Creative Team – Gail Simone(writer). David Marquez(artist). 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 #14 here!
The Story
We’re now to the third part of the four part Dark Artery storyline, and it just gets more and more intriguing! The Outliers have been introduced to Miss Henrietta Benjamin who has been standing guard of a portal to Penumbra. Penumbra is an evil place where every damned soul is sent when they betray their mutant family members, a scar upon humanity’s record as Henrietta says.
Penumbra is ruled by Shuvahrak, who is the Voice of Darkness. She’s also the one who’s been calling to Deathdream, and according to Henrietta, it’s because she wants to return home. Shuvahrak wants Deathdream to replace her as the Voice of Darkness, and will ruin his mind if he ignores her calls. Deathdream agrees to make the replacement as he says that no one cares what happens to him, not even him. Of course, his fellow Outliers refuse to allow him to make the replacement with Shuvahrak.
Once in Penumbra, the Outliers see the cursed souls who were sent there by their own doing. Immediately, they make it clear that their hearts haven’t changed as they attack the young mutants. The Outliers, underpowered and outnumbered, don’t have greats odds against this giant crowd of angry villagers. But luckily for them, backup is on the way.
While all the mutants are in Penumbra, there seems to be something sinister happening at The Haven involving a hunting sentinel dog and the innocent family within the Haven. Time will tell for what happens, but the words “targets acquired” certainly make a statement.
The Writing
I am loving the Dark Artery storyline so much, I’ll be sad to see it go in the next issue! I think it’s a great way to show more of Deathdream, while showing just how close the Outliers truly are now. Also, Henrietta Benjamin is such a fantastic addition to this comic run. She’s created using so much depth, and surrounded by so many emotions. I hope the next issue isn’t the last time we see of her!
Only Gail Simone could have someone stressing about the next time they see a new character. The way she writes Henrietta, making room for love and fear of a character, is nothing short of brilliant. Once again, Simone brought a hard-hitting addition to the already incredible Uncanny X-Men run.
The Art
David Marquez, Matthew Wilson, and Clayton Cowles bring much more power to the already fantastic storyline by bringing it to life with their artistic talents. This was some of the darkest artwork of The Uncanny X-Men run, figuratively and literally.
I love Marquez’s work he’s done on this comic run, and I hope he sticks around after the Dark Artery storyline. He brings a different look to the Outliers that I think does a great job showing their youth, while showing their strength. With Matthew Wilson on colors, you can really see his talent soar in when we get a great half page panel of the X-Men, with all their powersets on full display. The lettering in The Uncanny X-Men #15 is top notch work, as always, by the fabulous Clayton Cowles.
Overall Grade – 9.3/10
Let me know in the comments below what you thought of The Uncanny X-Men #15!
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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 #15, 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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