REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue #2 (2024)

Uncanny X-Men #2 is published by Marvel Comics. It is written by Gail Simone, art by David Marquez, colors by Matthew Wilson and letters by Clayton Cowles. In this issue, the trio of former X-Men are approached by mysterious mutant children asking for help, but Rogue, Wolverine, and Gambit may not be ready to give it.

Uncanny X-Men #2 takes place immediately after the end of the previous one and continues to blend multiple stories and tones. The new mutants are creepy and insidious, still leaning into a folk horror vibe within the superheroes. Many of the characters are bizarre and unnerving. The issue quickly devolves into a brawl, displaying what the newcomers can do. It’s an exciting fight full of brand-new discoveries and surprises. And elsewhere, Simone tells other stories.

Xavier’s school has been taken over, and a flashback also features Professor X when he was young. He has become a bigger feature of the story, with a mystery being generated over where he is or whether he is even alive at all. These plotlines are spiraling and expansive, but the structure is brilliant and easy to follow. When there is confusion, it is stoked on purpose, as even the heroes are struggling to understand what’s going on.

The characters’ response to the newcomers suggests a very different mindset following the Fall of Krakoa. Although the group includes Rogue, Wolverine, and Gambit, they are unwilling to call themselves X-Men. Many of them are broken and hurting, leading them to be standoffish and unhelpful for the wayward children. Each one of them is truly individual, with no connections between them. They come from separate counties with wildly different powers. And all of them are terrifying.

They have strange mannerisms and dialogue, always finding ways to unsettle. However, many of them have a quirky sense of humor. The tone of Uncanny X-Men #2 can have bursts of positivity. When Rogue greets an old friend, that explosion of energy and love is heartwarming. The connection between the characters is tight and palpable, and every storyline starts to be connected.

The art is sensational. Marquez is a master of his craft and able to adapt to any situation. The flashback scene with Xavier is bright, positive, and flirtatious. Set at a university, it has a calm and domestic feel. The mood changes by the campfire, with the young mutants on the edge of a dark and ominous forest. The shadows become a thick, solid wall.

The various personalities of the characters are apparent in their appearances as well. Each one looks like it originates from a different story, creating a burning desire to discover more. The fight is fascinating, with so many new powers on display. Many of them require fascinating techniques, pitted against the classic heroes. None wear their costumes, adding an improvised quality to the issue. The final page reveals the villain, one that is horrifying and disturbing.

The colors are mesmerising and beautifully atmospheric. Wilson can range from being bright and vibrant to emotional. Many elements are brought together in the forest to turn it into a masterpiece. From the orange flames of the campfire to the bright green of Gambit’s new Eye of Agamotto, it is a flurry of prominent tones that ensures you can’t ever look away. The lettering is clear and easy to read for the whole issue.

Uncanny X-Men #2 continues to impress. While all the X-Men books are closely connected, this one takes the heroes on journeys and exposes them to various situations. Scott Summers is building a community, while Rogue barely holds this group together.

Uncanny X-Men #2 doesn’t feel like a classic X-Men comic because the characters themselves don’t want to be X-Men. Because of that, Simone, Marquez, and the rest of the creative team can tell stories that feel fresh and brand new, going in directions where it is impossible to predict the outcome.

Uncanny X-Men #2 is available where comics are sold.