REVIEW: ‘Immortal X-Men’, Issue #5

Immortal X-Men #5 is written by Kieron Gillen, illustrated by Michele Bandini, colored by David Curiel, and lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles. It’s published by Marvel Comics. “Meditations on the X” turns its focus on Bennet du Paris, better known as the faith-powered mutant Exodus. As Exodus reflects on his long life and faith in Krakoa, the events of Judgement Day put his faith to the test,  especially when he, Emma Frost, and Hope Summers launch a telepathic assault on the Eternals’ Uni-Mind.

Of all the members of the Quiet Council, Exodus has been the one who hasn’t gotten much focus. Immortal X-Men #2 somewhat attempted to address this, but this issue is the first time he’s stepped into the spotlight. And in the same way that Immortal X-Men #2 explored what Hope Summers was beyond “the messiah of the human race,” Gillen opts to look at what Exodus’ faith means to him—and not just in the scope of his powers. He also reveals that Exodus has encountered the Eternals before, which should prove to be interesting fodder for future issues of Judgement Day. 

Faith is a funny thing. People have done great or terrible things in the name of what they believe, and that’s no different with Exodus. But Gillen wisely hones in on a certain fact that folks forget: faith can shift based on your experiences. Throughout the issue, it’s revealed that Exodus’ faith has shifted—first from God, then to Apocalypse, and finally in Krakoa. It’s this belief that makes him dangerous, as it literally supercharges his powers and makes him a match for any Eternal. But more than that, a believer isn’t the type of person you can reason with,  and that might make Exodus the wrench in the Eternals’ grand design.

As befitting for a book discussing faith, Bandini and Curiel pack the book full of imagery that alludes to the Bible, as well as Exodus’ past life as a Knight Templar. In the opening pages, Exodus is shown walking the desert, and like Moses he encounters a sign. However, in lieu of a burning bush there’s the Phoenix, the bright orange flames that compose its body swirling around him. Later, when Exodus battles with the Uni-Mind, he recontextualizes it as a massive dragon, its heads spitting and snarling at him as its blood red eyes fixate with hate. And in the coolest part of the issue, one page features the Uni-Mind as a mass of ones and zeros thanks to Cowles, with Exodus’ psyche “breaking through” the digital barrier. 

If there’s one issue, it’s that the Judgement Day elements don’t kick in until the back half of the story. Most tie-in issues usually go deeper into a certain element of the main story during an event series, and this could have used more of that. Perhaps Gillen is holding off, as he’s said that Exodus is one of the major players in Judgement Day.

Immortal X-Men #5 explores faith and what one is willing to do in the name of it through Exodus’ eyes, as Judgement Day rages on. So far, between this series and X-Men Red, Marvel has been knocking it out of the park with Judgement Day tie-ins. Let’s hope that continues with future issues.

Immortal X-Men #5 is available wherever comics are sold.