A blast from the past! Come check out Mystique and Destiny in 1895 London as they explore the origins of Nathaniel Essex in Immortal X-Men #8 by Marvel Comics!
IMMORTAL X-MEN #8
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Michele Bandini
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Editor: Jordan White
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 16th, 2022
Previously in Immortal X-Men: Mutants have conquered death and have become immortal. This gift of resurrection has caused concerns from around the world. However, some council members lived long lives before the secret of immortality ever came to Krakoa.
THE GAMES AFOOT
Immortal X-Men #8 starts in 1943 when Mystique sneaks into a military base to talk to Irene. In the base, Irene admits she is working with Mister Sinister. The book then goes back to 1985 London, where Irene plays a role similar to Sherlock Holmes and Mystique is Watson. Immortal X-Men #8 is told from the perspective of Mystique, who hates that Irene is hiding information from her in both the past and the present. But the duo is investigating Nathaniel Essex and several murders in the area. This is when Essex gets his powers from Apocalypse and turns into the monster Sinister. After they lock him up, Essex is killed, but we know that doesn’t last long.
THE LITERARY CLASSICS
Recently, Kieron Gillen wrote the Die comic, which featured literary characters in a tabletop fantasy world. I can’t help but get similar vibes in Immortal X-Men #8. We have a Jekyll and Hyde situation along with Sherlock Holmes. It is an exciting idea to explore Mystique’s character. Still, I don’t think we have the same depth as we did for other point-of-view characters in this series. In fact, Mystique’s center comic explores Sinister and Destiny more than herself. I like the concept, but it seems that Mystique is doomed to be a follower of others.
The art design of 1890s London is delightful. While the character designs are straightforward, the backgrounds are engaging to look at and capture the flashback with grace and skill. Good work from the creative team.
BOTTOM LINE: INTERESTING CHOICES
I don’t think Immortal X-Men #8 is as strong as other issues in the series. It has opted to explore Mystique through a flashback rather than through current events. I applaud the creative choices by Kieron Gillen and his innovative team. This comic has 4 out of 5 stars.
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Immortal X-Men #8
Immortal X-Men #8 uses Mystique as the point of view character, but she still doesn't feel like the main protagonist of the comic.
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Christopher Rondeau is a storyteller based in Tulsa, OK. Finding himself with little work, he ended up creating a job as a Game Master full time on the internet. Chris spends most of his days reading everything he can, writing bad fiction, and watching old Digimon cartoons with his daughter. Sometimes you can find him Dungeon Mastering a podcast or streaming on twitch. Recently, he has completed his Master's degree with a focus on collaborative storytelling. Find out more at https://rondeaucreator.com