THE UNCANNY X-MEN #35 – Making Plans and Taking Stands

Creative Team – Gail Simone, Luciano Vecchio, Matthew Wilson, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with The Uncanny X-Men #34!

The Story

If you’ve been following the Wild Ride arc in The Uncanny X-Men, then just know you’re in for one WILD issue when it comes to the 35th issue! Remy and Rogue are still on their journey to find a cure for Remy and Gabriel brings them to someone named Repent. If first impressions are lasting, then there’s bad news for Repent. Rogue and Remy interrupt Repent as he’s right in the middle of an exorcism that Rogue takes as him torturing a young girl, so she reacts the only way you’d expect her to; with action. What Rogue doesn’t know is that this demon has a personal connection to her, so things are going to get even darker for her.

Meanwhile, at Haven House, the X-Men are in a crisis of their own as their new friend, Howler, shows up in and is in a shape that makes Wolverine’s blood boil. This poor little mutant has been abused up and down and everyone is just trying to calm him down. After reading a little more about Howler, I’m pretty positive I want to adopt him and give him a loving home. the things this poor little guy has been through can only be described as cruel. Everyone at Haven House is empathetic, even showing tears. The person who tries their hardest to connect with him is M, who deserves so much credit for truly trying to be someone of comfort and kindness, even when it’s not something she’s used to being. Once the X-Men finally get Howler down for the night, the planning begins. Howler deserves justice and so does the other young mutants who are being treated the same as him.

So much happened in this issue, and it feels like so much has been set up to happen. Rogue and Remy are in the midst of dark chaos all to help Remy while the X-Men have had their heartstrings pulled and a fire lit under them. Speaking of the things being set up, is Rogue pregnant? In the last issue, there was a huge indication that she was, and we get another hint of it in this issue. Gail Simone, I need ANSWERS! This arc has me in a chokehold and usually I’m very excited for the next issue, but now it’s a mix of excitement and nervousness. Not many comic writers can make me feel such a strong emotional connection to their characters, but that’s the magic of Gail Simone’s writing.

The Art

If there’s one thing this creative team will do, it’s blow you away with the art. Luciano Vecchio brings all the drama the story gives in the art. We see so many different tones in the story and Vecchio nails every one of them. From the demonic happenings Rogue and Gambit find themselves in to the devastation on the faces of the X-Men when they’re around Howler. Just beautiful work all around. Matthew Wilson serves as the colorist and he knocks it out of the park, which is usual for him. In this issue, Wilson goes above and beyond to really capture the chaotic demon storyline with using vibrancy. This is where I think Vecchio and Wilson worked the best together as Vecchio came in with beautiful linework and excellent detailing that gave you the whole experience of a demonic showdown while Wilson used bold and striking colors to put a spotlight on Gambit in the fight. Wrapping this issue in a perfect bow is Clayton Cowles, who handles the lettering. Cowles really captures the emotion of the characters excellently through the dialogue. He also does really well with the inner dialogues of some characters, having a great balance between their calm inner thoughts juxtaposing the chaotic situation they’re in.

Final Thoughts

I’ll sound like a broken record but if you haven’t dived into this run, what are you waiting for?! Every arc is somehow better than the last. The character’s development is making huge changes that’ll go down in X-Men history. The stories will have you hooked onto every page. Plus, the creative team makes this entire issue a feast for the eyes. The Uncanny X-Men #35 continues that impossibly high quality that we’re so used to seeing in this run.

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let me know in the comments what you thought of The Uncanny X-Men #35!

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 #35, 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!