REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 13

Uncanny X-Men Issue 13 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Gail Simone, art by David Marquez, colors by Matthew Wilson and letters by Clayton Cowles.

As a familiar face returns to retrieve an item Gambit stole from it, the Outliers get taken on their own quest.

The story of Uncanny X-Men Issue 13 is split three ways. There is a historical story detailing a black woman making her way South. Gambit is reacquainted with the dragon the team encountered in the first issue. And Deathdream leads the young mutants into a dangerous situation.

The present-day tales are mystical and magical, causing speculation and genuine wonder. The other is grounded in the sins of history. Many prophecies are spoken, creating a foreboding future for the series with so many possibilities. There is both zaniness and powerful drama on every page.

Sadurang the Dragon, featured just so casually in this issue, is an example of Simone’s brazen attitude toward escalation. There is an unpredictable nature to where the stories can travel in this series. They can be personal tales of trauma and loss, or a dragon can arrive and demand that Gambit give him his magic artifact back. This Uncanny X-Men series had very creepy horror elements early in the run, and that returns as Deathdream takes the four youngsters into a land where anything could be around the next corner.

When the action erupts, each move seems to have consequences, giving grit and meaning to every blow. And in both situations, Gambit and the Outliers are taken to places where backup is not coming, making the situations much more frightening. There is a shocking reveal at the end of Uncanny X-Men Issue 13, connecting one of the characters to a figure that is unnerving and could have huge consequences.

Gambit is the focus character again, following on with the Cajun caper in the previous issue. Simone makes the thief shine in Uncanny X-Men Issue 13. He is so protective and fearless, running out to face a dragon with just his cards and his underwear. His more mellow attitude controls the book’s tempo and atmosphere, where Rogue’s intensity can inflame tensions. Gambit and Sadurang have a conversation that is equal parts full of warning and respect.

Meanwhile, one of the Outliers shows how peculiar and obscure they are. Deathdream has often spoken in a strange and sinister tongue, with a macabre tinge to how he talks. But here, he is unresponsive to his friends, drawn to something in the swamp. The ancient mixes with youth in Uncanny X-Men Issue 13, making the story haunting and harrowing. The outliers have great trust in each other, always willing to move as a pack, and their closeness binds them together no matter what road they travel on.

The art sees a legend return to the comic. Marquez comes back to continue illustrating many of the characters he helped create. So much of Uncanny X-Men Issue 13 is a journey, and the visuals surrounding that journey are stunning. The Outliers look so young, children in a daunting and frightening world. They move as one, a group filled with fascinating individuals.

Whenever Rogue or Gambit are on the page, there is sexual energy. They are often half-naked or in bed together, with the artists showing off their good looks. Marquez creates a fantastic fight scene even with Remy lacking his britches.

The mutant designs are dwarfed by the fact that there’s an enormous dragon on their front lawn. The beasts in Uncanny X-Men Issue 13 are sensational. They are huge, powerful and menacing. Sadurang changes every time you see him, evolving with the seasons. Whenever he appears, the sense of danger within the issue increases. But he’s not the only sizeable reptilian creature in this comic. They all look phenomenal.

The colors are stunning. Though, Sadurang has shed off any form of color. Now, he is completely white, including his eyes. The lack of pupils makes him scarier, as it’s difficult to see what’s happening within that huge head of his. The Outliers are taken to a location that is gloomy, shadowy and robbed of natural light. The only thing that lights their way is the orange glow created by torches and lamps. It’s a creepy place that is submerged in obsidian and solid black.

The lettering is mostly easy to read, except in the flashback. The story about a young Henrietta Benjamin traveling South is interesting, but the font used for the narration is extremely awkward and difficult to read.

Marquez is terrific at art, and it’s great to see such an incredible artist back in the book. It’s very personal to individual X-Men still, despite the branching plotlines. Simone never forgets about the heart and soul of the cast, even among the flying lizards.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 13 has a variety of stories to tell. There is so much going on within this issue, and yet there is no confusion or lack of cohesion. These storylines have been loose ends hanging over the series, so this issue answers questions and generates many more.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 13 is available where comics are sold.