Review: ‘Exceptional X-Men’ #3
Emma Frost has arrived! I was a little worried this issue was going to only revolve around a showdown between Kate/Emma based on previews, but darn it Eve L. Ewing knew exactly what she was doing! This series has been chock full of character development so far and that continued here as Ewing quickly pivoted from the tussle between these two former Marauders to more character progression for the entire cast.
Axo, Bronze, and Melee are an exciting new trio — their interactions together are adorable! I loved Bronze being the one to come up with their nicknames and her drawings put a huge smile on face. It’s also so cute to see how much they already look up to Kate. Speaking of Kate, Ewing is doing a phenomenal job balancing her moments of hesitation about training young mutants for combat and rising to the occasion as the ideal teacher/mentor. Kate has literally been fighting for mutants for so much of her life that it makes complete sense as to why she is so torn in her current position.
On the other hand, Emma completely deserves to take a few victory laps after what shes been through recently. She has never quite gotten the credit she deserves so a bit of tough love seems appropriate. Also, would she really be Emma Frost if she weren’t just the right amount of sass? I feel bad for whatever villain crosses this mutant quintet once they’re fully prepared and that’s all thanks to how much work Ewing is doing to build such a solid foundation.
Visually, Carmen Carnero has quickly established herself as a top-tier X-Men artist. Her characters look like they’re straight out of a design sketchbook, plus she’s able to evoke so much emotion out of facial expressions (the panel of Bronze smiling in the mirror made me stop and stare) and body language even for characters who aren’t the main focus of a panel. Nolan Woodward’s colors elevate Carnero’s designs even higher. The icy blues he used for Emma’s eyes, outfit, and makeup, and then for Iceman were chillingly (pun very much intended) gorgeous.
We may not yet be knee-deep in action like other From the Ashes books are right now, but I’m totally happy with these slow-burn, stellar characters moments! Ewing, Carnero, and crew have my complete attention and trust.
Rating: 9/10
