REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Menʼ #16 - Hell Of A Ride, Half A Reward

Despite my love for the classic X-Men and their stories, I have admittedly grown to enjoy the Outliers of Gail Simone’s Uncanny X-Men. They remind me of some of my favorite Mutant stories - the ones where a young Mutant finally realizes their power and comes into their own after realizing they not only have to fight for their own survival, but the world they live in. The four youths on this team are definitely approaching that point, but I can’t help but feel that the story is lacking.

As a fan of horror and mystery, I was extremely excited for the 4-part Dark Artery event. I felt it started off strong, allowing the Outliers to go off on their own adventure, uncovering Mutant mysteries and having to rely on their powers, skills, and wit. Equally as interesting was the tale of Lady Henrietta and the story it told about Mutants of the past, their culture, and the place they buried their dead, which housed the souls that crossed them. This was great storytelling and felt like it was setting up something solid to root Haven in X-Men history. I suppose that’s why I was so disappointed by how things turned out.

The good? The art here is phenomenal. I found myself staring at more than a few of David Marquez’s panels and admiring the poses and visual storytelling of the issue. Particularly how he played with the darkness of the space and the vibrant and explosive abilities of the X-Men. The darker, stylized costumes and looks each character adopted in the Penumbra definitely stand out and add a flavorful flair that contrasts with the usually bright and standout uniforms we’re used to. It’s a nice change of pace and aesthetic.

The not-so-good? The story just feels like it deflates a bit. The X-Men do what they do - fighting for the lives of those close to them and ensuring the safety of the next generation of Mutants, but the end gives no payoff or huge revelation like I was expecting. Sure, there is the revelation that Calico may have brought her horse back from the dead with her power, but otherwise, what I felt was a significant buildup just left me feeling like this was an unnecessary detour. The inclusion of the Man-Thing felt like a plot device, and Lady Henrietta, for all of her interest, just kind of returns to obscurity, leaving us with the knowledge that she knows Logan, but without any explanation.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to get down on the book. Again, I’ve mostly enjoyed the Outliers and hope, unlike other young Mutants introduced in the past, that they don’t fade into obscurity as soon as this run is done, but for a four-part event, I don’t feel the landing is stuck. The Outliers still have their mystery about them, and we still don’t know much of anything about the Endling that will come for Mutants who have cheated death, so for the moment, I’m still curious about Uncanny X-Men. The slasher movie fan that I am, though, I am a bit excited for the next issue, which teases horror for the Haven House and its residents. I just hope we get a solid start to the story and a killer ending to boot.

Release Date: June 25, 2025

Written by: Gail Simone

Art by: David Marquez

Cover by: David Marquez

Page Count: 26

Synopsis: ...CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY The DARK ARTERY, gateway to an underworld of unspeakable evil, has taken one of the Outliers, and it will take the Uncanny X-Men to get them back...IF they can survive the corruption process needed to enter! Plus, the secret of the ENDLING at last! It's MONSTERS vs. MUTANTS for the soul of an Outlier! Don't miss this story finale!