X-Men: Apocalypse - 10 Things From The Comics That Could Feature
10. The Legacy Virus
The Legacy Virus first premiered in the wake of X-Cutioners Song, a story in the 90s that featured a crossover between the two main X-Men titles as well as X-Force and X-Factor. The Legacy Virus was created by Stryfe, a terrorist who was a clone of cable and a time traveller from 2000 years in the future (a future ruled by Apocalypse). The virus was released after Stryfes (apparent) death, a plague that infected mutants by targeting their x-factor gene. An infected mutant would eventually lose control over their powers, and Stryfes goal was that this would trigger a species war between humans and mutants. Inspired by the AIDS scare, the Legacy Virus was a background element in the X-Men comics for nearly a decade and claimed numerous victims, including Pyro, the original Mastermind, and Colossus sister, Illyana Rasputin/Magik. The idea of a plague that targets mutants fits right in with Apocalypses goals to ensure that only the strong survive. In the comics, Stryfe did base the virus on a similar virus created by Apocalypse in the future. And when the concept was loosely adapted in the 90s X-Men animated series, it was Apocalypse who created it.
Percival Constantine is the author of several novels and short stories, including the Vanguard superhero series, and regularly writes and comments on movies, comics, and other pop culture. More information can be found at his website, PercivalConstantine.com
