REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 37

Uncanny X-Men Issue 37 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Gail Simone, art by Juan Frigeri, colors by Matthew Wilson and letters by Clayton Cowles.

The Hag is out and wants revenge on Rogue. In the wake of an emotional rollercoaster in the last arc, Uncanny X-Men Issue 37 was meant to be a book about relaxation and recuperation. Rogue and Gambit have been through a horrific ordeal and want time to find themselves and each other again. But one of the most terrifying villains within this arc isn’t ready to let them go.

Simone brilliantly continues the dual storytelling that has become commonplace within Uncanny X-Men Issue 37, with Rogue and Gambit separate from the team. But it quickly becomes clear these tales will be stitched back together. Simone has a brilliant way of recycling the villain while also implementing something new. The Hag has a whole new team of mutants of her own, and is building something. This issue is the opening gambit, and it’s frightening enough.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 37 is more than just a check-in; it is a stunning character chapter with Wolverine, Rogue and Gambit at the heart of it. Rogue and Gambit have always been the soul and the creation of the tone in this book. So much of Rogue’s narration is about her trying to rekindle her love with Gambit, to help him heal and her desperation for some time alone with her husband.

The love that Simone writes is so powerful, passionate, tender and full of depth and warmth. And part of their family is Wolverine. He understands that feeling of wanting to be left alone, and goes out of his way to keep Rogue and Gambit out of the incoming fight. Wolverine is a father, uncle and brother to almost everyone at Haven House, and it shows. Simone reveals both his sensitive and savage sides. He’s even willing to sit and talk to Sarah Gaunt, the Hag.

Simone has been exceptional at creating brand new villains in this run, and Sarah was the first iteration of that. She has many reasons to hate Charles Xavier; some are understandable, but her ferocity is truly frightening. Her mind has been shattered. She delights in tearing apart the X-Men because it’s everything Xavier built.

The art is a fusion of darkness, brutality and beautiful romance. The New Orleans locations are stunning, with some glorious buildings brought to life. Frigeri shifts with superb ease from terrifying to tender. In Uncanny X-Men Issue 37, Rogue and Gambit shed their X-Men guises, trying to be normal people for once.

The artists have always been experts at brazenly exposing how amorous and sexual their marriage is, and the release within Uncanny X-Men Issue 37 is warranted. But outside of their abode is horror, the same kind of monsters that have stalked this team throughout the run.

The Hag creates a feeling in the pit of the stomach with how creepy she is. Her long hair, sharp teeth, and spindly fingers are insidious, and she can use them to great effect, too. The battle between Sarah and Logan is vicious and bloody, with Wolverine much more prepared than his first encounter with he. She has also brought friends, which Frigeri can design as freakish and disturbing experiments.

There’s a terrific historical connection with these morbid creations, too, as they both sport Wolverine claws and the headgear that is synonymous with Department H, the organization that turned Logan into Weapon X. The details and the homages are terrific, and it’s fascinating to find out what these newcomers can do.

The colors are gorgeous. Wilson uses the light as an example of relative safety. The lights within the hotel that Gambit and Rogue attend are stunning, and there is a terrific shifting of color to demonstrate flashbacks and points in time. And outside, it is gloomy and dangerous. If there’s anything to take away from this series, it’s that scary things lurk in the shadows.

The lettering is very clear and easy to read, even with the text used for Sarah’s gravelly, sinister voice. There are multiple narrators inside Uncanny X-Men Issue 37, but the colors in the boxes help to discern who each of the caption boxes relates to.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 37 uses old villains to create new and engrossing stories. After everything they have been through, there is an air of starting over with the return of the Hag. However, the characters carry what they’ve been through, and the danger is even greater than before. Simone attaches history and trauma to all of the characters, making this moment of attempted peace and tranquillity so desperately needed. But revenge will always rear its head, and this rest may need to be used to prepare for what comes next.

Uncanny X-Men Issue 37 is available where comics are sold.