As one of the most praised, and as of now not cancelled, X-Men books in the “From the Ashes” era, Uncanny X-Men from Gail Simone and David Marquez has consistently delivered high-quality mutant adventures with a whole lot of heart in between. Gracefully balancing the iconic lore of established heroes like Rogue and Gambit while introducing and developing the new young Outliers has led to both ups and downs in the series. Thankfully, Uncanny X-Men #16 grounds much of the characters’ development in a singular plot, delivering a finale to the “Dark Artery” arc that could have been more expansive, but was still a wonderful conclusion.
The first 15 issues of Uncanny X-Men see the plot jumping all over the place, with issues dedicated to individual characters or multiple plots entangled in a single issue. What sets this issue apart is that it has a single central plot, with every main character in the same place, fighting the same battle. It feels powerful, relevant, and meaningful. While, in my opinion, the fight ends anticlimactically, the conclusion of the battle does leave our heroes with a true feeling of safety in their new mutant identities, and the community they have now joined.
To be fair, the first several pages of the issue introduce the opening salvo of a future plot. The scene sees the human MacKenzie DeNeer speaking to the public at a New Orleans City Council meeting, telling them about Kurt rescuing her child and the other good mutants have done for their community. Clearly, this is setting up a larger showdown in New Orleans as a mutant sanctuary, after Mayor Mikki of New Orleans declared the city to be one of “Mutant Friendship.” I like how it feels similar to the Mayor of San Francisco supporting the X-Men during the tumultuous Utopia era, plus this was a hopeful way to start an issue filled with heavy darkness, both in its art and its message. This section is illustrated by the brilliant Luciano Vecchio, who is taking over from Marquez on art for the next two Uncanny issues.
Marvel
The finale to “Dark Artery” sees the monstrous mutant known as Shuvahrak beginning to possess Deathdream, the obvious choice for a death-connected replacement as heir to the Penumbra. David Marquez’s art really shines here, in an impressive show of his illustrative abilities. The action is dynamic and exciting, and the emotion jumps off the page, particularly the protective rage that Logan feels after Shuvahrak possesses Ransom, the Outlier that Wolverine has grown closest to.
Matthew Wilson’s coloring work is also really astounding. The heroes are all wearing dark, in a pitch-black room, and yet the shadows, movement, and life the art is given feel incredibly natural. Deathdream’s electric explosion is the perfect blend of Marquez’s illustration and Wilson’s color, making the page come alive in a breathtaking way. I am also just really obsessed with the slightly kinky, goth costumes that all the X-Men are fighting in… they’re soooo cool, and remind me of the insane bondage gear that Callisto dressed an unconscious Charles Xavier in way back in X-Men #193. Keep these suits please, Gail – I need more emo X-Men!
Marvel
Here is what I wish were different about this issue: In an ideal world, there would have been more of a backstory on Shuvahrak. Much of the backstory of “Dark Artery” was focused on Lady Henrietta, which was a wonderful way to ground the tale in the real-life issues of the segregationist South. However, I just felt like there wasn’t enough of Shuvahrak’s why (besides her daughter dying, of course), and there was no explanation for why she wanted a successor beyond that she was “tired.” Which, like, valid… but why don’t you just destroy the Penumbra and free yourself from bondage!?
Also, I felt like the explanation of Shuvahrak bringing “four who may touch death” felt a bit like a stretch, particularly with Jitter and Ransom. Calico’s ability to resurrect her sweet horse makes sense, but Jitter’s ability isn’t explicitly connected to dead people’s skills, and Ransom’s powers are just… connected to the moon? If anything, I feel like Shuvahrak would have wanted to possess Logan, who has touched death many times and cannot truly die, or Gambit has literally been the representation of Death as one of Apocalypse’s Four Horsemen. These things didn’t ruin anything about the conclusion for me, they were just slight bumps in the way that I wish hadn’t taken me out of the story.
Marvel
I loved the conclusion to the battle because you really got to see the adult X-Men team up and save the kids they care so much about, kids who they weren’t even sure they wanted to mentor at first. Rogue saying, “This is why I’m proud to be X,” hit me hard, mainly because there are moments like these in so many X-Books, but rarely do the heroes have the opportunity to reflect on how special it is that they have this community and motivation. Man-Thing defeating Shuvahrak was badass, let’s be real. Do I wish there were a bit more conversation with the terrifying mutant? Hell yes. Do I wish there were some more closure on what will happen to the Penumbra? Definitely. But was it still a satisfying and fun conclusion to the dark arc? Totally!
Much of Uncanny X-Men has been building up to this issue. The Outliers are confident in their powers, and their secrets are slowly being unveiled, while the core adult X-Men team has fully accepted their role as mutant teachers, and are eager to continue the X-Legacy. Establishing the history of mutantkind both in New Orleans and Haven House gives more weight to the comic’s setting, and perhaps permanently changes the lore of the X-Men at Marvel Comics. This issue was a solid conclusion from Gail Simone (with some valid critiques around plot) and outstanding art from David Marquez and Matthew Wilson. I can’t wait to see what is next for the Uncanny X-Men.
You must be logged in to post a comment.