UNCANNY X-MEN #30 (MARVEL COMICS)
After defeating Corina Ellis and reclaiming Greymalkin Prison, one would think the X-Men and Outliers could get a night off.
Think again!
A simple formal high-school dance turns into Ground Zero for an Alien invasion! With a panic taking hold, can the X-Men solve this attack before it’s too late!?
UNCANNY X-MEN #30 by Gail Simone, Rogê Antônio, Matt Wilson & Clayton Cowles (Marvel Comics) starts “Mars Needs Mutants!”
Let’s take a closer look into the latest adventure.
UNCANNY X-MEN #30 by Gail Simone, Rogê Antônio, Matt Wilson & Clayton Cowles (Marvel Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Simone weaves a chapter filled to the brim with intrigue. The opening pages are straight-forward classic Alien movie magic. Watching the “body snatching” take hold creates a sound aura of fear. This transitions nicely to the Outliers back to their semi-normal routine. Seeing the kids handle the though of a formal dance provides many fun and awkward moments. DeathDream might have future being a professional wingman if the X life doesn’t pan out. His dialogue steals every scene in this issue. This also allows Gambit to step into a new role as father figure to the group. His calming words assist when Calico deals with a bigoted shop owner.
Readers don’t wait much longer before the Aliens strike again. Interrupting Nightcrawler’s time with Mackenzie leads to a quick shot of action. The Dance comes back into swing as the other Outliers get more page time with their dates. None get or deserve a brighter spotlight than Calico and Jitter. Simone’s words (along with the art) makes this scene jump out from the rest of the group. It also provides another transition point involving Ransom, moving to close. A major reveal takes place as his dance card gets very full.
The other major point of this issue is M and Quicksilver taking over Greymalkin Prison. The writing clear establishes M’s decree of affairs. Even when tested by one of the inmates, M’s over-confidence shines through. Readers watch as she takes drastic actions to conclude the fight. It sets the tone for the closing scene. Ellis’ had more dangerous plans in play than anyone would ever fathom. Discovering this secret sends readers on their way with much to process.
read last issue’s review!
Antônio steps in for art duties with Wilson. The beginning panels are ripped out of your favorite alien movie. This is not a bad thing in any fashion. Panels lock in on the terror taking place. This is driven home with the full shot of someone getting beamed up to a ship. Pages move back to he Outliers and their everyday lives. Readers get a wide range of reactions as the group tries some routine life moves. Calico’s time with Gambit brings out a better version of the thief. While subtle, the sight of the consoling leads to a better outcome for the young mutant to grow from.
The first real Alien attack generates fast acts from Nightcrawler. As stated previously, its quick enough to shake up tempo. Once events go back to the dance, readers get a much stronger view of the young team. The Calico/Jitter dance stands out for the joy and love resonating on the panel. It’s cut off by Ransom’s confrontation to close. Panels tense swiftly as the real threats emerge from shadows. The closing panel here is a great cliffhanger point to conclude this portion of.
M’s reign as Greymalkin starts with a high uneasy state. Her presence in front of the prisoners makes one step up to fight. The half panel calls for the action soundly. This leads into a half shot of M’s vicious side coming out to play. It comes to a definitive finish. Panels carry that sense of caution to the closing page. The final panel captures readers’ reaction to what has been exposed. Can’t help but be locked in from here.
FINAL GRADE: 9
An Alien invasion has come to the X-Men’s front door with many questions surrounding why in this latest arc. Simone captures the innocence of the Outliers with the brash reality of Mutant life superbly. Antônio and Wilson balance the quick action with more dramatic visions. Now is the perfect time to jump on the best X-series on the shelves!
Let me know your thoughts on UNCANNY X-MEN #30 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
