Immortal X-Men #11: Mistakes Were Made

Once again, Gillen’s mastery of character has elevated this already interesting story to levels of psychological depth and realism that are unmatched within the industry. Storm is perhaps one of the most self-aware (and self-possessed) figures in the X-Men mythos, and that’s a facet of her character that Gillen puts to brilliant use here, as she effectively runs two struggling countries by herself.

Of course, self-awareness doesn’t mean ‘totally free of personal blindspots’ or the ability to extricate a person from their own problems with task delegation. When one is stretched thin and running two countries, those blindspots can lead to serious mistakes.

There’s an underexplored variety of plots in fiction in which tragedy originates from the actions of a good and moral person who is genuinely trying their best in a difficult situation. Maria Doria Russell’s phenomenal sci-fi novel The Sparrow is possibly the best example of this genre. Still, this issue of Immortal X-Men is nipping at its heels as we watch the tattered edge of a potentially catastrophic political unraveling.

As for the rest of the book, the four excised council members are tested and found wanting — either by Storm or by their broken hearts — and a person who absolutely shouldn’t be within ten thousand miles of power was handed entirely too much of it. Suffice it to say the upcoming Hellfire Gala is going to be LIT.

Lucas Werneck’s art is, as usual, astonishing. He renders a phenomenal, very human Goddess. Every line of her face and subtle expression is perfectly placed on the page. David Curiel’s colors support the line work without ever overwhelming the delicious subtitles of the acting. It is amazing work.