Marvel’s Immortal X-Men is a series that follows the inner workings of the Quiet Council of Krakoa, the ruling body of the Mutant-Nation. The newest issue expertly weaves plans within plans even as doomsday approaches for its heroes. Written by Kieron Gillen, with art by Lucas Werneck, colors by David Curiel, letters by VC’s Clayton Cowles, and design by Tom Muller and Jay Bowen, each issue switches to a new primary narrator. The series thus far has seen Destiny, Emma Frost, and others take the spotlight, but Immortal X-Men #6 brings fans the thoughts of Sebastian Shaw, one of the most devious members of the Council.
Mutantdom is at war as Marvel’s blockbuster summer event, A.X.E. Judgment Day rages on. Taking place after the events of Judgment Day #3, this issue follows the Quiet Council as they brainstorm plans to avert impending doom. Not only are the main cast confronted with destruction, but each must deal with being personally judged by The Progenitor. The new celestial god was originally designed to help mutantkind, but he may now bring about the end of the world. The Progenitor appears to everyone differently and in an especially unsettling form if it views someone unworthy.
One of Gillen’s biggest strengths as a writer is nailing the voice of seemingly every character they write, it’s been on full display throughout this series, and Issue #6 is no exception. This issue explores heavy themes with an even heavier threat looming on the horizon, but Gillen’s wit and dialogue make it a joy to read. The Council’s debates are consistently engaging, and the point-of-view commentary from Shaw adds an extra layer of intrigue. Whether someone is worthy, one of the many themes looming large over Judgment Day is explored to significant effect here. Worthiness, all a person’s good deeds stacked against the bad, how someone gets there, and what that ultimately means are questioned.
Werneck is one of the best artists currently in the industry. Clean, smooth lines, exact and emotive expressions, and bombastic action bring each page to life. People sitting around in chairs and talking is inherently a large part of this series given its premise, but Werneck prevents these conversations from ever feeling visually dull and imbues them with character and excitement. Curiel’s colors also work wonders to make the art pop. Vivid reds engulf specific pages while highlights and shadows draw attention to the right areas.
The art is always working in complete tandem with the narrative, and it helps keep the pacing on point. Clean panel lines give way to wobbles to delineate between past and present in one sequence. Subtle moves like this give the entire issue a crystal clear legibility. Cowles’ lettering is as efficient as ever. A book like this can sometimes run the risk of becoming too wordy, but Cowles effectively and neatly arranges the text on each page to bolster the pacing.
Immortal X-Men gives its cast of characters a rotating spotlight and utilizes it to phenomenal effect. The character study presented in each issue illuminates the highlighted character and the interpersonal and political machinations of the Council. Sometimes tie-in issues to major crossovers can feel disconnected or leave something to be desired, but Immortal X-Men #6 bolsters the events of Judgment Day while standing strong on its own.
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