UNCANNY X-MEN ANNUAL #1 (MARVEL COMICS)
Haven House is the current home to Rogue’s squad of X-Men.
This isn’t the first time the establishment has housed a group of extraordinary people. Before the X-Men, the Regulators mounted up and handled threats over a century prior. One encounter brought a man named Logan into their path!
UNCANNY X-MEN ANNUAL #1 by Gail Simone, Mikki Kendall, Francesco Mortarino ,Elisabetta D'Amico, Mattia Iacono, & Clayton Cowles (Marvel Comics) dives into the history of this mysterious group.
Let’s take a closer look at what is unfolding here.
UNCANNY X-MEN ANNUAL #1 by Gail Simone, Mikki Kendall, Francesco Mortarino ,Elisabetta D'Amico, Mattia Iacono, & Clayton Cowles (Marvel Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Simone & Kendall tell an impressive tale within these pages. Slaughter Freedman’s introduction sets a strong pace for the action moving forward. The writing shows his calmness in the face of danger. This quickly fades as he handles a group of thieves. Upon his moves, a discovery of a shallow grave is made. Readers quickly see that it’s one James Howlett lying inside . Fast forward to present day and Wolverine & Jubilee are supervising the latest residents. The banter is playful even with Logan asking for a favor. It results in a quick business meeting before morphing into much more.
Readers get a great introduction into the original story. Freedman’s banter with Mother Witchfire & Michael St. Juniors brings up the consequences for saving Logan as all agree its the right call. Their past come to light with much sorrow behind them. It leads into Logan’s rescue and their new mission at hand. Once another member makes her appearance, their fight becomes more important than ever. Saving young kids from being lynched by an evil sheriff drives the heroes into action. Readers watch as the fighting escalates to a fitting conclusion. Its’ aftermath lays down a stern warning for all who challenge it. The writing spins it back to present time and leaves events on a bittersweet note. An excellent tale form start to finish.
Mortarino and the team kick off with Freedman’s standoff with thieves. The mood is instantly combustible with rising personalities. A half panel with Freedman on horseback spotlights his marksmanship superbly. There are no punches pulled with this sequence of events. It leads to a shocking discovery. Logan’s weakened body in a grave hits readers with a half panel. It serves to pivot events to the present. The playful panels usher in the present day conflict. Logan’s brutal justice is on full display. His smirking tell moves events back to the past.
Freedman’s arrival at Haven House is met with great panels. Witchfire & St Juniors’ reactions cover many emotions. The half panel of Wolvie’s lifeless body catches eyes before moving into more of the past. An excellent full page displays Witchfire’s history. This helps connect her caring nature to Logan’s current situation. As Lady Henrietta arrives, the mood swings into taking action. The conflict launches into motion with Wolvie diving into the mob. Readers watch an excellent half panel showing the team bringing the fight. This moves events into smaller panels to wrap up the business at hand. Its’ epilogue is steady in linking both stories together. Wolvie’s face is everyone’s in that final panel. Solid work.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
Wolverine’s connection to the first team of Haven House gives readers an incredible story within this annual. Simone & Kendall unveil the hidden heroes with much excitement and drama fueling them. The art team delivers on presenting both timelines with the same message behind them. A great compliment piece to the fantastic work Simone and he team on UXM have been delivering each month.
Let me know your thoughts on UNCANNY X-MEN ANNUAL #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
