The X-Men barely managed to survive the fallout created by Nathaniel Essex’s false reality called “Sins of Sinister.” The X-Men’s fears are from from over as the mysterious “Fall of X” is looming large over the franchise. Several Sinister clones are now lurking within The Marvel Universe. The previous X-Men story called “Judgment Day” left a mark on Storm’s current home, Arakko. Storm also holds an important seat in the X-Men’s governing body known as The Quiet Council. Thanks to a mysterious Sins of Sinister plot thread, Rasputin IV is returning to the Marvel Universe. Will Storm be able to adapt to the shifting political climate and fallout from Sins of Sinister?
Cover by Mark BrooksWritten by Kieron Gillen
Illustrated by Lucas Werneck
Colored by David Curiel
Lettered by VC’s Clayton CowlesSTORM OF TWO WORLDS! Sins of Sinister is over…but the sins fallout remains. Storm can’t believe what everyone has done. But when the fate of two worlds rests in her hands, what can she do about it?
“Immortal X-Men” has always featured fascinating characterization and issue #11’s captions for Storm depict some of her harsh feelings towards Professor Xavier. These elements of characterization add depth to Storm. Storm uses reasoning to oppose Xavier in fascinating ways throughout the tale. Storm’s conversations with Destiny reveal Irene’s frayed moral compass in shocking depth. It was fascinating to hear how Destiny rationalizes keeping so many secrets from the X-Men. Destiny’s allegiances are twisted in so many different directions that the X-Men must find it difficult to trust her. Destiny’s mysterious nature and obtuse way of speaking add mystery to her character. Storm’s line of questioning with Destiny opens questions and answers regarding her involvement in “Sins of Sinister.” Author Kieron Gillen is able to make an incredibly strong point towards the end of the chapter with Storm and Emma Frost. Storm’s attitude in the issue comes off as so confident that it is almost missing a finer subtext. Frost preys on Storm’s cocky outlook and ends up getting the upper hand. Gillen writes these characters with so much nuance throughout “Immortal X-Men” #11.
Mystique’s encounter with Mother Righteous feels like it is going to be redundant and violent but turns out to be a fascinating moment. Gillen has begun to contextualize key moments in Sins of Sinister differently throughout “Immortal X-Men #11.” Gillen pays so much attention to detail when he is calling back scenes from previous issues to deepen the narrative. The plot thread between Exodus and Hope is utilized to add comedic relief towards the issue. With the tense pages of “Sins of Sinister” lingering over the characters, I appreciate the relief that Gillen implemented into the issue.
Lucas Werneck’s malleable line manages to capture the fluid movement of the X-Men well. The first panel in the issue contains so much depth with characters in the background and foreground. Werneck’s curvy line makes the tendrils of Krakoa even seem threatening. Werneck manages to capture tense facial expressions for Storm showing how she feels about the situation. Werneck’s confident expressions make Mother Righteous appear incredibly foreboding in her appearances in the issue. The reflections and deadpan expressions from Destiny’s mask are fascinatingly depicted in the story. Werneck uses unconventional and fascinating page designs in the issue. There are so many great uses of negative space and panel bleeds in the story. The first and second page each utilize negative space for the backgrounds of characters.
Colorist David Curiel brings out great elements in the story. When Hope and Exodus are battling, Curiel’s hues make the battle feel even more climatic. The colors and depiction of the Krakoa-based technology to cleanse the Sinister influence was mesmerizing to look at. The curved lines and bright pink ball in the center are incredibly fascinating from a visual perspective on Forge’s Krakoa machine. Curiel’s colors blend all the white hues in the scene with Mystique and Mother Righteous adding up to a fascinating page design. The last page of the issue is an exciting twist from a visual and narrative perspective. Werneck drew the mysterious character with tons of detail. Narratively, the last page of “Immortal X-Men” #11 gives way to a fascinating plot reveal that appears to effect future issues of the series. Sebastian Shaw’s brief conversation with Mother Righteous was filled with intrigue about the current status of The Quiet Council. The way Gillen inverts plot elements so frequently regarding the council’s vote is an interesting way to reintroduce the political themes in the story.
Overall, “Immortal X-Men” #11 manages to reshuffle the X-Men’s timeline with a renewed sense of purpose. “Immortal X-Men” #11 utilized a key plot point to alter the status quo of The Quiet Council with the appropriate level of fallout from Sins of Sinister. Gillen seamlessly implements countless plot threads from the “Sins of Sinister” storyline and forces the X-Men to directly confront their behavior throughout the story. Storm’s heated characterization lent so much personality to “Immortal X-Men” #11. Storm’s tense conversation with Emma revealed a hidden truth to Storm. Storm’s exchanges with Destiny also show Gillen’s careful attention to the plotting. The moment with Mystique and Mother Righteous tease serious implications that could threaten Mystique and Destiny’s relationship.
Final Verdict: 8.7 – “Immortal X-Men” #11 features adept characterization and hints at greater consequences for Sins of Sinister.
