Historically, the chief problem X-Men has faced as a franchise has been the density of its continuity. It has been impossible for new readers, attracted by the films featuring the Mutant heroes of Marvel, to find a foothold. Thankfully, Uncanny X-Men #1 offers a long overdue easy entry point, by focusing on precisely what makes these characters so beloved and accessible.
In the wake of the collapse of Krakoa, the X-Men are scattered and disorganized. While the anti-Mutant group Orchis has been defeated, other forces have taken up the cause of Mutant oppression. One of these groups, led by the mysterious Doctor Ellis, has taken over the X-Mansion. Their intent is to turn it into a prison for Mutants.
This leaves the X-Men still at liberty conflicted. Some have tired of the battle for equality and wish to live a normal life. Others are ready to fight the good fight, but old wounds keep them from flocking to the usual banner-wavers. Still, there is a need for a team of Mutants that will defend a world that hates and fears them.
Uncanny X-Men sets Rogue up as a reluctant leader
Rogue acts as the point-of-view character through most of Uncanny X-Men #1, which flits through several subplots. The chief action sequence finds Rogue and her husband, Gambit, teaming with Wolverine to help Logan pay a debt to an old friend. This entails fighting a dragon.
The trio then travel to a hospital, joining Nightcrawler to visit a sick child with psychic powers. In the wake of this, and a warning of the future, Rogue comes to question what the X-Men represent and what the team’s goals should be. Ultimately, she agrees to lead her little band, because there is nobody else they all trust.
Gail Simone handles these scenes with her usual wit and eye for thrilling action. What truly makes Uncanny X-Men #1 sing, however, is the thematic undercurrent of rebirth. All the heroes assembled here know something of rebuilding a life after losing everything that defined them. This makes their wonderings about how to move on all the more poignant. What is most astonishing, however, is that Simone makes this conflict clear without any heavy exposition or lengthy discussion of the characters’ pasts.
The artwork of Uncanny X-Men #1 is of equal complexity and quality to the writing. David Marquez employs detail driven designs with largely light inks. This gives the artwork an unreal, ethereal quality, which adds to the incredulous aura of how the world of these characters has changed. The colors by Matt Wilson are also notably good, particularly in regard to the varied lighting effects.
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Uncanny X-Men #1 is a perfect start to the new series. New readers and X-Men fans who haven’t read the books in a while will have no trouble getting into the story. Conversely, longtime readers will find it a welcome continuation of what came before.
Grade: 5/5
Uncanny X-Men #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
