Uncanny X-Men #1
Review
Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: David Marquez
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Release Date: August 7, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Gail Simone's debut on Uncanny X-Men delivers a compelling fresh start for Marvel's mutants, with gorgeous art by David Marquez bringing the characters to life in stunning detail.
Uncanny X-Men #1
ReviewWriter: Gail Simone
Artist: David Marquez
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Release Date: August 7, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Gail Simone's debut on Uncanny X-Men delivers a compelling fresh start for Marvel's mutants, with gorgeous art by David Marquez bringing the characters to life in stunning detail.
Gail Simone is one of the most beloved comic book writers in history. Known for her beautiful grasp of character dynamics and ability to bring out the best in her superheroes, it's always exciting to see her put new spins on comics, no matter the publisher. So, of course, it's a big deal that she's now writing for the X-Men. On the flagship title, Uncanny X-Men, no less. As a fan of both Simone and Marvel’s mutants, this new comic has been at the top of my list of anticipated new releases.
How does this new journey into the unknown for the mutants fare? Let's dive into my review of Uncanny X-Men and find out!
Overview of Uncanny X-Men #1
Rogue, Gambit, and Wolverine pick up the pieces of what's left of the X-Men. But after the fall of Krakoa, what does being the X-Men even mean these days? This group of veterans ventures out to find new meaning in a world that continues to tear the mutants apart. As they seek strength in each other, they also look to the next generation of mutants. Now, it's up to the X-Men to unite and face a future they never imagined.
Image: Marvel Comics
Review
What immediately stands out about this new era of Uncanny X-Men is how perfectly suited Gail Simone's writing is for these characters. Her talent for sharp dialogue and deep character work shines through, especially in the interactions between the core team of Wolverine, Gambit, Rogue, and Nightcrawler. While the team composition is top-tier already on paper, Simone pushes it over the top with how she plays their distinct personalities off each other wonderfully. Having the story told from Rogue's perspective feels fresh for a comic of this magnitude. It’s intriguing to see such a powerful character struggle to find her place in the world while still serving as the emotional anchor of the team of fan-favorite X-Men. Rogue's introspective monologues provide a great look into the team’s complex dynamics while highlighting her growth into a natural leader—a narrative choice that adds depth to her usual fun-loving character.
Ultimately, this debut issue does an excellent job of setting the stage for this team to redefine what it means to be the X-Men in a post-Krakoa world. With the mutants’ utopia stripped away from them, this new story focuses on rebuilding their identity from the ground up. The theme of rediscovery will resonate with longtime fans while providing a fresh, accessible entry point for new readers. By starting with essentially a clean slate, Simone freely explores timeless X-Men themes of belonging, survival, and unity, making this issue a fitting and exciting launchpad for the series.
Image: Marvel ComicsDavid Marquez's art in Uncanny X-Men is also nothing short of phenomenal. From the iconic costumes to the dynamic action scenes, his work captures the essence of classic X-Men while adding a modern flair. Marquez excels at giving each character plenty of style and personality, with expressive facial expressions and fluid movement. The panel layouts, especially during action sequences, are inventive and enhance the pacing of the story, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.
However, my only minor critique is the lack of a clearly defined villain in this issue. While a new threat is introduced at the very beginning of the comic, this plotline feels somewhat disconnected from the rest of the issue, leaving me wondering how it will tie into the main story. That said, I trust Simone to weave these elements together as the series progresses, and I’m intrigued by where the narrative is heading.
Image: Marvel Comics
Final Thoughts
Uncanny X-Men #1 marks an exciting new chapter for Marvel's mutants. Gail Simone's character-driven storytelling paired with David Marquez's stunning visuals makes for an awesome read that’s very much in the spirit of the X-Men while charting a bold path forward. By focusing on a core team of fan-favorite characters and introducing intriguing new elements to their adventure, this series has the potential to become a defining X-Men run for a new generation of readers and long-time fans. As much as I’m sad to see the Krakoa era over, this issue leaves me excited to see what’s next for Marvel’s X-Men.
Why You Should Read Uncanny X-Men
- It’s a great entry point for both new readers and long-time fans.
- Gail Simone's fantastic character writing is a perfect fit for the X-Men, bringing new depth to familiar faces.
- David Marquez's art brings the classic characters to life with style and energy.
- It sets up a new status quo for the X-Men, blending classic elements with fresh ideas