Writer: Kieron Gillen
Art: Luca Maresca, Mark Brooks
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
Reviewed by: Anonymous
Release Date: May 15th, 2024
…AND FOREVER! Our secrets, sinister or otherwise, are over. X-MEN FORVER ends with a question – after everything, do we have Hope or not? From between the pages of IMMORTAL X-MEN and RISE OF THE POWERS OF X, the final secrets of the Krakoan Age are revealed here!
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the X-Men: Forever #4 Review.
THE DISPATCH
X-Men: Forever #4, the penultimate chapter in this miniseries by Christopher Claremont and Phil Jimenez, throws readers into the heart of the Krakoan era’s biggest mystery. This issue delves into hidden agendas, shocking revelations, and a cliffhanger that leaves the future of the mutant nation hanging in the balance. Additionally, Claremont pulls no punches in this issue. The focus is on Charles Xavier and Magneto, as they confront Mr. Sinister about his long-held secrets and manipulations. Decades of simmering tension explode as the truth about Sinister’s role in shaping mutant history comes to light. Claremont, the architect of many classic X-Men storylines, injects his signature character understanding into the dialogue, making these confrontations feel emotionally charged and impactful.
The revelations don’t just expose Sinister’s schemes; they also expose deep fissures within the Krakoan government. Long-held suspicions and doubts resurface, threatening to tear the mutant nation apart. This internal conflict adds a layer of suspense to the narrative, leaving readers questioning the true cost of Krakoa’s mutant utopia.
ART
Phil Jimenez’s art elevates the story well. His detailed and expressive character work perfectly captures the emotional turmoil of the characters. The action sequences, while infrequent, are beautifully rendered, showcasing the raw power of the mutants involved.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Despite the bleak revelations, X-Men: Forever #4 doesn’t end on a completely hopeless note. A glimmer of hope emerges, hinting at a potential path forward for the X-Men. However, the final page throws a major curveball, leaving readers with a cliffhanger that will have them eagerly awaiting the series finale. So, is X-Men: Forever #4 worth reading? Absolutely! This issue is a must-read for fans of the X-Men, particularly those invested in the Krakoan era. Claremont’s masterful handling of the characters and the shocking revelations make for a compelling read. Moreover, Jimenez’s art beautifully complements the story.
While some readers might find the lack of action a drawback, the focus on character development and plot advancement is ultimately rewarding. Throughout the issue, readers will find deep character exploration, shocking revelations, and excellent character art. However, X-Men: Forever #4 is light on action and relies on familiarity with the Krakoan era for full impact. Overall, this issue is a suspenseful and emotionally charged chapter that sets the stage for a dramatic conclusion. Pick it up if you’re a fan of the X-Men and want to delve deeper into the secrets of the Krakoan age. If you’re new to the X-Men or unfamiliar with Krakoa, you might want to start with some earlier issues in this miniseries or other X-Men storylines first.