UNCANNY X-MEN #25 (MARVEL COMICS)
The Legion Of Monsters have come to New Orleans with a purpose.
They want the city as their own. This isn’t approved by the city’s current heroes. As Rogue led her team into battle, they were already having internal struggles. Gambit was losing his internal fight with the Eye of Agamatto. His deal with Sadurang hangs in the balance.
They don’t have time to handle this. Logan was bitten by the Werewolf by Night! How are they going to stop an even MORE feral Wolverine?!
UNCANNY X-MEN #25 by Gail Simone, David Marquez, Luciano Vecchio, Matt Wilson, David Messina, Rachelle Rosenberg, Travis Lanham & Clayton Cowles (Marvel Comics) delivers on its’ legacy 725th issue!
Let’s take a closer look at what is unfolding here.
UNCANNY X-MEN #25 by Gail Simone, David Marquez, Luciano Vecchio, Matt Wilson, David Messina, Rachelle Rosenberg, Travis Lanham & Clayton Cowles (Marvel Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Simone opens with her fun Western tale involving the Outliers. Seeing the kids become enamored with the tale is a fun moment. It’s always a good thing to show some glimpses of happiness to offset their struggles in the world that fears and hates them. Marcus St. Juniors’ fantasy story is interrupted by the true cause of issues in this arc. Lady Darkhold’s appearance fills the pages with a tense ultimatum. Right when it hits the boiling stage, Simone detours back into the main conflict. It’s a perfect time as events heat up there fast.
Readers watch as the pairings provide a healthy serving of drama. This especially shines with Morbius and Jubilee. Knowing her previous time as a vampire, their dialogue hits deeply until its’ resolution. Another marque match-up is with Gambit. The writing addresses his turmoil with a monologue of regret. It is a moment that goes in a surprising direction. Events following circle back to Lady Darkhold’s arrival. The writing allows another surprise to take hold of this situation. Readers see the overall conflict end on a solid note with a great ending to follow.
This is bookended by an Outliers solo story penned by Simone which raises the question “when is the spin-off dropping already”?
The Old West story starts off art duties for Marquez, Vecchio and the team. Their depiction of the Outliers is a show stealer with a great full page image. Events swing quickly to Darkhold’s arrival. Her full page entrance crafts a tense exchange that doesn’t leave quietly. The Outlier’s look of worry speaks volumes as the dialogue plays out. It provides a solid start for what turns into a very fast paced story.
Gambit’s encounter with Sadurang gets a bold near-full page image. Manphibian’s look of fear is priceless as the Dragon makes its’ way onto the scene. The lighter coloring by Wilson makes this moment jump from the panels. The end result is a more intriguing one than expected. Rogue’s fight with “Wolverine” gets a loud full page shot. There’s no question how far gone in rage he has now become. It leads nicely into some quick action before circling back to Darkhold. Once here, the art launches a salvo at the antagonist. Readers are gifted a full page shot of the attack. It’s complimented by more partaking in the fight. The smoke clears with a solid parting panel before the last page sends off the event on a high note.
Messina, Rosenberg, & Lanham handle “They Dwell Too in the Human Heart”. Theart moves swiftly in the race against time. Readers will very much enjoy the work in this companaion piece.
FINAL GRADE: 9
The Legion Of Monsters have the X-Men on the ropes, but nothing is over until its over! Simone orchestrates a thrilling finish to the current arc. The art team shines in bringing the action and struggles to the pages! When fans think “X-Men”, Simone’s run should be on the top of their list!
Let me know your thoughts on UNCANNY X-MEN #25 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
