REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 36

Uncanny X-Men Issue 36 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Gail Simone, art by Luciano Vecchio, colors by Matthew Wilson and letters by Clayton Cowles.

As Gambit faces his final exorcism in Uncanny X-Men Issue 36, the X-Men take out their anger on some human traffickers. This issue is the final chapter of the Wild Ride arc, and it needed some catharsis after the build-up of trauma, resentment and frustration. Gambit’s exorcisms weren’t working. They’re traveling the world to find experts and locations.

And in Haven House, the sadness over what was done to Howler is released as furious rage. Anger was prevalent in the previous chapter, but any idea of restraint goes out the window in Uncanny X-Men 36. It is a savage display of combined carnage.

A freakish, monstrous figure is the focus of the X-Men’s fight, while a bunch of rich snobs watch the carnage. The dehumanization leaves such a sour taste in the mouth, and the vicious fighting is the only response that feels appropriate. One side of this comic is about fear and hate, whilst Rogue and Gambit’s story is one of unity, love and true marriage. And ultimately, Uncanny X-Men Issue 36 has an extremely satisfying and rewarding conclusion.

The cast within this Uncanny X-Men squad is intensely volatile, and that comes across several times in this chapter. It features a lot of very angry, hot-headed individuals, such as Rogue, Wolverine and M., but this is something very different. What Wolverine and M have witnessed in Howler has activated a defensive fury that is terrifying when unleashed.

Wolverine’s Berserker Rage unleashes in Uncanny X-Men, but it also feels like the entire faculty that have met Howler are in a similar state. Their lack of care towards everyone inside the building they entered is at rock bottom, except for any victims. Jubilee and Nightcrawler, who are examples of kindness and sprightly energy, are also enraged. They are all seething. M and Wolverine made a promise to Howler, and they meant to keep it.

Far, far away, we also learn more about one of Simone’s newest and most seductive characters: Repent. He’s a devilish figure who straddles the line between demonic and holy, and it becomes clear why when his backstory is revealed. The depth that Simone laces within these pages is incredible, and he really serves as the focal point within Rogue and Gambit’s side of Uncanny X-Men Issue 36.

The art is spectacular, largely because of how it depicts progression. Gambit looks rough and haggard, still suffering from his possession. Remy will always be impossibly handsome, but he has a hungover look. Repent often wears a smirk, and his design creates impressions that are equal parts disturbing and disarming. With the rest of the X-Men, the fight scene is much more sprawling and energetic.

Throughout Uncanny X-Men Issue 36, this battle just gets more visceral. Wolverine is done holding back, and starts demonstrating what those claws can do. And it’s not just him, with M showing off her almost unrivalled strength. The villain is this huge, terrifying monster that does little to garner sympathy, and the X-Men respond in kind. But then they are capable of being gentle towards other victims. M instantly drops to her knees and becomes both kind and vulnerable.

The colors are gorgeous, as is to be expected from Wilson. There is a frequent use of red on both sides of the comic. With Rogue and Gambit, it is used heavily to create nefarious atmospheres, whilst the other side sees the red come from an arterial source. The lettering is very clear and easy to read.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 36 is an outpouring of justified anger. What happens in this issue is alarming and surprising, but it’s an example of how defensive and protective this X-Men unit is. It has been said before: this is a family, and it needs protecting. Cyclops or even Rogue may have approached it differently. But Wolverine and M are standing next to each other, and neither is willing to calm the other down. They protect their flock how they see fit.

As said before, the frustration in this arc needed somewhere to go, with so much fury and frayed emotion swirling around the comic, and we’re left at the end of Uncanny X-Men Issue 36 feeling content.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 36 is available where comics are sold.