UNCANNY X-MEN #35 (MARVEL COMICS)
Is there any way to save Gambit?
The curse from Agamotto is getting worse. The Remy LeBeau the world knows is fading fast. After searching for help and finding demon hunters, hope is running slim. Rogue refuses to quit and takes a huge gamble on behalf of her husband. There’s one person who may be able to help.
His name is Repent, the mutant exorcist!
UNCANNY X-MEN #35 by Gail Simone, Luciano Vecchio, Matt Wilson & Clayton Cowles (Marvel Comics) continues its “Wild Ride” storyline.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the latest.
UNCANNY X-MEN #35 by Gail Simone, Luciano Vecchio, Matt Wilson & Clayton Cowles (Marvel Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
WRITING:
Simone tackles the latest troubles head-on with Rogue’s ambition leading the way. After barging in on Repent, the mood becomes unstable as Rogue sees one thing that may not exist. It spins into a hostile introduction while the event slowly reveals itself. This forces Rogue to challenge her soul while devilish memories begin to arise. It’s quite a shocker to the audience while allowing a change of direction to occur.
The Howler/Outliers story gains some steam as the frightened mutant starts winning over the X-Men. Their exchanges show the fear in his voice and torture he’s endured. One character that jumps into a “fatherly” role is Wolverine. Their talks are the needed calm points Howler has desperately wanted. This fuels an engagement on Howler’s captors. The writing showcases the team implementing a bold strategy. Simone weaves both many plots seamlessly into fitting closing act. Gambit’s ordeal takes a much more drastic twist with grave consequences involved. The final page teases a desperate hail Mary attempt which has many possibilities to lead. Suffice to say, the writing handles everything with well-staged pacing and execution.
read last issue’s review!
ART & LETTERING:
Vecchio opens with a full page image of an angry Rogue. It results in a cautious Repent greeting her as she asks for assistance. Panels show a solid game of smoke and mirrors as the exorcist attempts to explain his methods. Panels show the friction building as each word is uttered. This turns into fright as Rogue is confronted by a ghost from her past. The art locks in on Rogue’s shocked face to transition events back to Haven House.
Readers watch as the X-Men attempt to comfort the wayward mutant. Howler’s reaction to kindness is bittersweet knowing the past he’s eluded to. Cowles’ letting amplifies the panels impact here. Wolverine’s calming influence helps to ease tension. The calm points end fast as the battle of demons gets a full page to work with. While brief, it gets Gambit’s story ready for the issue’s final act. The Howler story takes a secretive look while the X-Men stage events. This leads into a sound closing panel before letting Gambut get the last page. The near full shot leaves an unsettling statement in its’ wake. Fitting for a wild issue indeed.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
The demons within strike Rogue and Gambit as his curse worsens in this latest chapter! Simone locks in on their struggles while staging Howler’s storyline in a new direction. Vecchio and Wilson deliver a showcase of action and drama between the panels. This series keeps redefining what X-Men stories should be!
Let me know your thoughts on UNCANNY X-MEN #35 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
