REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 21

Uncanny X-Men Issue 21 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Gail Simone, art by Luciano Vecchio, colors by Matthew Wilson and letters by Clayton Cowles.

Wolverine and Ransom are still in Argentina, where they come face-to-face with Valentin’s father. The second half of a mini arc, Uncanny X-Men Issue 21 takes an even deeper dive into Ransom’s father. There’s tension from the beginning, as the two mutants are staring down the barrel of his dad’s gun. There’s an attempt to force the duo into doing his bidding.

But these are two heroes that are impossible to hold to random, and they go their own way instead. The setting for the majority of the comic takes place at a conversation, which highlights Simone’s amazing sense of humour. All of a sudden, the main characters can walk into a location in costume without receiving strange looks.

Within that convention, an attack is brewing with Valentin’s brother involved. But the plot never feels like the most important speech of Uncanny X-Men Issue 21, with the main characters and their emotional turmoil always at the heart of every scene Simone writes. There is a question of whether this broken family, that is cold and callous, can ever reconcile.

The dialogue and character development are stunning once again. It’s not just Valentin, but the two men he can look up to as a father. His actual father is a man with little emotion, especially towards Ransom. He didn’t care less about him, only needing him to rescue the one son he actually loves. Then there’s Wolverine, who had taken Ransom under his wing in so many ways. Seeing how Valentin’s father treats him enrages Logan, instantly making him protective and full of disdain for the proud man.

When Wolverine talks about Valentin, there’s so much pride and respect and love, and that mixture of anger and disbelief is gorgeous. The relationship between Logan and the younger mutant is getting closer and more in-depth with every issue. Seeing how his family is so indignant towards him, it’s no wonder that Ransom had to become so independent and strong. Meanwhile, back in Louisiana, an adorable and meaningful moment in the lunch hall shows that no character is ever forgotten about.

The art is both playful and poignant. The design of Patricio is terrific. He’s handsome, distinguished and smart, displaying where Ransom got his good looks. But he never smiles and is always looking at his son with either rage or indifference. Wolverine responds in kind. He may be shorter than both, but he radiates dominance and authority.

The convention centre is filled with cosplay, fans creating costumes to celebrate their favourite heroes. And what excels in how Vecchio approaches the individuality. The costume recreations may not be perfect, and they all look different. It shows the unique creativity, suggesting that each person attending made their costumes with what they had. One of the most incredible examples takes a classic X-Men outfit and gives it a beautiful Argentine flavour.

The colors enjoy the vibrancy of superheroes. On the convention floor, there are so many different bright shades as classic costumes come back to life, all at once. It adds positivity to the book. Around that, Uncanny X-Men Issue 21 is still very much in line, but the times are much more natural for presenting the normal world the heroes inhabit. The lettering is very comfortable and easy to read.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 21 reminds us that family doesn’t end in blood. We get introduced to Ransom’s family, which is completely devoid of love and closeness. And yet, it’s the ragtag group of mutants in New Orleans that Valentin has chosen as his real family. Wolverine isn’t a perfect father figure, but he seems to enjoy and admire Ransom.

The warmth from Simone’s dialogue hangs off every word, so it’s always surprising when it’s not present from other characters. Every little interaction, every joke, means something, as it creates an unbreakable closeness in Uncanny X-Men Issue 21.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 21 is available where comics are sold.