THE UNCANNY X-MEN #23 – The Big Takeover

Creative Team – Gail Simone, David Marquez, Matthew Wilson, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with The Uncanny X-Men #22!

The Story

Back at the Haven House, a goodnight story is being read to Chelsea, and it’s caught the attention of the Outliers. Despite claiming it’s for kids, they find themselves hanging onto every word. This was an excellent way to highlight that while they certainly are X-Men themselves, the Outliers are still kids who missed out on parts of their childhood that are as simple as a bedtime story.

While the Outliers are lost in this fantasy land of the wild west, their mentors, our Louisiana X-Men are dealing with something more sinister. In a secretive meeting, most of the X-Men are here to discuss what they’re to do about a growing problem with one of their own.

The Left Eye of Agamotto has started to take control of Gambit and the effects are becoming more and more serious. Rogue gathers the team for an intervention, which Gambit is not pleased in the slightest with. This leads to a superpowered fight between the mutants where punches are pulled for the betterment of everyone’s favorite Cajun. Surely this can’t get anymore complicated than it already is… until it did.

Watching from the shadows, another plan is formed. Rogue and the team have no choice but to protect all they love and that includes Haven House and New Orleans as a whole.

The Writing

Gail Simone brings a new story to the lives of the Louisiana X-Men that could destroy the very lives they have fought so hard to maintain. All of this while one of their own is under the possession of an ancient relic that could change the character forever. If there’s anyone that can raise the stakes and keep you on the edge of your seat, it’s Gail Simone.

The Uncanny X-Men #23 does a beautiful balancing act between the innocence of the Outliers and the complicated problems of their mentors. While the Outliers are asking for monsters to be added to their fictional story, the X-Men are realizing that their lives are about to change in more ways than one. Simone is able to keep a perfect balance between the differing stories and the wildly different tones.

The Art

As with every issue of The Uncanny X-Men, the artwork is as high in quality as it is high in excitement. David Marquez expertly nailed the emotions of the characters. Whether it be the anticipation of Calico, or the careful comfort of Rogue. These emotions drove the story home in showing what’s at stake for the X-Men, and the innocence of the Outliers while being enthralled in their story.

In addition to Marquez’s phenomenal drawings is Matthew Wilson, who brings all the heat in the coloring work. Wilson perfectly captures the different tones and balances every switch between narratives wonderfully. Wrapping this present of a comic in a nice bow is Clayton Cowles, who handles the lettering. Giving power to each word and leaves the reader feeling the emotion of the characters, Cowles keeps you locked into the story flawlessly.

Final Thoughts

The Uncanny X-Men #23 is the start of something exciting and has the exact perfect team behind it. This absolutely should be on every X-Men fan’s pull list!

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let me know in the comments below what you thought of the comic!

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 #23, 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!