WARNING: The following contains spoilers for X of Swords: Destruction #1 by Jonathan Hickman, Tini Howard, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia & and VC's Clayton Cowles, on sale now.
Apocalypse is one of the most powerful villains the X-Men have ever faced. The character is an ancient being who has long sought to rule over a world where only the strongest mutants thrive. But the X-Men and Apocalypse put their decades-long rivalry to bed when the mutant nation of Krakoa was established. In the Dawn of X relaunch, Apocalypse was welcomed as a fellow mutant and became a member of the Quiet Council alongside such characters as Professor X, Magneto and Jean Grey.
Ever since this new beginning, Apocalypse seemed to be working towards a very specific goal -- one that wouldn't be revealed until the start of the X of Swords crossover. The event involved multiple characters, both on the side of Krakoa and Arrako. As it progressed, one thing above all else became clear: this was a story that was all about Apocalypse.
In X of Swords, champions were chosen to represent both Krakoa and Arrako in a contest held in Otherworld that would determine the very fate of the world. Apocalypse was, of course, one of the chosen champions to represent his nation, but he rapidly revealed himself to be the central figure in the 22-part crossover. In fact, this story was all about him: the primary opponents in the contest were his wife, Genesis, and his children, the original Four Horsemen.
What's more, the event was connected to the ancient history of the Marvel Universe -- a history that Apocalypse has lived through. Indeed, when Krakoa and Arrako were first separated thousands of years ago, Apocalypse was there. He was the one who remained on Earth while his family went to Arrako, lost in another dimension as they held back the demonic hordes of Amenth. The event itself added plenty of new layers to Apocalypse's past, and it effectively altered his entire place in the Marvel Universe by revealing the real reason he was looking only for the strongest mutants.
The retcon was simple and seamless. It made everything make sense, while it transformed Apocalypse into a tragic character.
And when Apocalypse was finally reunited with his wife and children, the character showed that while part of him remained the same, he had still vastly changed. He fought for his people -- mutantkind -- and it was he who ultimately defeated the Helm of Annihilation and brought an end to the entire conflict.
When X of Swords came to a close, it was the Lady Saturnyne who emerged as the ultimate victor -- but the same could also be said of Apocalypse. Indeed, after millennia, the mutant was reunited with his family, and he was successful in bringing Krakoa and Arrako back together again. All it would cost was his place among mutants. That's right, Apocalypse made the ultimate sacrifice for his people, and he now has to remain far away in another dimension to ensure the peace if forever kept. Sure, he is at least accompanied by his wife and children, but he can no longer return to Earth.
X of Swords not only changed our understanding of Apocalypse, it also delivered what could be perceived as the perfect ending for the character. Of course, the event ends with the door still open: Apocalypse himself says that he will return someday, but we don't know how or when. He may yet return, be it in five weeks, five months or five years, with a new role and a new goal. But we hope it will be later rather than sooner, lest the impact of his sacrifice and victory be lessened.
X of Swords is the definitive Apocalypse story, and it works as his perfect final chapter. It's character-defining, and it transforms one of the X-Men's worst villains into one of their greatest heroes.