Steve Long 
Steve reunites with the mutants to review the first issue of the new Uncanny X-Men series. But does it have the X Factor?
The X-Men are back with a renewed energy and tone! Written by Gail Simone and drawn by David Marquez, Uncanny X-Men #1, released on August 7, continues this new era of the mutants following the fall of Krakoa. This latest issue takes us on a cross-country trip through North America and offers an existential look into the future of the X-Men.Â
SYNOPSIS
PROFESSOR X…IS GONE! A core group of essential X-Men rise FROM THE ASHES to face a world without a home – and without Professor X! All bonds among the mutant community seem to be slipping away, and ROGUE reluctantly finds herself as the hero designated to bring them back together…but a fearless, malignant power is out there hunting mutants, and it has a terrible secret that may destroy what remains of the X-Men!
XAVIER’S SCHOOL FOR CRIMINAL?
The story begins in New York with a tour of a very familiar mansion now being turned into a mutant prison. Then, we find the trio of Rogue, Gambit, and Wolverine in Mexico City, where they fight a dragon named Sadurang. After that, we go to Oregon, where we find a new mutant named Fawn. A group of mutant haters is hunting Fawn. I imagine we will see more of it in the future.Â
In Mississippi, we get a heartfelt moment when the trio meets up with Nightcrawler. Together, they visit a little boy with cancer in the hospital who wants nothing more than to meet his hero, the X-Men.Â
Finally, we visit New Orleans, where our trio ponders their future in the world and whether or not they want to continue being heroes. They encounter a new group of young mutants desperate for the trio’s help.
X-THOUGHTS
I think fans will enjoy Simone’s take on these characters. While she gives us some great action sequences, she also gives the characters more personality and heart than they have seen in a long time. Her approach to these characters is a breath of fresh air. Quite frankly, the X-Men needed someone like Simone to take them on.Â
The artwork is fantastic. Marquez crushes it, and his artwork is an excellent complement to Simone’s storytelling. Combined with Matthew Wilson’s coloring work, the visuals perfectly complement Simone’s writing.
VERDICT
Overall, the relaunch of the X-Men so far makes me optimistic about the future of mutant storytelling and the new creative teams. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us.
Marvel’s Uncanny X-Men #1 is available to buy now.
Steve is a fan of Star Wars, punk rock, comic books, and cats. In addition to writing for Future of the Force, he also sings for punk band Get Fired and hosts the podcast Rebel Rock Radio!
