This issue of Uncanny X-Men was a great start to the new “Wild Ride” storyline. I really liked the way it integrated the darker, more supernatural elements involving Gambit and Rogue with the more emotional and sometimes funny moments back at Haven House.
The greatest strength of the issue was Gambit and Rogue. Gambit is still suffering from the effects of the Eye of Agamotto, with the mysterious Wyvern becoming more powerful and seemingly taking control of him. Rogue refuses to abandon her husband and takes him to Father Gabriel in hopes of finding a way to save him.
I think their relationship is what I love most about this series. Rogue’s determination to protect Gambit really comes through in this issue. The second he is threatened, she immediately retaliates. Despite all the supernatural events happening around them, the story remains focused on what really matters: Rogue desperately trying to save the man she loves.
The supernatural aspect of the story was also creepy, to say the least. Luciano Vecchio’s artwork truly comes to life here, particularly when the demonic creatures start appearing. The creepy creature designs, dark environments, and vibrant colors of Gambit’s powers give these scenes an almost horror-comic quality that works extremely well for the story.
The mystery surrounding Father Gabriel also added another interesting layer that I wasn’t expecting. What starts as a seemingly simple attempt to remove whatever is inside Gambit quickly turns into something much bigger. Gabriel’s connection to the supernatural world and the revelation involving the Infernal Court leave plenty of questions to be answered in the next issue.
At the same time, the Haven House storyline provides a completely different flavor. Watching the younger mutants train together gives us some funny moments, but underneath the humor is a much more emotional story involving Calico. Her connection with Ember and her fear of being abandoned begin to overwhelm her, eventually causing her to lash out.
I especially enjoyed Quicksilver in this issue. After Calico attacks him, instead of becoming angry with her, he understands that she’s a scared young mutant struggling with something she doesn’t fully understand. It was a small moment, but it showed a surprisingly compassionate side of Quicksilver that I really enjoyed seeing.
That’s probably the best thing about this issue overall. There’s a lot happening with demons, mutant training, action, humor, and mystery, but the characters always remain the main focus. Rogue is terrified of losing Gambit, Calico is longing for a sense of family and belonging, and Quicksilver even gets the opportunity to show a different side of himself.
The issue also ends with a great cliffhanger. After everything Rogue goes through trying to save Gambit, Father Gabriel reveals that he can’t help him—but someone else might be able to. It’s a simple conclusion, but I was immediately hooked and ready to see what happens next.
Overall, Uncanny X-Men delivers a solid start to “Wild Ride.” The Gambit and Rogue storyline was easily my favorite part, the supernatural artwork was fantastic, and the Haven House storyline added some much-needed heart to the issue.
By: Jeff
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