Exceptional X-Men has been one of the best comics at capturing the teen angst of being a mutant. In Exceptional X-Men #6, Axo takes central focus as the team continues to feel out of their relationship with leaders Kitty Pryde and Emma Frost. Like any teens, Axo, Melee, and Bronze need jobs, but what they get involved in may break them apart.
Exceptional X-Men #6 opens with the team practicing with Iceman. He’s sending shards their way and we see in an efficient page the new mutants are working together well. Soon they’re breaking bread, so to speak, and setting boundaries with their teachers. It’s a reminder writer Eve Ewing is elevating the emotional growth of these characters far past most superhero comics these days.
The central focus of this issue is an internship the three new mutants get. That internship involves helping a mutant named Sheldon Xenos with his company, which involves people giving him a DNA sample. The concept is compelling, albeit suspect, since it requires people to trust him with their private DNA information. While Bronze and Melee are strictly against helping him, Axo isn’t so sure.
Iceman ruins those chips!
Credit: Marvel
From there, the issue delves into Axo’s life with his parents, with good writing that shows him as just a kid trying to figure things out. Tensions rise when he defends Sheldon, which is largely due to Axo’s insecurity about his red eyes and green skin. He can’t pass as a non-mutant, and that is largely influencing.
Also influencing him is a a scene where Axo gets to use his powers to defend himself and protect Sheldon. It all builds towards a cliffhanger that should enlighten the next issue.
While Bronze and Melee are largely absent from a character standpoint, Kitty gets some time to shine. Emma also gets in a quip or two, although Kitty’s date is far more involved in growing her character. Kitty continues to walk a line between wanting what’s normal and living in a world where she teaches mutants how to best use their powers. In our chaotic world, it’s relatable how balancing things can seem impossible.
Carmen Carnero makes up for the lack of focus on Bronze and Melee with good facial expressions, no matter the scene. Emma is a highlight in the facial expression department, while Axo’s torment and Kitty’s joy in being with her girlfriend are also highlights. The scene where Axo defends himself is particularly well done, rendered in a double-page layout that feels chaotic like a mugging would. Little gags, like Iceman freezing Axo’s bag of chips and ending up with it, add to the dynamics.
Exceptional X-Men #6 excels in its emotional depth, capturing the struggles of teenage mutants with nuance and realism. Eve Ewing continues to craft compelling character-driven storytelling, balancing mutant identity, personal growth, and moral dilemmas. While some supporting characters take a backseat, Axo’s journey is heartfelt and engaging, setting up an intriguing conflict for the next issue.
You must be logged in to post a comment.