REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue #6

Uncanny X-Men #6 is published by Marvel Comics. It is written by Gail Simone, with art by Javier Garrón, colors by Matthew Wilson, and letters by Clayton Cowles. With the threat of the Hag now passed, the X-Men try to settle into their new lives in Louisiana in the latest issue.

Uncanny X-Men #6 features a lot of newfound pain and problems, starting a new arc with a fresh look. One of the new mutants is already kicking off, demonstrating how new and unpredictable they are. After Calico’s first temper tantrum, the whole team tries to establish a kind of normality. The kids are sent to school, and Jubilee and Nightcrawler are sent shopping. These seemingly banal activities are given tensions, problems, and reasons to make them captivating.

Simone doesn’t waste a moment in this issue, even when it seems like a bridge between the arcs. The structure bounces between the locations, and the pacing makes the book feel complete and satisfying. Their apparent safety does not take long to dissipate entirely, targeting everywhere and anywhere. The action can suddenly erupt in this series, ramping up the energy. There are many surprises and fascinating parts of Uncanny X-Men #6, with characters constantly being distracted, separated, and put into danger on their own.

The characters in Uncanny X-Men #6 are all broken. There is so much pain within them, even in the most vital and experienced members. Very few are holding it together. In the first scene, the team tries to calm Calico, whose sheltered upbringing and mommy issues finally cause problems for the rest of the group.

She is a fascinating character; all of the kids are. Simone has fun exploring their venture into somewhere really uncomfortable: a high school. It is interesting to see how they work with each other outside the confines of their new home, pushed to the limits early by bullies and claustrophobic places.

The other X-Men are also gloriously written. Wolverine comes to Gambit and Rogue, opening up on a haunting tragedy. Simone delivers one of the most heartbreaking segments in an X-Men comic, making it difficult not to collapse to the floor and sob. But there is also a perfect balance. For as bottomless the well of pain is inside these stories, that is matched by how much love there is. Rogue and Gambit make it acceptable to be vulnerable, tapping into the emotions of everyone on the team.

Garrón takes over on art, and continues so much of what David Marquez was also able to achieve. Each character looks genuinely unique, right down to their body shape. Gambit is tall and lanky, while Wolverine is squat and stocky. It’s the first time that the kids have been illustrated by someone else. Their costumes and their power are so dramatic and intriguing. It is then funny to see them in school uniforms.

Even though they are meant to be similar in concept, Garrón gives each young hero their style, sticking to the idea of difference. They may have their blazers buttoned, their shirts untucked, and minute details and creases. The damage dealt by The Hag still lingers on some of the characters, particularly Logan. He is effectively blind, with bandages wrapped around his eyes as they heal.

The colors are extraordinary. Wilson has added a classic quality to the costumes of the older X-Men. Their suits are incredibly vibrant. Wolverine and Jubilee are covered in an intense yellow, and Nightcrawler’s red and blue scheme sticks out beautifully. There is often a massive mess in the fight scenes, and the red that Wilson covers the aftermath with makes it look gruesome and unnerving. The lettering is fantastic. Simone fills the dialogue with speech impediments, accents, and languages, and Cowles can cope with those and make them easy to read.

Uncanny X-Men #6 tries to rebuild a broken family. With so much happening in the previous arc, it was sometimes hard to see just how badly everyone was hurting, and this issue takes time to process. Every issue is achingly emotional. It is also beautiful to look at and comforting and welcoming to read.

The end of Uncanny X-Men #6 drags the team into conflict with an enemy bubbling under the surface of every X book as they finally make their move.

Uncanny X-Men #6 is available where comics are sold.