Creative Team – Gail Simone(writer). David Marquez & Luciano Vecchio(artists). Matthew Wilson(color artist). VC’s Clayton Cowles(letterer). David Marquez & Matthew Wilson(cover artists)
Published by Marvel Comics
Catch up with The Uncanny X-Men #15 here!
The Story and Writing
Unfortunately, we have reached the end of the Dark Artery storyline. This storyline has been so dark, so twisted, and filled with so much depth that can only come from the mind of Gail Simone. Dark Artery has been mostly focused on Deathdream, which has given the audience a perfect chance to familiarize ourselves with the ominous and monotoned Outlier. It’s also given us the chance to see the Outliers and the X-Men work together in ways that seemed so far off from now.
We pick up with Lady Henrietta’s inner dialogue to her diary showing her sympathy for the X-Men and the Outliers, as she feels they will not survive this battle against the damned of Penumbra.
It’s understandable that she feels that way as the X-Men are really struggling with this fight until they hear a loud “ENOUGH” come from a glowing Deathdream. It appears he is accepting the offer of replacing the city’s overlord, Shuvahrak. With that possession in place, Gail Simone takes us into the actions that landed the damned souls here in Penumbra, and it’s haunting to say the least.
Deathdream isn’t the only Outlier to experience a possession, as one of the four is taken over by the entity that brought them here. Shuvahrak makes it very clear that she only needs one of the Outliers, and makes it clear why they would suffice. Of course, the X-Men aren’t having it and are prepared to do whatever it takes to save the Outliers.
This being the ending of the Dark Artery storyline, I have to say, Simone wrote a banger of an ending. The ending was satisfying, filled with emotion, covered in action, and couldn’t have been any better. I’ll miss Henrietta as she was such an intriguing character who brought so much depth with her history of being a mutant, a black mutant at that, in a time that being either was acceptable.
The Art
Joining David Marquez in this issue is the incredible Luciano Vecchio, who brings so much to the table with his artistic talents. The artwork of The Uncanny X-Men has been phenomenal, but the Dark Artery work has been spectacular with a haunting energy that matches the story perfectly. With matching the darkness of the story, the artwork was emotive and soul-stirring with the darkest colors juxtaposing the brightness of fire and powersets, thanks to Matthew Wilson.
Final Thoughts
I would’ve happily continued reading an entire run of this storyline, but Gail Simone knows when to end it on a good note. The ending of Dark Artery was perfectly handled with with heartwarming moments that gave a lot of satisfactory.
Overall Grade – 10/10
Let me know in the comments what you thought of The Uncanny X-Men #16!
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This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast! If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of The Uncanny X-Men #16, 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!
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