REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 34

Uncanny X-Men Issue 34 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Gail Simone, art by Luciano Vecchio, colors by Matthew Wilson and letters by Clayton Cowles.

As Rogue and Gambit are still trying to expel Remy’s demonic possession in Uncanny X-Men Issue 34, there’s something new in the Haven House chicken shed. Once again, this comic is split into two horror stories. Gambit and Rogue are in a scary, secluded monastery. They’re very, very far away from Haven House, desperate to find relief for Remy.

This side of Uncanny X-Men Issue 34 blends demonic horror with a twisted psychological thriller. Their minds are being messed with, and it’s hard for them to tell what is real. Glimpses of future children and twisted creatures that were believed to be inside their minds are now trying to kill them. It’s a haunting and wonderfully gothic tale.

And Simone’s disturbing, gothic storytelling continues to the home of the X-Men, too. It’s a monster story, but a really sad one, full of trauma and mystery. The way Simone writes this moment is stunning, because it’s something small, and yet deeply upsetting for the family. Something has slaughtered the chickens, creating a sense of unease about what’s inside. It’s a chance for M to step up and be a leader. And what’s found within is a devastating reveal, one that turns the creature feature upside down into something even more twisted.

The character development within both segments in Uncanny X-Men Issue 34 is phenomenal. An intriguing element of the Louisiana set of mutants is that this chapter features only the older members. And many of them are so in tune with the family they live with. It’s Wolverine who instantly recognizes that something is wrong with Marcus, and they instantly move to his side. There are also two very different approaches to dealing with the problem. There’s Wolverine, and then there’s M.

M’s approach is one of empathy, help and a really touching display of affection. Considering the firm hand she’s used before, it’s lovely to see the kindness that Monet also possesses. And the conversation that Marcus and his wife have when they wake up is just a gorgeous passage of affection and romance.

With Gambit and Rogue, all of the beings around them are nefarious and sad, but again, the connection between Remy and Rogue is what’s keeping them together. The monsters are swirling, and Gambit is far beyond anything recognizable. But he remembers how strong and formidable his beloved is.

There are notable differences in the art on both sides of Uncanny X-Men Issue 34. In the monastery, everything is nasty, vicious and unfriendly. The rain is beating down on a rocky alcove, and there are demons everywhere. Gambit has fully transformed into something different, complete with wings, fangs, claws and a tail. He is even more demonic in his appearance than Nightcrawler, who suddenly appears cuddly compared to this alternative.

Then come the Sentinels. And they are the freaky Sentinels that were found in a previous arc. They are truly nightmarish, with gaping, toothy maws and flesh that resembles that of a flayed exterior. A howling, harrowing reaction erupts whenever they appear. The design of the creature that has been so cruel towards the hens is also fantastic. It’s monstrous at first, but a slight change in the facial expressions and the reaction instantly becomes more sorrowful than scared.

The colors are terrific for creating contrasts between the scenes. At Haven House, the shades Wilson uses become familiar and comforting. The green of the grass and the yellowish tinge to the sky as the sun comes up. But then, with Rogue and Gambit, they are almost encased in darkness. The sky and the background have a purple hue laced into the clouds and lightning, which strangely makes Gambit look like he belongs there. The letters are very clear and easy to read.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 34 proves that there is a very fine line between horror and sadness. Like the previous issue, this chapter features many unsettling elements. But this time, it is almost exclusively due to the horror-comic features that have taken over this superhero comic. And that’s been the case throughout Simone’s run, where the mutants have often been moments away from something harrowing.

Stitched within the scary stuff is an aching, howling sadness, because of just how broken the characters are inside Uncanny X-Men Issue 34.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 34 is available where comics are sold.