mutant.

So far, details about X of Swords are very minimal. The basic premise states that 10 key mutants will wield legendary and powerful swords in defense of Krakoa, the mutant island-nation. Krakoa will come under attack from several new villains from the island of Arakko.

This island was originally bonded to Krakoa as the nation of Okarra, before demonic entities fractured the island into two distinct lands. Although the leader of Arakko's forces is unknown, several other villains have been seen before. Included among this lineup is the High Summoner, who was introduced early on in X-Men #2, by Jonathan Hickman and Leinil Francis Yu. The Summoner was a key figure in joining Krakoa with Arak Maw, another island that holds a portal to Arakko.

X of Swords Apocalypse First Horsemen header

Additionally, the original Horsemen of Apocalypse are part of Arakko's forces. These Horsemen were tasked by Apocalypse with guarding Arakko, after the mutant sealed off the island in order to keep the demons out.

In Free Comic Book Day: X-Men, the Omniversal Majestrix teases the upcoming events of X of Swords through the use of tarot cards. Most of these cards prominently feature Apocalypse, juxtaposed with some ominous phrases of things to come. The first image is of Apocalypse beside the High Summoner of Arakko, who is also the son of Apocalypse's first horseman of war. Previously, Apocalypse swore to the Summoner that he would save Krakoa and Arakko, embracing the child with open arms. The Summoner also seems convinced that Apocalypse will save Arakko. The Majestrix says that there will be a "rebirth" and an "irrevocable change", potentially alluding to a complete merging of Krakoa and Arakko.

Yet the next card features Apocalypse's original horsemen during a horrifying massacre. While the Majestrix says that this is a "community" and a "family", she also calls it a "baptism of blood", possibly saying that the upcoming collision of Krakoa and Arakko will come at a high cost. Knowing Apocalypse and his Darwinian philosophy, it's easy to see how he can accept such high bloodshed.

Apocalypse also clearly misses his original horsemen, as seen in Jonathan Hickman's story in Marvel Comics #1000, "the First Horsemen". This longing for his "children", combined with his determination to save both Krakoa and Arakko, casts much suspicion around Apocalypse's next moves.

Perhaps the most concerning image is the final card, featuring Apocalypse alongside several other X-Men, all wielding swords. The Majestrix predicts a "betrayal" by "those you would show your back". With Apocalypse featured so prominently in this image and several others, it's fairly clear that his betrayal is being hinted at here. Especially considering how the X-Men "show their back" by accepting Apocalypse onto Krakoa, he is the prime candidate for betrayal. The predictions of the cards repeat several common phrases that connect to Apocalypse's "survival of the fittest" attitude, discussing change, rebirth, and a baptism of blood.

These key phrases and Apocalypse's clear connection to the villains in X of Swords emphasize why the mutant's possible betrayal would be "a loss, but an expected one". Indeed, Apocalypse has very clear personal connections to X of Sword's villains, understandably longing for the past. Perhaps Apocalypse is simply biding his time until he can reunite with his original horsemen and reunify Krakoa with Arakko.

Apocalypse may be a compliant citizen of Krakoa and a member of the Quiet Council for the time being. Yet future events hint that this nefarious mutant could break off from the rest of Krakoa's vision for mutantkind very soon.

KEEP READING: Have the X-Men Gotten Too Comfortable With Their Most DANGEROUS Move?