REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 12

Uncanny X-Men Issue 12 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Gail Simone, art by Gavin Guidry, colors by Matthew Wilson, and letters by Clayton Cowles.

As Rogue makes amends, Gambit settles an old debt.

With all of the chaos, crossovers, and robotic canines that have filled this series in the last several issues, Uncanny X-Men Issue 12 settles down. It’s a much calmer story, getting emotional and deep. 80% of the story is in the past, detailing a New Orleans take on Oliver Twist. Protected and taught by a nefarious figure known as Vig. He’s a gangster, a man who forces and demands respect. But there is also trickery and manipulation at play.

The pacing in Uncanny X-Men Issue 12 is beautifully structured. It explores the childhood of one of the most enigmatic X-Men. It also provides some exposition and backstory around Haven House and other elements of this series that have been burning questions. And just as it looks like this home will always be safe, something may rip it from underneath the X-Men.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 12 shifts the focus of the narration and the series from Rogue to Gambit. Gambit has been present from the beginning, serving as Rogue’s rock and calming influence. Simone adjusts the personality within the captions. Rogue wears her heart on her sleeve, a character filled with so much emotion that it often erupts. Gambit is much calmer. There’s less pain and feeling in his narration. A funny feature of this series is how Gambit can tell what Rogue will do before she’s even done it. He can read his wife like a book, but often doesn’t feel he can stop it from happening. This is correct because he can’t.

Vig is a true Fagan-like character. He’s warm and protective of Gambit while also being dark and dangerous. The evil he represents shows lightly on the surface, but within that dialogue is a doorway into darker depths. In contrast, a three-panel sequence shows a bottomless pit of love under Rogue’s team leadership. The conversation drew a sob because of how genuine and warm it was.

The art is sensational. An authentic Cajun himself, he is in the best possible position to illustrate a story set in the heart of his home. There are two leading figures in Uncanny X-Men Issue 12. Young Remy LeBeau is a vulnerable child. His mutation is apparent, with striking eyes hidden within his messy hairstyle that he still hasn’t tamed now that he’s older.

Then comes The Vig. He’s big and imposing. He’s reptilian in design, with terrifyingly sharp teeth and scales that instantly make him scary. But he’s smart, dressed in an immaculate suit. He is enticing, but the suit can also be a trap. When they sit together, Remy looks completely helpless. So it is satisfying to see the man grow up, becoming the handsome hero we know and love. Now taller, Gambit’s confrontation with his former mentor is satisfying even before anything happens.

Guidry is terrific at drawing physicality and movement, which are crucial in the sequential art of storytelling. The fight scenes have an excellent sense of momentum, showing off the characters’ speed and strength. But physicality and movement don’t have to be violent. Being dragged into a bone-crushing hug is as effective and emotive as throwing a punch.

The colors are wonderful in Uncanny X-Men Issue 12. Every color that Wilson uses has depth and difference. You rarely see primary colors or basic shades; there is a subtlety to the shades that makes the book look unlike anything else out there. It’s an interesting choice to make Vig’s suit white instead of black, but it fits the lighter tones of the comic. Many scenes take place when the sun is either going up or down, so there is an added warmth and beauty to the scene with a certain glow generated from the sky.

For an issue dedicated to Gambit, his power to charge objects with explosive energy is rarely used. But when that pink glow appears, you know that the fight is going to be changed in an instant. The lettering is very clear, which is helpful when the Cajun accent is used so heavily.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 12 is a Cajun Charles Dickens comic. More than just an excellent character issue; it’s a celebration of the environment and Gambit’s upbringing. It thanks New Orleans for being its home and setting, telling a story using characters from the area. It never mocks or belittles the region, instead embracing what makes it great. Even enlisting an artist who grew up in the location helps make the pages feel like home.

Because that’s what Simone has always tried to build at Haven House; the warmth and protective aura the building and Rogue give off allows the soul to relax, welcoming the readers back every time. This comic is a campfire that you can’t help but gather around.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 12 is available now wherever comics are sold.