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Immortal X-Men #5
Marvel Comics

Comic Books

‘Immortal X-Men’ #5 gives Exodus his day in the sun

Gillen’s Immortal X-Men has been a treat so far because of how he works with such a complicated cast.

When Immortal X-Men was announced, most people were instantly excited. A book about Krakoa’s Quiet Council was interesting for a plethora of reasons, one of which being that the roster was stacked with fan favorites. Mystique, Nightcrawler, Emma Frost, Kate Pryde — but can anyone really say Exodus was among those favorites?

Personally, I’ve read quite a few X-Men runs over the years, having been obsessed with the series for over 10 years now. While I wasn’t unfamiliar with the character of Exodus, I can’t say I cared about him at all either. Even in the early days of House of X/Powers of X I found myself surprised at Exodus’s prominence in the lineup. With Immortal X-Men #5, however, Kieron Gillen and Michele Bandini deliver what may just be the Exodus story, creating a compelling narrative with a character many were apathetic to.

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Certain parts of Exodus’s story we’d known for a while now, but Gillen delivers it in such a compelling way with his writing. The inner monologue in this issue is simply fascinating to read and it feels like the first real, authentic look at Exodus we’ve ever gotten. It certainly is for the Krakoa era, if nothing else.

This issue isn’t just “the one narrated by Exodus”, either – it’s crucial Judgment Day action. By making Exodus’ issue the one tasked with Judgment Day set up, Gillen sets up a really fascinating story that feels true to the character he’s chosen to dissect this time. For Exodus, the events of AXE are another holy war and he’s just doing what he does best by drawing his sword to fight. Gillen weaves the two parts of this book together so nicely, telling Bennet’s story while also providing a lot of Judgment Day goodness.

'Immortal X-Men' #5 gives Exodus his day in the sun

Marvel Comics

Bandini’s pencils are great in this issue, feeling cinematic in ways at times. The over-the-shoulder shot of Apocalypse and Bennet with Apocalypse being the “devil on his shoulder” is excellent visual storytelling. Exodus standing in front of the dragon felt like a shot out of a movie, really driving home the point of what kind of warrior Bennet is.

Gillen’s Immortal has been a treat so far because of how he works with such a complicated cast. No, not everyone on the Quiet Council is a good person, but the text knows that and that’s part of what makes it shine. The characters in this book don’t even trust each other but they know they better make it work with everything that’s on the line — that’s good drama and one hell of a dynamic. Yes, he can write fan faves like Emma Frost well, but the Gillen also knows how to write characters we’re not supposed to like — and he’s gonna tell one hell of a story while doing it.

The setup for the event’s future issues is downright tantalizing, and at this point, I don’t know if I’m more hyped to read Immortal X-Men #6 or the next chapter in Judgment Day’s saga. Gillen knows exactly what he wants to do with these characters and it makes Immortal X-Men such a fun ride every month. Bandini’s pencils bring the issue to life, perfectly encapsulating the themes and feelings Gillen’s words convey.

Immortal X-Men #5
‘Immortal X-Men’ #5 gives Exodus his day in the sun
Immortal X-Men #5
The setup for the event's future issues is downright tantalizing, and at this point, I don't know if I'm more hyped to read Immortal X-Men #6 or the next chapter in Judgment Day's saga. Gillen knows exactly what he wants to do with these characters and it makes Immortal X-Men such a fun ride every month. Bandini's pencils bring the issue to life, perfectly encapsulating the themes and feelings Gillen's words convey.
Reader Rating1 Vote
8.3
Gillen writes a really interesting Exodus
Gillen works very well with a cast of characters who have shady morals
The Judgment Day bits are really interesting
Bandini's pencils complement Gillen's script very well
8
Good
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