Uncanny X-Men #1 - Marvel Comics

UNCANNY X-MEN No. 1, October 2024

Weighing in at a hefty thirty pages, not including the giant gimmicky QR bonus panels code, Gail Simone’s script for Issue One of “Uncanny X-Men” certainly seems to offer plenty of bang for its buck, courtesy of some disconcerting intrigue, a pulse-pounding bout of pugilism with a giant dragon, and a genuine moment of sadness at the University of Mississippi Medical Centre. Indeed, the comic contains so many enthralling plot-threads that its perfectly clear just why its American author spent so much time “trying to keep my brain from exploding right out of my skull” whilst working on it.

Foremost of these character-driven storylines is arguably that of Rogue, who acts as both narrator and reluctant leader of the scattered super-team. Anna Marie’s doubts, worries and desperate desire for a purpose in her life are clearly causing the mutant all kinds of conflictions, and these misgivings provide the once head-strong slugger into a much better-rounded member of the group. Furthermore, Chris Claremont’s co-creation can clearly still throw a mean punch, as seen when she clobbers the gigantic Sadurang squarely across the Avenue of the Dead in Teotihuacan.

However, it is perhaps this book’s opening which provides the audience with their biggest chill, courtesy of Corina Ellis’ arrival at Xavier’s former school for gifted youngsters. The presumably politically powerful doctor’s dismantling of everything sacred to both the mansion’s former occupants and X-fans alike is as savagely penned as her arrogant authority is all-too evident - with perhaps her utter disdain for Cerebro proving particularly unpalatable; “Building a monument to these people. Their entire cult. Burn it. This entire foul cathedral. To the ground.”

Visually helping Simone in making this publication such a satisfying success is illustrator David Marquez and colour artist Matthew Wilson. Together the creative pair imbue all the central cast with a truly palpable, physical world-weariness, and also depict a truly classic battle sequence between “a core group of essential X-Men” and the aforementioned Asgardian Serpent. In fact, in many ways it’s a pity that the punch-up doesn’t last a little longer, as Rogue frantically attempts to figure a way to defeat the powerful sorcerer from Jotunheim without “ruining the nice cultural treasure” surrounding them.

The regular cover art to "UNCANNY X-MEN" #1 by David Marquez & Matthew Wilson