By Rebecca Gault — I have been familiar with writer Kieron Gillen’s work for a while now and it’s an experience I have always enjoyed; I’m naturally predisposed to enjoying his writing style. It’s no surprise to me that Immortal X-Men #1 scratches that itch in a way that feels ideal.

Framing this issue through Sinister’s point of view is a notably great approach. Gillen’s writing gets a real chance to shine here; irreverent and whip-smart with a distinctive voice that is comfortingly familiar to anyone who has read his work. This means he writes an absolutely delightful Sinister. He’s over the top and dramatic while still having a distinct sense of menace; if only from his sheer disconnect from the horrific things he gets up to over the course of a single issue.

Yet, it becomes clear that Sinister’s greatest trapping is his own sense of arrogance and superiority. When you think you’re the smartest one in the room, it’s easy to underestimate those you see as lesser. Sinister learns that quickly. Gillen has mentioned many political dramas when citing his inspiration for Immortal X-Men; notably Succession and The West Wing. That shows here. The issue is drenched in betrayal and secrets, something that has come to be characteristic of the Quiet Council.

The issue seems to be setting up a chess match between Sinister and Destiny; two of the major power players to Sinister’s mind. However, there are other machinations at play that he has underestimated. One of these comes in the form of Hope Summers - desiring more than what she is being given in terms of a voice on Krakoa — and the other comes in the form of Selene herself — convinced that her own immortality and age gives her the edge when it comes to a Council seat. It’s anyone’s guess as to what the correct move is. Sinister certainly knows what he believes it is.

Joining Gillen on this issue is Lucas Werneck, an artist who truly makes the X-Men look incredible; even getting a chance to draw recent X-Corp members like Angel in a panel that will no doubt circulate Twitter faster than you can blink. There’s a brief action set piece at the very end that will serve to please anyone who enjoyed his work on Trial of Magneto too, lifting certain cues from that mini.

David Curiel’s colors do a lot in the way of effective storytelling; Emma covered in her signature white, Magneto favoring grayer shades to indicate his own perceived moral quandaries, and Selene and Sinister in imposing blacks and reds. It’s an excellent way to set up a spectrum of characterization here and one that uses the medium to great effect. Clayton Cowles’ lettering here is also excellent, adding some very fun humor as Sinister interjects his own opinions on everyone as they speak; often complete with his signature red diamond.

Overall, this issue serves as a strong starting point for the X-line’s new era, the aptly named Destiny of X. The events of Inferno and X Lives Of Wolverine/X Deaths of Wolverine have shaken the very foundations of Krakoa and it only makes sense that the council will be in disarray in the wake of such betrayals. It does, however, beg one question; who will fill the power vacuum left behind? If Sinister has anything to say about it, Krakoa might just be in trouble…

Overall: An excellent first issue of the newest X book, bolstered by Gillen’s whip-smart and darkly humorous writing. No one’s sinister secrets can be safe in this place. 9.5/10

REVIEW: Immortal X-Men #1

Immortal X-Men #1
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Lucas Werneck
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics
IN THE QUIET COUNCIL, NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM!
The Quiet Council rules the Krakoan age, for better... or worse. Now, shaken by INFERNO and X LIVES / X DEATHS OF WOLVERINE they strive to hold together, no matter how much they want to tear each other apart. Writer Kieron Gillen (UNCANNY X-MEN, ETERNALS, The Wicked + The Divine, Die) returns to the world of X with artist Lucas Werneck (TRIAL OF MAGNETO) to bring us all into the room where it happens. "It" being "the most powerful people on Earth deciding the fate of the whole planet." Prepare for sinister secrets to be revealed and learn that some secrets are more sinister than others...
Price: $5.99
Buy Immortal X-Men #1: Digital / Physical

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Rebecca is a literature student by day, a freelance writer by night, and a comics fan always. She is a big fan of everything superheroic and horrific. Right now, she can be found on Twitter at @phoenixfcrce.