The new Disney+ series’ “Fire Made Flesh” episode introduced new audiences to some never-before-seen mutants that the fandom of old is all too well acquainted with. We’re talking about the Goblin Queen, aka Madelyne Pryor, Mr. Sinister, and Forge — with whom Storm has a romantic relationship later in the comics. But the episode ended on a disheartening note because both Madlyn Pryor and Cyclops sent their son into the future with Bishop in hopes of finding a cure for the Techno-Organic Virus Nathan was infected with.
The introduction to the Techno-Organic Virus (which originates in time travel) also sets the stage for an on-screen appearance of one of the most powerful X-Men villains of all time: the almighty En Sabah Nur, also known as Apocalypse. This won’t be the first time the X-Men have faced Apocalypse in the animated series; X-Men ’97 is a direct continuation of X-Men: The Animated Series (TAS), which featured Apocalypse as an overarching antagonist of the show. In fact, Logan even mentions him in X-Men ’97 Episode 2, titled “Mutant Liberation Begins.”
But how does the Techno-Organic Virus (T-O virus) relate to one of the most powerful villains? Well, Apocalypse had a hand in creating the virus, or at least the strand of the virus as we know it from the comics. The main variant of the virus, known as the Transmode Virus, is a Class X Pathogen used by the Technarchy to turn other entities into techno-organic beings and feed upon their energy. The virus was brought to Earth through various means in different story arcs. For example, in one narrative arch, Warlock brings the virus to Earth when he attempts to join the New Mutants.
Regardless, Apocalypse’s relationship with the Techno-Organic Virus is multifaceted and pivotal in various storylines. His story with the virus began sometime around the 12th century BC when Apocalypse came into the possession of an ancient Celestial transport ship, but shortly after taking the Ship, Apocalypse and his Riders of the Dark were constantly attacked by a young warrior with a sword and shield, calling himself the Traveler, who himself was infected with the Techno-Organic Virus.
During an altercation, the Traveler actually shot Apocalypse in the head and left, having defeated the mutant. However, what he didn’t expect was for his blood to mix with that of the ancient mutant. So, when Ozymandias, one of Apocalypse’s faithful servants, returns Apocalypse’s body to the alien Ship, the first mutant is not only healed but also suddenly able to communicate with the sentient Ship and understand its technology. Apocalypse then used this technology to further transform and enhance himself, becoming one of the most powerful beings who had ever lived.
Furthermore, his enhancements allowed Apocalypse to integrate the TO Virus into his mutant physiology. This is thanks to his control over the molecular structure of his body, granting him the ability to manipulate both organics and inorganics in the form of tech. However, power isn’t without its costs. After gaining so much of it, Apocalypse would soon have to take prolonged periods of hibernation in the Ship to refuel his powers. Fast-forward to the 19th century, after being awoken from centuries of hibernation by the Marauders, Apocalypse orders them to take him to their leader, Dr. Nathaniel Essex, whom he later turned into Mr. Sinister.
But Mister Sinister rebels against Apocalypse and had gone to great lengths to free himself of the tyrant. Centuries later, Sinister realizes that the combined genes of Scott Summers and Jean Grey would create a mutant of unparalleled power who would be capable of destroying Apocalypse. So, the immortal mutant created a clone of Jean Grey with the plan to produce a child from the union of Madelyne and Scott, to finally rid him and the world of Apocalypse. Unfortunately, Nathan’s power is so great that it actually woke Apocalypse from hibernation upon birth.
This sets up Apocalypse’s on-screen appearance in X-Men ’97 quite nicely, and we do see Sinister infecting Nathan with a Techno-Organic virus while also shouting words of warning about the X-Men dooming the child when they came to his rescue. Was he boosting Nathan’s powers so that the mutant could finally rid the world of Apocalypse? Whatever the case may be, young Nathan will grow up to become known as Cable and decide one day to take up the name Traveler, go back in time, and destroy Apocalypse before he comes into power.
Thus, the story of the Techno-Organic Virus comes full circle, with the very same man who sought to stop Apocalypse ending up delivering him the tools of his own ascension. Some storylines within the comics state that it was Apocalypse, and not Sinister, who purposefully infected Nathan so that the Traveler could deliver the Virus to Apocalypse in the first place. While the T-O Virus had horrible effects on Cable, leading to a lifelong struggle for the future freedom fighter, Apocalypse thrived.
His complete mastery over the Techno-Organic Virus, aided by Celestial technology and his own innate powers, grants Apocalypse unparalleled powers to take over technology and enhance other mutants with Techno-Organics, like when he transformed Angel into Archangel. Furthermore, despite his villainous nature, Apocalypse used his mastery over the T-O Virus to cure Professor Xavier, likely seeing value in having him alive during his conflict with the mutant Stryfe.
Considering that he’s one of the most powerful villains in the franchise, it’s not really a matter of “if” but rather of “when” Apocalypse makes his on-screen appearance, and the introduction of the Techno-Organic virus in X-Men ’97, and Nathan Summer’s exposure to the virus create a perfect stage for Apocalypse to appear.