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From the Ashes….The X-Men are BACK!
With the Krakoan Era over, fans have been waiting to see what happens now with the Children of The Atom. Hiding on a pop culture high with such hits as “Deadpool and Wolverine” to “X-Men ’97”, Marvel’s favorite mutants are making a push to become the premier franchise in all of comics.
Taking a page out of their 90’s playbook, the X-Men have been rolling out a multiple of new titles. Having some of the industry’s top creators signifies the commitment Marvel is making to the comic line. With each new title, there is an air of wonder and curiosity surrounding their release. However, one book has be standing out slightly more than others as far as hype goes.
UNCANNY X-MEN #1 by Gail Simone, David Marquez, Matt Wilson and Clayton Cowles looks to bring back the flagship title in a most marvelous manner.
With a book this big, one review simply won’t suffice. It’s an N.I. Comics join review from Megan Nicole (NI Brand Advisor/Vigilante Vibes Podcast), Mickey Smith (NI Comics assistant editor) and yours truly (Ken – NI editor-in-chief/ODPH Podcast). Let’s see how the latest incarnation of the X-Men fares in its’ latest adventure. *** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
LETS TALK STORY!
Ken: IN SIMONE WE TRUST! Bringing in the architect behind some of the best team book stories in comics (Secret Six, Birds Of Prey), the X-Men start their new stat quo on a very strong note. With the new “Trinity of X” put in place, the story reminds readers why the X-Men are heroes at the very core. Once the trio of Rogue, Gambit and Wolverine link up, there is a familiar theme of comradery that defines their dream. Even with unsurmountable odds against them, the writing showcases each member in their role on this team.
One character that stands out head and shoulders above everyone else in this issue is Rogue. Simone writes her in a very grounded manner. While other X-Men blindly grasp for Xavier’s dream, Rogue is someone that is trying to define her own version. This is driven home after an encounter that transcends the world of spandex suits and powers. The events wear heavy on Rogue’s soul and heart. It is a powerful moment that is clearly the catalyst for her moving forward. Factor in the surprise ending and readers literally have a blueprint for how the X-Men should be written.
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Mickey: I didn’t realize that Gail Simone was the perfect person to tell this story until I finished issue #1 of Uncanny X-Men. It’s an emotional roller coaster of depressing moments, exciting action, and gripping self discovery. Simone really is in tune with the voice of Rogue and does a splendid job of navigating this story from her point of view.
When they are in action it’s just like old times. Rogue brings the power, Wolverine brings the wisdom, and Gambit is as cunning as ever! Simone understands and respects these iconic X-Men characters and it shows in their interactions with each other and the new world around them. Seeing Rogue navigate her emotions and what it means to be a mutant, an X-Man, or even a hero in this new age is fascinating and I can’t wait to see how they each develop going forward.
Megan: When I heard Gail Simone was going to be the writer of the Uncanny X-Men #1, I was on cloud nine. I’ve always been a huge fan of what she writes, and this comic only furthered that feeling. There was so much in The Uncanny X-Men #1 that I loved. It had heart, it had action, we got the perspective of Rogue. As a huge X-Men fan myself, this felt so authentic towards the characters to me.
HOW ABOUT THE ART AND LETTERING!
Ken: Marquez and Wilson bring out a great deal of emotions in Rogue AND Wolverine throughout the issue. With the subtle read of Logan’s eyes, readers can sense his internal anguish. This disappears when their challenge awakens. The threat is gifted multiple full page images. It is fitting as to its’ size and power scale. The action sequence play out to fan delight. There is big action, but what makes this story is the more “human” factor featured.
The visit to a children’s hospital hits on many levels. The wide spectrum of feeling displayed instantly hit readers. Rogue’s stages of acceptance shine as she begins her new era. It is balanced out with a closing image that raises many questions. The art team stepped up to the assignment and presented a version of Xavier’s squad you can’t help but to root for.
Mickey: The artwork in Uncanny X-Men by David Marquez is phenomenal. It feels in perfect balance with the raw, emotional story that Gail Simone is telling. Every characters eyes are telling a story and they each feel like there’s raging rapid roaring within. The action is fun and dynamic. Classic moves and poses are fresh and upgraded.
Every panel reminds me of why I love the X-Men so much. That’s also thanks to Matt Wilson, who’s colors are bright and vibrant when it comes to the X-Men and their costumes. That’s not to say that he doesn’t also capture the moments of darkness and melancholy as well, while not sacrificing a rich color palette. Finally, Clayton Cowles’ lettering sets an ominous tone in scenes where we see otherworldly creatures haunt the Uncanny X-Men.
Megan: The amount of detail on each page is great and something I really enjoyed to see! I love how each character is drawn as it takes me back to the days when I first started reading The Uncanny X-Men.
Something I really liked was how Sadurang was drawn and colored. The God-Snake looked fierce and menacing and gorgeous all around.
FINAL GRADES:
Ken: 9. Without question, Marvel’s mutant flagship title has returned with a renewed energy fans won’t get enough of. Simone pens a superb script filled with heroics and heart. Marquez and Wilson construct exciting moments that reinforce the best elements incorporated in the DNA of the Children of the Atom. The future is bright for the latest incarnation of the Uncanny X-Men.
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Mickey: 9/10. This is a great way to start a new, parallel story that follows three X-Men mainstays with a ton of baggage and a lot of history. Simone brings Rogue to the front of the show, examining her thoughts and giving us a look behind the superhero facade. It’s there that we see a woman looking for meaning and purpose. The artwork and color by Marquez and Wilson is exemplary. The X-Men deserve to be treated with this kind of detail and passion. This book kicks off on a high (sometimes sad) note and I’m excited for what’s to come!
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Megan: 10/10!!!! So far, I have loved everything from the From The Ashes comics. This run might be my most anticipated comic book run so far. I can’t wait for the second installment!
If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Uncanny X-Men #1, 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!
