Comic Review: Immortal X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Kieron Gillen

Artists: Lucas Werneck & David Curiel

Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

With Inferno and X Lives / X Deaths of Wolverine behind us, it is time to properly move into the Destiny of X era of X-Men. To push the era forward, we are finally getting the opportunity to learn about the Quiet Council and the politics that influence Krakoa in Immortal X-Men. Steering our ship towards the quiet council is writer Kieron Gillen, artists Lucas Werneck and David Curiel, and letterer Clayton Cowles.

Unsurprisingly, this issue emphasizes Mr. Sinister from the get go, which is a character that Gillen sure has  knack for. Mr. Sinister has teetered along the line between genuinely scary and campy, and it feels like Gillen is the perfect writer to pull both of those out at once. Sinister acts as the vessel to recap readers on recent events, which he is perfect for since he seems to know just about everything about everyone on the Quiet Council. While this issue is heavy on recapping and exposition, all of it is presented in a way that’s entertaining even to longtime readers since it’s told in Sinister’s voice. There is even a spiffy graphic to inform readers about what secrets are known by what mutants.  The end result is an issue that is perfect for introducing new readers to the new era while refreshing those who have been along for the entire ride.

Of course, this issue isn’t all about refreshing readers. In Immortal X-Men #1, a seat on the Quiet Council suddenly opens, and the council works to find the best candidate for the job. Tons of mutants get at least a second in the spotlight here, making for some brief but entertaining moments and gags. Gillen’s great sense of humor fills the pages, making this one of the funniest X-Men books since the early days of Marauders. The pacing towards the newly elected member is quick and perfect for setting up the future of this line.

Gillen’s quip throughout the issue is perfectly matched by Lucas Werneck’s art. This isn’t an action filled book by any means, but Werneck manages to find every moment possible to visually entertain. Certain panels are made up of nothing more than a character’s expression and they were able to get a laugh out of me. For an issue that’s almost all talking, this sure is a gorgeous comic.

David Curiel is a big part of that beauty, with bright colors that breathe life into every environment. Even if the panel is just a few characters standing or sitting around each other, you can bet that the backgrounds have plenty to gawk at. The colors also efficiently set the mood of entire pages, especially during a sequence where a certain magic user made their case for the vacant seat. The climax of the first issue is particularly fantastic as both Werneck and Curiel get to draw a few pages of mayhem.

Finally, the entire visual package is once again put together by Clayton Cowles, who has been a key part of this era. Most of the lettering is simple throughout the issue and won’t be noticed, but a few strategic bold words and changes in font make all the difference in tone.

Even if it is only the first issue, Immortal X-Men already feels like a sensational addition to the Krakoa era. Gillen, Werneck, Curiel, and Cowles are all at the top of their game, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for Mr. Sinister and the rest of the council.