Exceptional X-Men is my favorite “From the Ashes” era X-Men title. It captures the DNA of the original concept behind the team by featuring brand-new mutants still trying to get a handle on their powers, capturing the teen angst and the concept of feeling out of touch with the world. Spearheaded by Kitty Pryde and Emma Frost, the series also takes the angle of training kids for war at a time when the world truly hates them. In Exceptional X-Men #4, the training seems to be working for Bronze, while Iceman throws a wrench in the good-time feel of the team.
Exceptional X-Men #4 is very much Bronze’s issue to shine. Melee and Axo don’t get as much focus, although they do get to pop in with good dialogue. Eve L. Ewing opens the issue with Carmen Carenro in Bronze’s high school. She may have amazing powers, but she’s also stressed out about getting into the school play. She wants to be something more or something else, and she also wants to get closer to a boy she likes. Can you get any more quintessential teen drama?!
Meanwhile, with a nice jolt of action, Bronze is trying to control her powers better, thanks to Emma’s ability to create a Danger Room of the mind. While Bronze is trying to control her powers, her mind is elsewhere, further cementing the teen drama of it all.
Mutants have it tough.
Credit: Marvel
Meanwhile, Iceman shows up and is really weird. Kitty isn’t comfortable with him around, in part because she’s trying to shed her X-Men connections post-Krakoa era. Ewing does a good job explaining why she’d want to get away, while Iceman’s behavior has a satisfying explanation as well. These elements organically lead to the cliffhanger, further complicating the team that Emma and Kitty are trying to support and grow.
Carnero’s art continues to be a major highlight of the book. The teen drama is alive and well thanks to her expressions and the deeply relatable moments Bronze is going through. Iceman is particularly fun to look at in the issue as he has an animated body language while putting up a front of his own. The fact that this issue is largely a character drama, but we get two intense action moments, is a testament to Carnero’s ability to use impactful action in short scenes.
Exceptional X-Men #4 continues to excel at capturing the emotional and thematic core of the X-Men mythos, focusing on Bronze’s relatable struggles while weaving in the complexities of team dynamics and post-Krakoa tensions. Eve L. Ewing and Carmen Carnero craft a character-driven narrative that balances introspection with brief, impactful action. While some supporting characters take a backseat, the issue thrives on its heartfelt storytelling and vibrant artwork, making it a standout in the “From the Ashes” era.
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