X-Men '97: Season Two #3 — Steve Foxe and Salva Espin bring the chaos to Madripoor

The X-Force squad has landed in Madripoor, hunting Pestilence and the rest of Apocalypse's Four Horsemen. With Salva Espin’s art and Steve Foxe’s writing, this issue drops you right into the thick of a battle that threatens to spiral far beyond a simple rescue mission.

There is something immediately gripping about taking your favorite animated heroes and dropping them into a setting as gritty and morally ambiguous as Madripoor. X-Men '97 has always balanced that nostalgic warmth with genuine stakes, and this latest chapter leans hard into the danger. Steve Foxe’s script here doesn’t just give the team a place to fight; it gives them a place where the rules of engagement are completely rewritten.

The setup is deceptively straightforward on the surface: X-Force has touched down in the island nation to apprehend Pestilence, one of the Four Horsemen serving Apocalypse. But if you know anything about Apocalypse’s methods, you know that catching a Horseman is rarely the end of the story. The solicit hints at a deeper threat unraveling as the battle peaks, suggesting that the real enemy might be standing just behind the lines.

Salva Espin’s artwork is doing a tremendous amount of heavy lifting here. He captures the kinetic energy of the X-Men without losing the distinct character designs that made the original series so beloved. The contrast between the team’s familiar dynamics and the surreal, violent landscape of Madripoor creates a visual tension that pulls you through every panel. It feels less like a cartoon adaptation and more like a high-stakes action thriller.

I’m particularly drawn to how this issue handles the team dynamics under pressure. Cable is trying to rally the squad, but the looming shadow of Apocalypse suggests that their usual tactics might not be enough. It’s a compelling look at leadership and trust when the stakes are existential. If you’ve been following the series’ evolution, this feels like a pivotal moment where the characters are forced to adapt or break.

For those who love the lore, the presence of the Four Horsemen is always a event. Seeing how Foxe and Espin interpret these villains adds a fresh layer to the mythology. It’s a great time to jump in if you’ve been on the fence, as the momentum of this arc seems to be building toward something significant. These issues move quickly, so if you want to experience the ride, now is the time.