Apocalypse crossovers: Age of Apocalypse (1995)

This is a category that the market took a long time to know how to deal with, and on which it remains inconsistent.

It is worth understanding before purchasing, as it produces considerable price differences between very similar numbers.

Age of Apocalypse (1995): a replacement, not a crossover

The event is not added to the current series: it replaces. For four months, the mutant titles are interrupted and give way to series with other names, in a world where the character has won.

This corpus highlights what is unusual about this formula. A regular crossover asks the reader to buy more; he asks him to buy something else, without the possibility of continuing to follow his usual series.

This is a considerable editorial challenge, and it explains the place that the event still occupies thirty years later.

What this does for a collector

An atypical structure: around fifteen limited series launched simultaneously, each with its own first issue.

A typical event produces one or two sought-after numbers. This produces around fifteen – all “number 1s”, all from the same month.

The first appearances of alternative versions

This is the central feature of this file, and it requires an explanation.

The event series introduce different versions of existing characters: same names, other backgrounds, other appearances. Some of these versions were later joins the main continuity and remained there.

This creates a hybrid category: a number that is not the first appearance of a character, but the first appearance of a version become independent.

The market treats this category unequally. When the alternative version lasted, its first issue was valued; when it remains confined to the event, it is not.

The useful rule is therefore:what makes the value here is not the appearance, it is the survival. A version that left the event to settle elsewhere has a key; the others only have numbers.

To aim for in collection

• The first issues of the series in which a character then moved into the main continuity.
• The opening and closing numbers of the event, the most sought after of the set.
• The limited series that remained without continuation: at the price of all comers, and they contain the essence of the story.

Previous crossovers

Before 1995, the character goes through several events in his franchise, generally in the position of a distant adversary.

These numbers belong to the second half of the 1980s, a well-preserved period: the supply in good condition is abundant, and only the high grade retains any value.

None constitute a key to his file, with the exception of his first appearances - which are in a secondary title of the franchise rather than in the main series.

Modern revivals

The 1995 event has seen several sequels and rereadings, at different times.

They all belong to very limited periods and have no value of their own. Their interest is to document something that this corpus finds remarkable:an alternative universe designed for four months became a permanent decoration of the catalog.

This is the sign of a rare editorial success, and it explains the lasting strength of this file.

Collection strategy

Distinguish the fifteen “number 1s”. They look the same, they're from the same month, and their prices differ wildly depending on whether an alternate version has survived or not. Check before buying.

Prioritize the opening and closing of the event rather than the intermediate series.

Buy non-sequel series at the price of the paper. They contain the story, they will not increase in value, and that is fine.

Only buy very high grade. 1995 belongs to the overproduction regime: the supply in new condition is abundant, and only the higher grades stand out. ⚠️ The determining defects are of origin - cutting, centering, stapling - and not of use.

As always, condition and gradation determine value; relying on real recent sales is strongly recommended.

Find the complete selection in ourkey numbers of Revelationand ourreading guide.