Legendary Artist Joe Madureira Returns To Marvel Comics For Must-See X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE Variant Covers

Legendary Artist Joe Madureira Returns To Marvel Comics For Must-See X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE Variant Covers

Marvel Comics has announced that legendary artist Joe Madureira is making his Marvel Comics return for this September's X-Men of Apocalypse, and we have the first of his variant covers for you today...

By JoshWilding - Jun 08, 2025 06:06 AM EST
Filed Under: Marvel Comics

Age of Apocalypse, the revolutionary '90s X-Men crossover, is reborn this September in X-Men of Apocalypse, a six-part event series from writer Jeph Loeb, one of the architects behind the original event, and Eisner-nominated artist Simone Di Meo.

Today, Marvel Comics has announced that Joe Madureira, another superstar creator who brought Age of Apocalypse to life, will illustrate a variant cover for each issue.

Madureira transformed the look of the X-Books throughout the '90s with his distinct and innovative art style. Now, the highly influential artist returns to the franchise for the first time in decades with glorious depictions of the very characters he defined: the iconic X-Men of the Age of Apocalypse.

"I am beyond excited to be dipping back into this corner of the X-Men universe," Madureira shared. "I was literally a kid when I drew the Astonishing X-Men—it feels like several lifetimes ago, and I want to bring something new to these characters on my covers. Hopefully I can do justice to Simone’s incredible, explosive pages!"

"I met Joe Mad during the original 1995 Age of Apocalypse," Loeb added. "His style and storytelling brought a revolutionary look that is still influential today. When Marvel and I first started talking about this project there was no way we couldn't ask Joe to do his distinctive, incredible covers (pencils, inks, colors) to the book."

"We were so thrilled when he said 'Yes!' I should point out that despite our friendship/partnership and overlooking his role in designing these characters, his real reason for joining was he's a huge fan of Simone Di Meo! Uncanny!" the writer concluded. 

Taking place in the direct aftermath of the original crossover's explosive finale, X-Men of Apocalypse reignites the mission of this iconic reality's X-Men as they journey here to ensure their universe’s survival. This desperate mission will take them into the main Marvel Universe, where they will come into conflict with their classic counterparts, forever impacting both teams' destinies. 

You can see Madureira's cover below. Hot Toys recently revealed a 1/6th scale figure based on the version of this costume worn by Hugh Jackman in Deadpool & Wolverine. Check it out here

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THE X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE CRASH INTO THE MAIN MARVEL UNIVERSE! A dystopian future created when Charles Xavier was killed in a tragic time-travel accident, AGE OF APOCALYPSE is home to a wartorn group of X-Men led by Magneto. In order to free their Earth from Apocalypse's cruel reign, they were willing to sacrifice their very existence—or so they thought! The main timeline was restored, Apocalypse was defeated, but their world lived on!

X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE ALPHA #1
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and Cover by SIMONE DI MEO
Variant Cover by JOE MADUREIRA
On Sale 9/3

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KennKathleen
KennKathleen - 6/8/2025, 6:47 AM
User Comment Image
epc1122
epc1122 - 6/8/2025, 6:48 AM
@KennKathleen - was never a huge fan of his art but I’m pretty sure he’s popular snd has his fans so that’s good to see 😊
KennKathleen
KennKathleen - 6/8/2025, 8:39 AM
@epc1122 - He has a definitive style. Somewhere between exaggerated american comic book artwork and conservative manga.

I wasn't a huge fan either, but his style solidified an era. I can see Marrow & Maggot in my mind as I write this lol. I also think of an issue where the X-Men played baseball (could be the same book). Good times.
epc1122
epc1122 - 6/8/2025, 8:42 AM
@KennKathleen - I know this artist has a fan base and I like some of his art but I’m not a huge manga fan. Are you looking forward to his return to X-men?
KennKathleen
KennKathleen - 6/8/2025, 9:00 AM
@epc1122 - I'm interested, with generous sprinkles of optimism.
epc1122
epc1122 - 6/8/2025, 9:04 AM
@KennKathleen - that’s good. Hope you enjoy 😉
Clintthahamster
Clintthahamster - 6/8/2025, 8:01 AM
I remember loving is work on Excalibur in the early 90s, he was clearly influenced by a lot of my favorites at the time. Good to see he's still working.
ObserverIO
ObserverIO - 6/8/2025, 8:24 AM
Loeb and Mad? Noooiiicccceeee!
dragon316
dragon316 - 6/8/2025, 9:54 AM
How many times marvel taking past comics reboot remake them into something new? Age of apocalypse is one of them same with Phoenix agin and again
Ghoul
Ghoul - 6/8/2025, 10:17 AM
Love his stuff featured in PSM, old as hell PlayStation magazine that was legit back in the mid to late 90s! He did amazing covers for legacy of Cain, resident evil 2, and like final fantasy x. Epic covers back then at least! Anyone else? Banzai Chibi Chan??

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