Uncanny X-Men #24 Is a 5-Star, Old School Marvel Thrill Ride (Review)

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It’s been a tough time to be an X-Men fan lately. While the comics haven’t captured the same excitement as the popular Krakoa era, and the Ultimate X-Men series is finishing up, Uncanny X-Men has consistently stood out. This comic is fantastic, with writer Gail Simone crafting character-focused stories reminiscent of classic X-Men tales by Chris Claremont. It’s a true team book, beautifully illustrated by David Marquez and supported by talented artists like Javier Garron and Luciano Vecchio. Issue #24, part two of “Where Monsters Dwell,” feels like a special tribute to a different side of the Marvel universe.

The latest issue of “Where Monsters Dwell” starts with a fun storytelling technique: a classic Marvel Western comic, similar to those featuring the Rawhide Kid. This comic serves as a bedtime story for the daughter of the person running the X-base, Haven House, and the young mutants they’re training. This issue continues that style, as the Monster Legion attacks, creating a unique atmosphere. Writer Simone is clearly inspired by Marvel’s horror and Western comics from the 1960s and 70s, blending two often-overlooked parts of the publisher’s history.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Pros Cons
Gail Simone nails the perfect blend of character work and action, giving the book an old school feel that draws you in brilliantly
David Marquez is hitting another level on the art, giving readers beautiful visuals
Bold, character-oriented storytelling that gives every character a chance to shine

Uncanny X-Men Conjures an Old-School Feeling

The latest issue of Uncanny X-Men is excellent, showcasing Simone’s impressive writing skills. It feels like a classic comic book, even down to the setting of a long-forgotten amusement park for the main battle. The story builds on the larger narrative surrounding Haven House and its role within the mutant and magical sides of the Marvel Universe, delivering plenty of action and strong character development. Simone skillfully gives each character a moment to shine through their own narration, making this feel like a true team-up. A surprising villain appears, and the issue ends with a fantastic dual cliffhanger, completing a truly enjoyable read.

David Marquez Gives Readers Two Different Flavors of Brilliant Art

David Marquez is a fantastic artist who truly shines when drawing the X-Men. Throughout his career, he’s consistently improved, and his work on Uncanny X-Men is a prime example. His linework is delicate and creates a warm, inviting feel. In a recent issue, he skillfully transitioned between two distinct styles: a classic, aged Western look (enhanced by Matthew Wilson’s sepia-toned colors) and his signature modern style for dynamic action sequences. He handled both approaches with impressive skill.

Marquez and Wilson are a fantastic team in this issue. Marquez’s detailed artwork brings the horror to life with compelling characters, a touch of sensuality, and dynamic action. Wilson’s colors perfectly capture the atmosphere of classic horror comics, while ensuring every panel is clear and visible. Their collaboration is truly impressive – they elevate each other’s work and deliver stunning art on every page, making it look effortless.

Simone and Marquez previously delivered a standout X-Men story with “Dark Artery,” and their current work, “Where Monsters Dwell,” is shaping up to be just as good. Simone clearly loves classic Marvel comics, and that passion shines through, making this a truly enjoyable read. While Marquez’s art is excellent, it’s Wilson’s coloring that really elevates the book, subtly enhancing the narrative. This comic is a perfect example of a strong creative team working in harmony.

Uncanny X-Men #24 is on sale now.

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2026-02-18 17:44