Throughout the first five issues of X-Factor, Marvel writer Bob Layton had been dropping hints regarding a villain operating behind the scenes and leading the villainous team known as The Alliance Of Evil. Layton's intention was to reveal this character to be the very underwhelming Daredevil villain Owl on the final page of X-Factor #5 - which would probably have scuppered the very creation and existence of Apocalypse. Thankfully, however, the editor - Bob Harras - wanted a new villain to be introduced in the role of Alliance of Evil leader instead. Layton was then relieved of his role of contributing to the book and replaced by another writer - Louise Simonson - who imagined the character of Apocalypse and had artist Jackson Guice design him instead. The final page of X-Factor #5 went on to reveal the monstrous Apocalypse as master of the Alliance of Evil instead and the rest is history.
