REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 32

Uncanny X-Men Issue 32 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Gail Simone, art by Rogê Antônio, Jim Towe and Federica Mancin, colors by Matthew Wilson and letters by Clayton Cowles.

With the school caught between two warring alien races, it falls to the X-Men to try and stop it.

This issue not only wraps up the intergalactic invasion of the school dance, but it also marks a particular era of this entire run. Simone keeps her foot down for much of the issue, balancing the two different fighting locations nicely. There is the school, overloaded with the Brood, and where the bulk of the X-Men are fighting. It’s a mad scramble, with not much strategy involved—just survival.

Then there is Nightcrawler, stuck inside one of the flying saucers and battling his way through what appear to be otherworldly exterminators. What shines about this story is the fact that Simone doesn’t provide extensive exposition or explanation as to what’s happening, because it isn’t important. The aliens are causing carnage, and it’s up to the mutants to stop it.

Like many of these issues, Uncanny X-Men Issue 32 moves quickly, but the comic always feels full of story and subplots. And then, again, fusing a large scale with something smaller. The ending isn’t a surprise for the reader, because Simone hinted at it several issues ago, but it’s an emotional gut punch for the Outliers.

The characters in this chapter show so much of their individualism, yet they are also part of something much bigger. That’s the basis of an X-Men team book. The main characters are excellent, tough, and dependable. Nightcrawler has been able to tackle an army virtually on his own, highlighting just how capable and dangerous the teleporting Catholic can be. And there’s an added worry for him with his girlfriend, McKenzie, so close to the action.

Rogue, the leader and figurehead of the entire group, has finally joined the battle, providing some brute force as backup. Jubilee is a tenacious and capable leader, growing from the mallrat teenage she once was into a disciple of Wolverine. Gambit too is well and truly changed, possessed by whatever dwells in the Eye of Agamotto and allowing another personality to speak through him.

And then there are the Outliers. The fusion of romance, teenage emotion, and growth as heroes is incredible to see. Even Mutna and the Vig have joined the battle, the former providing more help than expected.

The art is superb, with multiple artists creating changes in style and atmosphere. It means that Uncanny X-Men Issue 32 looks different between the start and end. It creates a sense of evolution and change, a major theme in this issue. Nightcrawler and the flying saucers have great big solid lumps of shadow, whilst the school uses more intricate details for the Brood and the rest of the X-Men. It changes the tone of the book, shifting the story into a grittier, visceral fight.

It’s always fun seeing the X-Men battle in clothing that isn’t their costumes, as they use their powers in tuxedoes and fancy dresses. The school serves as an excellent, exciting backdrop for the conflict, as the lasers and powers tear up the bleachers and the football field. All of the artists embrace the sprawling nature of this comic, with bodies littered everywhere. The last panel of the fight is a giant reveal, ending on a rewarding conclusion.

But that’s not the last part of Uncanny X-Men Issue 32, and with it the art seems to change again. It leads to a refreshing, emotional conclusion as the series drastically changes everything. The switch in emotion, from elation to devastation, is key to the departure.

The colors are also fantastic. From the beginning, the issue is dark and insidious. This is due to the space horror that is enveloping the school and the book as a whole. The purple of Gambit and the greens of the flying saucers look exceptional when contrasting in the darkness. But the epilogue is much lighter and more vibrant, with an abundance of yellow. The lettering is very clear and easy to read.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 32 is a graduation in so many ways. For 32 issues, this roster hasn’t really changed. That’s because the Louisiana X-Men haven’t been a team; they’re a family. Hosting this battle in the school aids the metaphor of graduating and moving on brilliantly. There’s a progression and a remarkable change to the very heart and helm of the squad. And that can really hurt, because change is so difficult to process. Especially when the Outliers basically became the children of the older X-Men. Even though Simone braced us, the pain is still brutal.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 32 is available where comics are sold.