REVIEW: ‘Exceptional X-Menʼ #10 - Sinister Showdown, Emotional Payoff

When Exceptional X-Men was first announced, I’ll admit I wasn’t particularly excited. I’ve always enjoyed Emma Frost—she’s consistently a compelling presence—but I’ve never been the biggest Kitty Pryde fan. And as for the new generation of young mutants? We’ve seen their kind before: introduced with promise, only to quietly disappear over time. But ten issues in, I can confidently say that Eve Ewing has completely won me over with this cast.

What makes Exceptional X-Men so special is how it channels the spirit of classic X-Men comics: a pitch-perfect balance of action, humor, emotional weight, and social commentary. Issue #10 especially shines as a character study of Emma Frost—brilliant, complex, and always burdened by the shadow of her past. In the previous issue, we saw just how far she would go to protect her students, even if it meant sacrificing herself.

To save the mutant Axo, Emma used the last of her psychic strength to break his hold from Sinister’s control, ultimately trapping herself in the villain’s twisted psyche. The story opens with Emma reflecting on her evolution—on who she was and who she’s become—with the help of the people around her. Kitty, Bobby, and the students in her care have changed her in ways she never fully expected, and in turn, she’s impacted them just as deeply.

While Emma remains lost in Sinister’s mind, the rest of the team faces his deadly traps, fighting for their survival and hers. The emotional core of the issue comes when Axo—who once seemed uncertain and adrift—steps up. He willingly reconnects with the device Sinister used to exploit his powers, risking everything to bring Emma back. It’s a powerful, heartfelt moment that highlights just how much she’s come to mean to this group in such a short time.

More than a team, as Emma herself says—they’re a family. And I’ll admit, I got a little misty-eyed at that. The characters and their bond have grown on me more than I expected, and the final confrontation with Sinister was incredibly satisfying. The teamwork, the payoff, even the return of a lost ally—it all felt earned.

This was, in every sense, an exceptional issue and a fantastic conclusion to the arc. The young mutants introduced in issue #1 have developed beautifully, and what once felt like a shaky leadership dynamic has evolved into something truly inspiring. Ewing captures each character’s voice and personality with clarity and care, while Carnero and Mancin’s artwork remains consistently gorgeous and expressive throughout.

The word “Exceptional” doesn’t just describe the team—it describes the book itself. I’m fully onboard, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Release Date: June 11, 2025

Written by: Eve Ewing

Art by: Carmen Carnero, Federica Mancin

Cover by: Carmen Carnero

Page Count: 26

Synopsis: Melee, Axo and Bronze still feel like newbies, but no X-Man gets to choose the timing of their own fates. Ready or not, they face the fight of a lifetime, leaving Emma forced to make the ultimate sacrifice to save her students.