Ex-Mutants #1

Ex-Mutants #1 was published by Eternity Comics in 1986, emerging during a period of experimentation within the independent comic book scene. The series was conceived by David Lawrence and Ron Lim as a satirical take on the popular superhero-team tropes defined by the X-Men. The premise centers on a group of mutants created by a scientist to save humanity, only to find themselves grappling with the consequences of their artificial origins and the societal rejection that follows.

The visual identity of the debut issue was shaped by the illustrative style of Ron Lim, whose work would later become highly influential in the mainstream superhero industry. Designed to lean into the gritty, post-apocalyptic aesthetic common to the mid-eighties, the artwork sought to blend traditional action-adventure panels with a more cynical tone. While the series captured a niche audience interested in deconstructionist narratives, it remains best known today as an early career milestone for its creators rather than a widespread commercial success.