REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 8

Uncanny X-Men Issue 8 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Gail Simone, art by Javier Garrón, colors by Matthew Wilson and letters by Clayton Cowles.

This is Part 4 of “The Raid on Graymalkin,” a crossover between Uncanny X-Men and X-Men. The two teams of X-Men are still trying to free the mutants trapped within Graymalkin prison, but none of them may be able to leave.

The final part of an action-packed crossover, this issue keeps the pressure on the two X-Men teams. Scurvy, a decrepit and terrifying tool in Corina Ellis’ arsenal who can manipulate your most negative emotions, is released. But the X-Men now have Professor X. Whilst those two baldies battle, the other mutants are trapped in the fallout zone of their powers. It gives an odd but interesting pace to the book. Rogue and Cyclops must try to free their teams and gather their senses.

There is danger everywhere in Uncanny X-Men Issue 8. Escaping the clutches of Scurvy still places the team in a prison for mutants, with Sentinels, soldiers, and other foes all around. The fights are messy, tapping into something that the X-Men reveal through dialogue later. This crossover expands the plot for both teams, with even the answers leading to more questions. There are still secrets within that prison that the heroes are forced away from.

Before, breaking into the prison and freeing all its inmates seemed easy for two teams of X-Men. But this crossover shows there are contingencies and hidden weapons everywhere. Corina Ellis, the prison’s overseer, has power and leverage. The story’s ending is not happy at all; in fact, it may have left more scars and separation. But the X-Men’s lives are rarely happy, so it fits.

A chasm has formed between the leaders of each team. Even after working together, the differences between Cyclops and Rogue look unfixable at this point. Cyclops is cold and calculating, while Rogue’s love for everyone in her family precedes everything else. Cyclops can know when to stop fighting, But Rogue is relentless. One is based on impulse, the other on tactics. They cannot stop bickering, even when they need to save each other. This issue, in particular, shows how big the divide is between either squad, and there is a tragedy within that.

The dialogue and the control of emotions are fantastic. Whilst the book is tense and filled with drama, Simone finds periods of love, awe, and forgotten friendships. The new kids see icons on both teams, and those older members get a brief moment together. This is also the first time the groups have seen Professor X, one of the most significant points of contention and part of why Rogue and Cyclops are at such extreme odds.

Cyclops is traumatized by Xavier and wants him to answer for his sins, whilst Rogue remembers him as the mentor who believed in her. Another shining part of the comic is when the X-Men divulge just how dangerous they can be. They may be superheroes to the outside world, but they have weapons and powers that can do horrible, lasting damage, and they know that. They detail what sets them aside from other superhero teams in the Marvel Universe. It’s the coolest part of the entire issue.

Garrón’s art is glorious. Every weapon that Ellis has to use against mutants is nasty and unpleasant. Scurvy looks terrifying. He is old, decrepit, and physically weak but with a mighty mind.  Scurvy looks like Xavier from a different life, older and more haggard. The execution of his power is fantastic. It radiates out of him. There’s a classic look at how his power field looks behind the modern art style of Garrón. It shows its reach and helps show who is still stuck within it.

The characters struggle against the force, helpless to resist. This is a phenomenal physical issue, both in regards to fighting and comedy. The X-Men aren’t always in perfect, standard poses, showing an expert understanding of positioning and anatomy. Around them, the battle between two powerful psychics, Xavier and Scurvy, is delivered superbly.

The colors are epic. The X-Men maintain their bright and iconic color schemes no matter the background. This is either the pink of Scurvy’s power emanating across the room or a deep, ominous red as an alarm rings. The characters can be placed against solid, single-shade backgrounds, focusing all attention on them. The lettering is exceptional, with constant clarity.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 8 severs the former family even further. Both teams feature broken heroes that just can’t be fixed. It’s too early after the Fall of Krakoa, and the characters are hurting too badly to be glued back together. Even after this adventure, where they combined in some exhilarating fight scenes, the trauma they have all experienced is severe, and Xavier is a cause for a lot of it.  And because of that divide, the war will continue for both X-Men in their separate lives.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 8 is available where comics are sold.