In the first few issues of Gail Simone and David Marquez’s Uncanny X-Men, readers got a taste of the post-Krakoa X-Men – as well as the new X-kids. Uncanny X-Men #4 is a character issue that focuses in on Rogue, Simone’s team leader, and she shines in her spotlight. Marquez’s art also gets a much-welcomed moment in the sun to show off his skillful pencils with his character work and scene work.
Simone’s run has been engaging in the fact that it’s new enough to provide intrigue, but also familiar enough to feel comfortable. That familiarity comes in the form of character relationships, like that between Rogue and Logan, who we haven’t seen much of together in quite some time. The new characters are easily the most exciting part of the run, particularly the X-kids whose design and concept are breaths of fresh air.
Marvel
Rogue’s internal monologue this issue is very strong and the horror-esque elements to this plot with Sarah are also the issue’s strong suit. Marquez’s eerie settings like, the forests filled with dead trees, paint a really creepy picture, which is exactly the vibe this book is calling for. His character designs and work with a character like Sarah also perfectly portray the frightening caricature Sarah is meant to present in the text. Marquez’s art has always been a high point of this series, but it really shines in this issue.
The idea of the X-Men in a book being the last standing is nothing new, particularly after the Decimation era and Disassembled eras, but Simone’s new cast of X-kids and soft moments of character work combined with Marquez’s expert pencils really keep this book to be an engaging read. One of the most interesting parts long term is the intrigue surrounding the prison of Xavier’s and all of the characters held inside.
In the early issues, the subtle awkwardness that some characters had, like calling Rogue “Anna Marie” constantly (it was always a rare or specific case for her to be addressed as such prior), aren’t present in this issue as Simone finds her footing with the series. If issue #4 is anything to go by, the hope that this solid book will only get stronger remains.
