(Image Source: Marvel / Justin Mason)
One of my few criticisms of the current volume of Uncanny X-Men is a lack of my favorite of Marvel‘s Mutants, Nightcrawler. Oh, Kurt Wagner is still there, but he’s largely been playing a supporting role compared to Wolverine and the rest of the new team. I suppose this is fitting, given the former circus star loves the spotlight but also often sticks to the background to watch over his friends. This, as well as the duality of Logan, is explored extensively in this latest issue.
Written by Gail Simone, with art by David Marequez, Uncanny X-Men #22 centers around Nightcrawler’s birthday. After a night out with a new love interest, Kurt heads home to discover a surprise party waiting. Unfortunately, the party is crashed by the new X-Men villain Mutina.
(Image Source: Marvel / David Marquez)
Mutina is a self-loathing Mutant actor seeking fame by headlining a horror franchise about a slasher-killer Mutant. It seems she wants to audition for the X-Men to improve her image. After Wolverine tries to stop the evening from being spoiled solo, Nightcrawler agrees to give Mutina the duel she demands.
Uncanny X-Men #22 highlights duality of its heroes
There are multiple levels to Uncanny X-Men #22. First, the issue further defines Mutina’s character and powers. Her first appearance deliberately left her powers vague as she targeted the newest X-Men recruits. This time, facing the more familiar Wolverine and Nightcrawler, we learn a bit more through their eyes. Chiefly that she teleports through shadows and is fast enough to get through Logan’s guard.
(Image Source: Marvel / David Marquez)
Beyond the action, Simone’s script explores the duality of both Wolverine and Nightcrawler as characters. Everyone knows Logan is a badass and the best there is at what he does, yet most writers ignore his paternal side and his need to protect others that separates him from the animal he risked becoming.
Likewise, Nightcrawler tends to be written as either a devout Christian or a flirtatious swashbuckler. Few writers beyond Chris Claremont have depicted him as both. Simone does this and does it well as Nightcrawler throws down with Mutina but still pleads peace.
(Image Source: Marvel / David Marquez)
David Marequz does a fantastic job illustrating these intense action sequences. The alternating use of highlights and shadows is particularly effective, especially in the fight between Nightcrawler and Mutina. Colorist Matt Wilson also deserves praise for his ability to make certain panels stick out by changing the background behind the speed-lines. However, this depth also extends to the quieter and more comedic scenes, such as Nightcrawler’s first date with MacKenzie.
(Image Source: Marvel / David Marquez)
Uncanny X-Men #22 is a wonderful character study of its lead protagonists and its villain. It is also the perfect mix of action, comedy, and drama. The only flaw is a required familiarity with some of the supporting cast. Ignoring that, this issue should be a welcome homecoming to any X-Men fans who haven’t given the current series a shot.
Grade: 9/10
Uncanny X-Men #22 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
