The Uncanny X-Men comic series has consistently performed exceptionally well since its inception, and issue #19 continues to reinforce why it stands out as the top X-Men title by a significant margin, even among Marvel’s stellar team books. A common complaint about contemporary comics is their format; they are often written with collected editions in mind, featuring four to six issue story arcs. However, Uncanny X-Men #19 buckles this trend, delivering a standalone, engaging story that appeals to readers who have followed the series from the start as well as newcomers. This issue serves as an ideal starting point for both longtime fans and those just joining us in the 90s, with a focus on a character we’ve been eagerly anticipating more of since the beginning.
The Uncanny X-Men series has been captivating, with Gail Simone drawing inspiration from the masters. Unlike previous works like MacKay’s X-Men, which seems to heavily rely on past stories, Uncanny X-Men is steering clear of repetition. Instead, it echoes the essence of past X-Men greats such as Chris Claremont. Each issue subtly references past events, and this one is no exception, expanding a plot point that Simone introduced in last year’s Free Comic Book Day Uncanny X-Men issue – the character Uva, a mutant waitress rescued by Jubilee from bigots, which unfolds further in this issue. While doing so, Simone also introduces a significant concept related to the X-Men’s stay in New Orleans and serves up a dose of Deadpool (and Outlaw, who Simone created 23 years ago) action. This can be considered a textbook example of a self-contained story.
As a fan of Jubilee, I’ve noticed that she hasn’t had much screen time in this storyline thus far. However, the Free Comic Book Day book demonstrated Simone’s strong grasp of Jubilee’s character. Unfortunately, she’s been playing a supporting role. This book, however, delivers for Jubilee supporters as Deadpool reveals that the wealthy bigots who Jubilee previously confronted are planning revenge on Uva, and they hired him to distract the X-Men. Stepping up to the plate, Jubilee decides to handle this situation independently, and Simone skillfully portrays her character’s growth. Unlike in the past, Jubilee no longer seeks help; instead, she wants to demonstrate her self-reliance. This narrative beautifully showcases Jubilee’s evolution from a teen mutant into a capable hero. Moreover, Simone continues to excel at developing the Outliers in this storyline. Simone’s dialogue is succinct yet impactful, as evident here. “From the Ashes” aims to recreate the classic X-Men atmosphere by referencing the past. Conversely, Simone achieves this by telling timeless X-Men stories in a traditional manner. This is what makes Uncanny exceptional.
Artist David Marquez once again delivers exceptional work for this issue. His artwork consistently excels in every piece he creates, and this issue is no exception. While his long shots may occasionally lack some detail, the depth of emotion portrayed through character acting more than compensates for this. The intricate use of body language is a testament to Marquez’s expertise in comics, as he skillfully demonstrates mastery over this essential element.
The action-packed scene featuring Deadpool and Outlaw squaring off against the Outliers is particularly noteworthy. Marquez expertly captures the sense of motion required for such scenes, with each character’s movements during the fight beautifully executed.
One new mutant that has caught my attention is Deathdream. A significant factor in my interest lies in the way Marquez illustrates the character, effectively conveying both his gothic exterior and tender heart. Additionally, the artist does a fantastic job showcasing Deathdream’s impressive powers in action.
The character acting across all scenes is spot-on, hitting all the intended emotional beats. I must commend Marquez’s interpretation of Gambit, whose pride in Jubilee shines through when she expresses her desire to go it alone. The artwork throughout is simply stunning.
The scene at Jubilee’s diner is the core of this book. Simone lays the foundation for Jubilee’s development, but Marquez brings it to life through his artistry. He effectively portrays Jubilee’s dynamic personality that has been present from the start, and the final panel featuring Jubilee’s radiant smile is a treat. I’m eager for Uva to reappear in this book because of Marquez’s exceptional depiction of her. He skillfully illustrates her bashful nature, making her appear small yet endearing; I can’t wait to see how he continues to develop her character. Marquez is a fantastic match for Simone’s nuanced character development, and I yearn for more of his work in this book.
In a delightful throwback style, Uncanny X-Men #19 skillfully lays the groundwork for future stories, subtly acknowledging the dedicated fanbase of X-Men as well. The “Uncanny Village” alone makes this issue a must-read! This series showcases top-notch character-driven storytelling, with Simone and Marquez consistently delivering excellent work. That’s pretty much it in a nutshell.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Uncanny X-Men #19 is on sale now.
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2025-08-06 18:19