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Creative Team – Eve L. Ewing(writer). Carmen Carnero(artist). Nolan Woodard(color artist). VC’s Travis Lanham(letterer). Carmen Carnero & Nolan Woodard(cover artists). David Baldeón & Jesus Aburtov, Lee Garbett & Sunny Gho, Nick Bradshaw & Rachelle Rosenberg(variant cover artists)
Published by Marvel Entertainment
CATCH UP WITH EXCEPTIONAL X-MEN #4 HERE!
Thao’s Reaction
When we left off with the fourth installment of Exceptional X-Men, the new mutants overheard a heated discussion where Kitty yells to Bobby that she’s responsible for killing people. Kitty enters the room and sees the look of horror on the faces of Bronze, Axo, and Thao. Of course, this is a fair reaction, and it takes us right into Exceptional X-Men #5. Thao is the most reactive of the new mutants, as she says she’s heard enough and she quits. She questions how they’re able to trust Kitty is she’s a killer and exclaims that she wants no part of this then leaves.
Getting a better look at Thao’s life outside of X-Men training, we see that she isn’t the only mutant in her family. In fact, her younger cousin, Ellie, is much more presenting of a mutant and is really struggling with kids at her school giving her a tough time. Ellie says the girls at school are telling her she needs to fix herself by using a popular app called Verate, where you send in your DNA and the app will somehow fix you. Ellie asks her to talk to the girls at school, which Thao is more than willing to do, but will it go the way she wants it to?
The Writing
I really like how we’re getting background on the new mutants, as they’re so much more than just a mutant. Eve L. Ewing did a great job with Thao’s background as I feel it showed just how closely she holds her principals. Thao goes out of her way to stand up for what’s right, and doesn’t allow any mistreatment of others. It gave me a fresh perspective on Thao as a character as before I saw her as angry and reactive, but she just cares and does what she can for who she cares about.
The Art
While the artwork of Exceptional X-Men #5 was fantastic, I think what showed that the best was the beginning panels with Kitty. Getting a look into the past of Kitty also gave us a great fight scene of Kitty that showcased her powers and her fighting skills. I really enjoyed the whole flashback as Kitty such a different vibe then compared to how she is currently. It showed a lot of growth in her as a character and I think it was illustrated perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I’m really enjoying Exceptional X-Men as we’re seeing so much growth in Kitty as she mentors these young mutants. Also, I’ll never get enough Emma Frost and Ice Man!
Overall Grade – 8.4/10
This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Exceptional X-Men #5, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!
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