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“Where do we go from here..You know I’m not the only one” – Filter
That is the question Rogue, Gambit and Wolverine are asking themselves. Since the fall of Krakoa, the trio encountered a dying mutant named Harvey X. The time leaves a lasting impression on where the dream of Xavier now leads.
UNCANNY X-MEN #2 by Gail Simone, David Marquez, Matt Wilson and Clayton Cowles heads right into its’ latest challenge in the form of The Outliers!
The series is a fan-favorite amongst the N.I. Bullpen so for this call, it’s Megan Nicole (NI Brand Advisor/Vigilante Vibes Podcast), and yours truly (Ken – NI editor-in-chief/ODPH Podcast) breaking down the latest installment.
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
LET’S TALK STORY!
Ken: Simone juggles the core theme of the X-men while establishing some new challenges. The mix of the Outliers presents a familiar sense of helping those in need. The big difference maker here (and breakout character of the series) is Rogue. Simone’s writing shows off her leadership skills and claim to Xavier’s dream. Rogue’s reaction to a conversation with Cyclops is prime example of why she is perfect in this new role.
Megan: Gambit, Wolverine, and Rogue come into contact who need the X-Men’s help against forces unknown to our favorite mutant team. We get a great look back into the past with Professor Xavier’s private journal entry, which was really intriguing to see. All of that is good and dandy, but don’t forget about the X-Mansion being taken over by Corina Ellis and turned into a mutant prison. Things are heating up in an already exciting run!
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!
The Outliers show potential as to where they fit into the new Mutant landscape. Their “conflict” with the X-Men plays out naturally. With the latest addition to the X-Men making the save, Simone is stacking the deck with a great line-up. Readers will be very locked in for their eventual showdown with Corina Ellis. Ellis has made waves in the shadows and builds into a great swerve for the closing page. This series is really hitting all the marks.
MEGAN: Something I really love is seeing Rogue navigate being the leader of the X-Men and having to make the tough calls while keeping herself in check. We saw in the Uncanny X-Men #1(catch up here!) Rogue going through the loss of a child and she wasn’t able to do a thing about it. But now she’s handed the opportunity to help these kids as the leader of the X-Men. I really appreciate how in depth Gail Simone goes into Rogue’s complex feelings about all that’s changed.
HOW ABOUT THE ART?
Ken: Marquez and Wilson start the issue off with a forgotten time with Charles Xavier. The innocent period piece pays off later in the book, but creates a sense of curiosity to the overall picture. The Outliers display their powers in some excellent action sequences, but are upstaged by a debut.
A familiar face has returned to the team. The art team welcomes her into the picture with a striking full page image. Wilson’s coloring skills make this pop right off the page. Had it not be for the final image, it would have stolen the show. That honor goes to a reveal that is sure to challenge Rogue and company. Overall, the art gives much emotion along with the action. It’s a perfect balance that doesn’t miss.
MEGAN: I can’t say enough good things about the artwork of Uncanny X-Men #2. Matt Wilson and David Marquez knocked it out of the park again. The fight scenes were gorgeous, the change in tone between Charles’ journal entry and present day was striking, and the unexpected mutant to grace us with their presence showcased their powers beautifully. The artwork alone was a 10 out of 10 for me. It’s exactly what you’d want from an X-Men comic.
FINAL GRADE:
Ken: 9.2. A very familiar theme runs through the next chapter of the Uncanny era. With Simone’s incredible writing, the story brings out the best of each character dealing with the Outliers. Marquez, Wilson and Cowles construct an emotionally filled standoff building towards an even greater danger lurking. There is no fear of a sophomore slump with this issue. It’s filled with great storytelling that readers won’t want to put down.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN
MEGAN: 10 out of 10. Gail Simone has me hooked to this run and it’s only the second issue. As someone who’s always been a huge Uncanny X-Men comic fan, I feel she does the characters justice while elevating their character arcs. That paired with the phenomenal artwork and letters by Matt Wilson, Clayton Cowles, and David Marquez equals another banger of a comic book.
If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Uncanny X-Men #2, 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!
