UNCANNY X-MEN #23 (MARVEL COMICS)
The heavy cost of a deal.
When Rogue, Gambit & Wolverine confronted Sadurang way back in issue #1, there was a cost to ending the conflict. Gambit took the Left Eye of Agamotto. The bargain was no attacks for a year and the eye would be returned. The dragon warned of the dangers of his actions. It’s too bad Gambit never listened.
UNCANNY X-MEN #23 by Gail Simone, David Marquez, Matt Wilson & Clayton Cowles kicks off an all new story arc.
Let’s take a closer look at what Rogue and company have gotten into now.
UNCANNY X-MEN #23 by Gail Simone, David Marquez, Matt Wilson & Clayton Cowles(Marvel Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Simone splits this issue up into two parts. Both have an equal share of intrigue to them. Opening with a bedtime story of one of Marvel’s most famous cowboys is a fantastic choice. In dealing with the Outliers, a simple event like this helps bridge the gap to giving them some normalcy in their lives. Seeing their curiosity and wonder around the tale helps to move this plot forward. It’s not a earth ending event by any means, but one served as a reminder. Sometimes, getting lost in a good story means escaping the terrors of the real world, even if just for a little bit.
As for the main team, Gambit’s intervention hits on all key points. Having Rogue narrate through the attempts to get the eye is perfect. The one who loves him the most is affected the deepest. The dialogue is caring but direct. Wolverine’s words are perfect in their exchange about “claw usage”. Pacing speeds up their efforts, each panel with more urgency. Gambit’s quiet pleas for help can’t be ignored. It’s only stopped by some unforeseen visitors. Having this group crash the party throws everything on its’ axis. It’s a great deep dive into Marvel lore and a proclamation made on the last page sets a high bar for what’s coming next. Excellent writing per usual.
Marquez and Wilson throw a few different looks at this issue. The pulp newspaper look adds such a visual cue readers can’t help but enjoy. Presenting it as a bedtime story allows the Outliers to have some great reactions to the tale. Their curious expressions jump off the pages. Showing them “involved” in the story is another fun twist in the presentation. It’s a great complimentary piece to what’s unfolding for the main team.
Gambit’ confrontation starts with an intense full page image. Rogue’s looks of concern adds more of a sympathetic tone to their conversation. It doesn’t take long for Gambit to last out. The action starts very fast. Wolverine’s initial lunge raises the stakes. This only slows down when Rogue finally breaks through to the possessed X-Man. Readers watch as some unlikely characters make their way into the scenes. Their brief confrontation sees Gambit struggling to realize what happened when a mummy is missing a stomach. This ultimately pushes into a full page image with a blunt statement. Buckle in for this one. Expect fireworks very soon.
FINAL GRADE: 9.2
Cowboys, curses and monsters, oh my. What have the X-Men gotten into now? Simone’s excellent script handles a long plot thread while deep diving into classic Marvel. Marquez and Wilson raise the bar on each page. If you want the best brought out of X-Men stories, this series is THE one you need! .
Let me know your thoughts on UNCANNY X-MEN #23 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
