REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 25

Uncanny X-Men Issue 25 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Gail Simone, art by David Marquez and Luciano Vecchio, colors by Matthew Wilson, and letters by Clayton Cowles.

There is a backup story written by Simone, with art by David Messina, Rachelle Rosenberg, and letters by Travis Lanham. The monsters continue to fight the X-Men, while a powerful sorceress is on the doorstep of Haven House.

The two stories told throughout this arc are finally coming together: the X-Men are fighting for their lives in an abandoned theme park, and the young Outliers are being read a bedtime story. In Uncanny X-Men Issue 25, the dream ends, and the nightmare becomes a reality. Two conflicts are going on at the same time, superbly structured by Simone. There are multiple conflicts within the theme park, too, with each mutant pairing with a classic monster. There are plotlines and stunning surprises inside each of these fights.

The pace is intense and furious in Uncanny X-Men Issue 25, but the real integral battle is being held at home. Lady Darkhold wants to enter the house and claim the Outliers, with her ability to mesmerise mutants and monsters alike. It’s a great story of standing your ground and protecting your home. The ending is warm and wholesome, bringing the two heroes together again.

Simone’s character work in Uncanny X-Men Issue 25 is phenomenal because it incorporates history and time. So many chickens are coming home to roost, with the monsters bringing out the dark side of the X-Men. Jubilee clashes with Morbius, a clash that brings back memories of her time as a vampire. Gambit is still wrestling with the effects of the Eye of Agamotto, pulling at his addictive personality to seep its curse into his veins. It needs a certain friend he’s made to return and aid him, including in his fight with Manphibian.

The real growth comes from the kids in Haven House and how they’re transforming. When being read bedtime stories, they are excited children who were robbed of a normal childhood. They like the idea of battling pretend monsters in a made-up world. But then they have to grow up in the same issue, protecting their new home. And they do it well. Ransom had become a true, natural leader. Calico and Jitter are brave, powering forward. Even Deathdream is courageous.

It feels important that the Outliers protect the people who own Haven House. Marcus St. Juniors and his family are vulnerable, and yet determined to keep those in his charge safe. Marcus is tremendous in this chapter, serving as a father not just to his daughter but also to the other children in his care. After reading stories to them, it’s easy for him to forget that they’re also mutants.

The art is glorious and vicious as monsters and mutants clash within Uncanny X-Men Issue 25. The theme park has so much to love, a feisty scrap for survival. Wolverine has been infected and transformed into a werewolf, attacking Rogue with even more claws and hair than before. It’s a flurry of fury, with wounds that bite down into the flesh. The various locations and the very unique situations are intoxicating. Frankenstein and Nightcrawler require a different set of movements than Gambit and Manphibian, especially when the special guest enters.

Lady Darkhold is an incredibly detailed design. She’s gorgeous and yet terrifying. Her whole body is covered in a floral fishnet outfit, which would take immense intricacy to illustrate. And she’s riding a giant wolf. When the Outliers charge out to meet Lady Darkhold, it’s like they’ve ascended, fully able to utilise their pets.

The colors are pivotal in crafting the atmosphere of Uncanny X-Men Issue 25. It’s the stunning shades in the sky, lit up in a purple haze as dusk falls. It provides light whilst still being moody and dark. When Gambit and Jubilee cast light, it’s dazzling and intense. The lettering fits the personality in the caption boxes and custom word balloons, whilst always being easy to read.

The backup story in Uncanny X-Men Issue 25 is very different yet still features a monster. It focuses on the Outliers, as they have been approached to help find a missing girl. Without the X-Men, the community has to step up and act to help itself. It forces them to encounter the worst of humanity, again showing them to grow. It’s both haunting and intriguing, with a beautiful guest artist.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 25 keeps the campfire burning at Haven House. Rogue went there in the first place because it’s safe, even when surrounded and literally sitting on top of death and demons. Even when monsters are at the door, those inside feel secure. The world is full of monsters, and this chapter shows that in so many different ways. But it has been their home that has let the Outliers grow.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 25 is available now wherever comics are sold.