REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 11

Uncanny X-Men Issue 11 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Gail Simone, art by Javier Garron, colors by Matthew Wilson and letters by Clayton Cowles.

This is part one of the Manhunt crossover, spanning the whole line of X-books. The X-Men are called to Graymalkin prison as a problem begins with Professor Xavier.

The first chapter of the crossover excellently fits within the fabric of the book it starts in. It’s not intrusive, letting the traumatic events of the previous issue roll over and see the consequences. It’s not the kids that look troubled but the older heroes, especially Rogue. The first half of the comic sees a makeshift Danger Room session go to the extreme, leveling up the intensity from previous occasions. It’s a sign of the increased danger for the mutants. But there is also another story bubbling under the surface that soon becomes dominant. Only Xavier can see a connection between Earth and space.

Horrible news is delivered, and Simone provides little time to let it sink in. The ramifications of that news hit instantly, leading to an agonizing battle that shows a depressing passage of time. That passage of time is an essential feature of this story. There are new elements, from the Outliers to Graymalkin, and the team itself is fresh. However, the presence of Charles Xavier almost always causes history to resurface. There is a classic feeling to Uncanny X-Men Issue 11, and Simone laces it with tragedy.

The dialogue and the characters within Uncanny X-Men Issue 11 seem broken and sad. They were getting close to connecting the generations, but the attack from the Wolfpack shatters their confidence. Rogue has gotten angrier and fearful for the safety of her charges. The team is snippy and bickering, uncomfortable around each other. The Outliers are still naive, treating training sessions like a game, not a preparation for war. Yet again, comparisons are made between Rogue and Cyclops, highlighting what makes them different leaders.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 11 becomes fascinating and forlorn when the X-Men are called to help with Xavier. Realizing what’s wrong is heartbreaking. The situation has a sci-fi twist to it, but there is something tangible that resonates more. Some readers will have witnessed similar behavior from those close to them. The confusion, lashing out, and misplaced anger that can come from what Xavier is experiencing is soul-crushing, and the dialogue and captions give it more grit. There was no possible ending to the confrontation that could be happy.

The art demonstrates the difference in danger levels for the mutants. Haven House is their home, but the young mutants face a fight that is far from easy. But there is still a feeling of safety. Hay bales, tractors, and other farm equipment have become makeshift danger rooms. At the beginning of Uncanny X-Men Issue 11 is a space battle that rolls back the years. The details on the spaceship are mind-boggling, but there is also an extreme level of brutality and violence. It’s an example of the variety of foes and situations in which the X-Men can find themselves.

The ranch may be grounded, but Uncanny X-Men Issue 11 isn’t afraid to leap into horror, magic, or sci-fi. For the third battle of an incredibly action-packed issue, it again taps into history, blurring the generations. Each fight scene is unique and different, making each encounter its own storyline within something much greater. There are references and tributes to John Byrne, Jack Kirby, and other great artists, all while Garron makes the issue his own.

The colors are phenomenal. The vibrancy of the shades can be seen across the pages, from beginning to end. Figures like Jubilee and Gambit naturally enthuse issues with energy due to their powers, but so does Calico. But the final fight generates an even more intense yellow for the characters’ costumes, emulating how they looked decades ago. The lettering is clear and easy to read.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 11 blends generations. The issue digs into history whilst constantly looking forward. There are multiple callbacks and looks to the past because Charles Xavier inherently makes his former students do that. He raised the older X-Men, turning them into who they are. The art repeatedly reminds us of how far they have come. But these are not those days, and tragic decisions must be made. This world makes the mutants grow up fast, perhaps too fast. New characters stand where others once stood. The Manhunt crossover will travel across the X-books, but starting here has given it an emotional, heartfelt beginning.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 11 is available where comics are sold.