REVIEW: 'Uncanny X-Men' #17 - Fear, Film, And Forgotten Plotlines
- Keith M.
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
When it comes to Uncanny X-Men, I find myself constantly swinging between being fully on board with what it's doing and feeling completely lost. Issue #17 falls more into the latter camp. Not necessarily because of what’s in the issue, but because of where the story seems to be-or doesn’t seem to be going.
Initially, I thought this series was building a compelling narrative centered on horror, magic, and the looming threat of the mysterious “Endling.” While the previous arc delivered some of those elements, that overarching sense of danger has all but disappeared. The Endling hasn’t been mentioned, and the narrative seems to have veered off course.
This issue opens with a call between the leaders of various X-Men factions, concerned about a new slasher film gaining popularity. The killer in the movie is a mutant named “Mutina,” which, given the world’s fear and hatred of Mutants, isn’t entirely surprising. Villainizing Mutants is a familiar tactic in this universe. But what makes this moment stand out is the context: the current status quo has Mutants once again backed into a corner. Many of their strongest leaders are either missing or compromised, and somehow, mutant prisons have been erected with little explanation or pushback. Things are bleak, and this film only adds fuel to the fire.
The older X-Men seem to handle the situation with measured concern, but it’s the younger mutants, the Outliers, who are deeply affected. The kids sneak out to see the movie, and the experience leaves them shaken, especially Jitter, who’s haunted by what she saw. One of the issue’s most poignant lines comes from Deathdream: “That’s how they ruin us. Constantly showing us at our worst, by the worst of us.” It’s a sobering observation that hits hard, reflecting real-world dynamics of propaganda and marginalization.
Jitter can’t shake her fear and anger, and eventually, she and Calico decide to confront the actress who plays Mutina. Conveniently, she’s in town. But when they find her, Leticia, they discover she’s just as cruel and mutant-hating as the character she portrays. The confrontation escalates quickly, and Leticia nearly defeats both of them in her dressing room. Thankfully, the Uncanny team arrives just in time to save the two young Mutants, with Wolverine delivering a parting warning to Leticia before they retreat.
While this wasn’t my favorite issue, it did have some strong moments. I really like the growing bond between Jitter and Calico, and while Deathdream can sometimes come off as a bit too abstract or enigmatic, his insight in this issue stood out. That said, I can’t help but feel a bit adrift. What happened to the Endling plotline? Are we ever going to get more answers about the Outliers and their origins? Or is this a detour into villain-of-the-week territory?
I’ll admit I’m intrigued by Mutina and the mystery of why she hides her face, but for now, I’m left with more questions than answers. Hopefully, upcoming issues will offer some clarity.
About The Uncanny X-Men #17
Release Date: July 09, 2025
Written by: Gail Simone
Art by: Luciano Vecchio
Cover by: David Marquez
Page Count: 26
Synopsis: HORROR COMES TO HAVEN HOUSE! When a brilliant but exploitative Hollywood director makes a surprise hit horror film featuring a serial-killing mutant girl, there are protests at theaters around the country and a rise in anti-mutant violence in those same communities. But IS it "just a movie," or is something much more insidious going on? Will a malignant force make the X-team their PREY? Will they get out alive, or will it all end in MISERY?