REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 20

Uncanny X-Men Issue 20 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Gail Simone, art by Luciano Vecchio, colors by Matthew Wilson, and letters by Clayton Cowles.

Ransom and Wolverine head to Argentina, where his half-brother is in trouble.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 20 is an example of the fascinating structure Simone can add to the series. Initially, there are small snippets scattered throughout the issue. They demonstrate character moments with so much power and heart in both. It’s a while before the main plot takes hold, but all those smaller scenes before energize the book and make the world larger.

Then, Uncanny X-Men Issue 20 departs from Louisiana, heading to Buenos Aires for a standalone story. It taps into the past of one of the characters, giving them a rare chance to address. By the end of Uncanny X-Men Issue 20, a massive brawl had been unleashed, accelerating the pace and feeling like a release of all that emotion.

Something fascinating about Uncanny X-Men Issue 20 is the fact that it’s split between the genders. Early in Uncanny X-Men Issue 20, there are multiple scenes between women. One is in Graymalkin prison, nasty and vicious, and the other is a kind and gentle chat between Rogue and Jitter. It’s so loving and personal to those two, with their language at the heart of the conversation. It’s so emotional and tear-jerking, with the characters able to be open with each other.

Then it moves to the boys, the alpha males of the group. It’s also a fantastic bit of dialogue, as Ransom, Gambit, and Wolverine start talking about the issue with Ransom’s brother. This is less open, more closed off, and reluctant to help. It leads Simone to explore two of the most reclusive members of the family. Valentin (Ransom) has perhaps had the least development of all the characters, alongside Logan, so getting a chance finally feels new and inviting.

The narration is incredibly revealing, unveiling a new side to the young man in Uncanny X-Men Issue 20. He’s so protective of his found siblings, brave and resilient. But he talks about what goes on inside his head, and it sounds a lot like depression. Like Jitter and Rogue, Wolverine is a terrific mentor. This issue is like a father and the oldest son. Ransom doesn’t even want help, but Wolverine is doing it, with Gambit also willing to be useful. It shows the community and the togetherness of this group.

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The art is phenomenal, able to match the violence and superheroics with intricacy and quiet. What’s fascinating about this chapter is that even at home, the older X-Men are all in costume. This is amusing because it combines the absurd nature of the X-Men with the domesticity of their home. The individual conversations were hidden away in small groups and sitting on logs. Their personalities always bleed through in these movements, from Jitter’s lack of confidence to how Valentin wants to be perceived by others.

There are also more comic book elements when the action kicks off. Gambit possesses the Eye of Agamotto, which grants him the ability to transport the team anywhere in the world. The fight scene is a colossal battle that features dozens of bodies. Vecchio illustrates a magnificent bar brawl in Uncanny X-Men Issue 20, showcasing the strength of the two mutants and the general movement with brilliant clarity.

The colors in Uncanny X-Men Issue 20 are stunning. There’s a terrific contrast between Wolverine and Ransom in their shades. Wolverine is vibrant, with that trademark yellow costume. Ransom is very dark, with black costumes and a power that turns his hands opaque. During the battle, Wilson uses solid times in the background, with red, orange, and amber all being used. With so many limbs and bodies in the way, these single shade breakdowns help with definition and clarity. Likewise, the lettering is stark and easy to read.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 20 is one about the boys. Everything about this series is incredibly well-executed. The recent selection of character-specific issues has been fantastic, and it was the turn of Wolverine and Ransom to take the stage. It felt rewarding to delve into the minds of two figures who never want to speak up because there are other, more pressing problems.

However, Uncanny X-Men Issue 20 isn’t exclusively male-dominated, as Rogue and Jitter’s chat helps balance the genders. But that trio of lone wolves (Wolverine, Ransom, and Gambit) finding comfort and help from each other was really fascinating and exciting.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 20 is available now wherever comics are sold.