Apocalypse vs the Elders of the Universe and In-Betweener
OK, this is like a "What If..?" where Apocalypse learns of the Infinity Gems before Thanos and decides to undertake the Thanos quest himself:
1) Soul gem: the In-Betweener
2) Power gem: Champion of the Universe
3) Time Gem: the Gardener
4) Space gem: the Runner
5) Reality gem: the Collector
6) Mind gem: the Grandmaster
He has all his resources available, including Ship to get him around. He doesn't have to defeat everyone, like Thanos he can rely on trickery and/or his opponent's stupidity to get the gems.
Can Apocalypse achieve what Thanos did and become the supreme being?
That might give away what he is doing to potential enemies, and allow them time to draw up forces to stop him. And there are some powerful beings out in the cosmos of the MU that Apoc may not like knocking on the door of his lab...
I think Apocalypse is capable. I think he'd start with the Time Gem and then the Reality gem to ease the later acquisitions. If Nur is anything it's patient.
not really, apocalypse is a "master string puller".
and besides, if apocalypse even acquires one gem, really doesn't matter which one, he'll be even harder to pin down let alone fight.
thanos was being watched by all the elders anyway after he got the first one. it was the grandmaster's scheme to fight him last so he could wager for the whole set.