ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘Immortal X-Men,’ Issue #1

Immortal X-Men #1 is written by Kieron Gillen, illustrated by Lucas Werneck, colored by David Curiel, and lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles. It’s published by Marvel Comics. Following the revelations of Inferno, Krakoa’s Quiet Council has undergone an upheaval. With Magneto departing his seat on the Council, the other members attempt to find a worthy replacement and find resistance from the immortal mutant known as Selene. Not helping matters are the machinations of Sinister, who has knowledge of secrets that could bring everything Krakoa has built toppling down.

Gillen is the perfect fit for this title, having previously written the X-Men and even pit them against Sinister. He wastes no time in shaking things up with Magneto’s departure and how that upends the balance of the Council. Gillen also brings the same sense of character dynamics that permeates his fellow Marvel title Eternals and his creator-owned work including Image Comics’ Die and BOOM! Studios’ Once & Future.

Sinister’s plans are threatened by Destiny’s ability to see the future, Emma Frost and Magneto are at an impasse following Inferno‘s fallout, and Selene does not take too kindly to being passed over for membership in the Council. When discussing his influences for Immortal X-Men, Gillen brought up Succession and I can see where he’s coming from. There are plenty of betrayals and secret agendas among the Council to rival the Roy family, and this is just the first issue.

Joining Gillen on art duties is Werneck, who officially entered the X-Men’s world with The Trial of Magneto. This time around, he’s on a title that has a stronger story and is definitely worthy of his artwork; it’s great seeing his take on the various mutants that inhabit Krakoa, from X-Corp‘s Angel and Monet to Cypher to the various members of the Council. And lifting from his work on The Trial of Magneto, Werneck also gets to draw yet another massive monster attacking Krakoa.

The opening in particular is guaranteed to hook readers, as it features Sinister and Destiny encountering each other during the aftermath of World War I. Not only does this scene fit into the “Immortal” title—both Sinister and Destiny have had very long lives—but it also serves as a play on the meeting of Moira MacTaggert and Professor X in Powers of X, which only continues to showcase Jonathan Hickman’s lasting impact on the X-Men franchise.

Topping off the artwork is Curiel on colors, and he highlights how every mutant stands out with their clothing choices. Both Magneto and Emma wear different shades of white, with the Master of Magnetism’s darker white cape and helmet serving as a symbol of the secrets that cost him his position on the Council. In contrast, Sinister and Selene wear jet-black capes with red accents sprinkled throughout their clothing. And finally, Cowles’ lettering adds some dark humor to the proceedings, as each character is accompanied by a caption box featuring Sinister’s thoughts on them.

Immortal X-Men #1 launches the Second Age of Krakoa by exploring the upheaval in the Quiet Council and how it may affect the mutant nation. Between this title and X Lives of Wolverine/X Deaths of Wolverine, Marvel’s mighty mutants continue to flourish. I’m definitely looking forward to future issues, as well as Gillen’s work on the upcoming Avengers/X-Men/Eternals crossover Judgement Day.

Immortal X-Men #1 will be available wherever comics are sold on March 30, 2022.