Written by: Saladin Ahmed
Art by: Javier Rodriguez, Alvaro Lopez, Muntsa Vicente, and VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 19, 2018

Okay, so I realize I am a little late in the game jumping on Exiles here. I mean, picking the penultimate issue of the series for my first review might sound crazy, but crazy is as crazy does. Wait a minute, I think I just called myself crazy! Oh well, I have been called a lot worse, especially by myself. So here goes my review for Exiles #11…

I have to give it up to my man, Dino, who told me to read this issue because of our shared love of X-23. Yea, in this issue, she may be X-2/3rds, but even a multiverse Laura is okay in my book.

As for the what is going on here, it is a lot to bite off as a first issue, but after reading the opening recap page (something I will forever love at Marvel) and going through the issue twice, I think I am on enough solid ground to review this issue and yes, to enjoy it as well.

A book like Exiles is going to live and die with it’s cast of characters and Ahmed and Rodriguez have a pretty good one. Sure, Blink, Iron Lad and the rest may not top a lot of “best of” lists, but together there is fun to be had. How could there not be with Wolvie on the team as well?!?

With all that said, this issue isn’t here to be all fun and games. In fact, it’s pretty dark…with a “darker” version of the Exiles there to take the team down. The kicker is…they are being led by a very much alive Khan.

Yea, that causes conflict with Blink and the team and conflict is the name of the game. The issue is dominated by fights…first with the Exiles going up against their dark counterparts and then mixing up the dance partners later.

As the issue progresses, we find out why Khan is doing what she is doing and like she says to Blink, a parent can understand why she is doing it. However, the day is saved (for now) by Wolvie and he didn’t even have to pop his cartoony claws to do it. The issue ends on a very penultimate issue cliffhanger that sets up the final issue.

I am glad Dino told me to check this book out. Sure, it didn’t blow my mind and since it’s ending in one more issue, I can’t say it’s going to make me an Exiles fanboy, but I enjoyed the read and am interested enough to grab the first trade of this run to check out how it started. It’s one of those books that does enough right…it looks good, I like the characters, etc…to make my little time with it enjoyable.

Final Thoughts:

With one issue left, it was an odd time to jump on this series, but I have done way crazier things before. This book has a strong team, good art and this issue was action-packed. The best thing I can say about it is that I am intrigued to check out more of this run…I’m just sorry it took me so long to figure that out.

7.5/10