With the start of The Uncanny X-Men #23, the mutant heroes of Louisiana found themselves in a full-on monster mash against some of the toughest creatures in any corner of the Marvel Universe. Separated and forced to face their worst nightmares and supernatural horrors is, ironically, where this book shines brightest.
I’d be remiss to ignore the story being told here—specifically, the literal story within the story. This arc opened with Mr. St. Juniors telling the Outliers and Chelsea a bedtime story, one featuring characters awfully similar to the kids themselves. As the tale built in action and suspense, it mirrored the X-Men’s fight against the monsters summoned to Haven House. It’s not subtle, but it serves a purpose. The Outliers differ from traditional X-Men recruits in one key way: they aren’t being raised in a school. There are no teachers, no professors, no Danger Room. Their lessons aren’t derived from missions, but largely threats drawn to them. This story fits right into that philosophy.
That story gets interrupted by the arrival of the big bad behind the monster attack. A woman named Agatha Timly, aka Lady Darkhold. She delivers a long-winded explanation of who she is that ultimately feels a bit irrelevant. The short version? She’s after the Outliers, hoping to use them as leverage against the X-Men. It’s not quite as exciting as I’d hoped. Especially given the presence of a mutant graveyard, a netherworld, and the Endling—allegedly Chelsea St. Juniors—but it gets the job done. Still, this brings me back to where Uncanny X-Men really excels.
When we’re introduced to this team in issue #1, we get an Asgardian dragon, a dark prophecy, and a clear tone. That’s what hooked me. It quickly felt like an X-Men book that leaned into the strange and supernatural, and that’s where I’ve enjoyed it most. Gail brings that here. Jubilee faces down Morbius, the Living Vampire, while Nightcrawler tussles with Frankenstein’s monster. Logan, having succumbed to the bite of Werewolf by Night, turns his attention on Rogue. But the real highlight for me is the return of Sadurang. He returns to close the pact he made with Gambit over the Left Eye of Agamotto. A call back to the start of the run.
Eventually, the X-Men’s battle collides with the Outliers as they return in time to confront Lady Darkhold, bringing the arc to a close. On the art side, both David Marquez and Luciano Vecchio pull their weight. Marquez’s take on Sadurang is especially striking; his ever-changing form makes each appearance feel fresh and unsettling. Vecchio also deserves praise, particularly for a panel featuring Jitter that beautifully captures the dynamic, kinetic nature of her powers in motion.
I genuinely could have gone for one more issue here—a fourth chapter, like the “Dark Artery” story—but we’re not completely left hanging. There’s a bonus story at the end.
Separate from the main arc, it focuses on the Outliers working together to solve a kidnapping and unravel the mystery behind several disappearances of young women in the area. It’s only about five pages, but it packs an emotional punch and gives the Outliers some much-needed page time after being largely sidelined during the main story.
It’s great to see this book return to the more unusual villains and occult-leaning themes that make The Uncanny X-Men feel distinct. That’s clearly where this team thrives, and I hope it continues. And there are still plenty of mysteries left to unravel, such as Gambit’s deal with the Eye of Agamotto. With the threat of the Darkling looming as well, I’ve no doubt those adventures are far from over for the X-Men.
