REVIEW: 'Uncanny X-Men' #18 - A Quiet Win For Mutants In A Noisy Era
- Keith M.
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
With Uncanny X-Men, I’m never quite sure what to expect from one issue to the next. I’m not convinced that’s always a good thing. I came into this story with certain expectations, and while I occasionally get fragments of what I’m looking for (such as the Endling story), it rarely feels like it fully comes together. It’s like a puzzle that doesn’t know what picture it’s supposed to form, but occasionally gives you a clear idea of what's to come.
We pick up almost exactly where the last issue left off. Becca (Calico) is having what appears to be a nightmare about Mutina. This was a welcome surprise. I enjoyed Mutina’s previous appearance, especially how she established herself as both a credible threat to other mutants and a character with staying power. The encounter may just be imaginary, however, as we see Becca sleepwalking around the Haven house, seemingly unharmed, though her room is left in chaos. As she talks in her sleep, the mystery surrounding her deepens, and it’s exactly the kind of intrigue that keeps me engaged.
Another highlight of this issue was the focus on Nightcrawler. The Outliers have been in the spotlight lately, and while Rogue and Gambit have had moments to shine, most of the core X-Men have felt pushed to the background. It was refreshing to see Kurt take center stage. One of the things that makes him such a beloved character is his capacity for empathy and trust, especially in the face of the harsh judgment he often receives due to his appearance. A particularly touching moment comes when he reconnects with the family he saved earlier in the run. That encounter helps set the stage for the Friendship Festival later in the issue.
A third standout element was the theme of mutant solidarity and broader community acceptance. Honestly, I expected the festival to end in disaster. Mutants have taken a lot of hits during this era, and it’s been hard to find moments of hope. But I was pleasantly surprised. The turnout, the formation of temporary alliances, and the genuine camaraderie offered a rare and welcome moment of optimism, even amid the chaos of a burning pediatric hospital.
That said, the sudden appearance of Cyclops and a group of mutants not associated with his usual Adjectiveless X-Men team felt somewhat jarring. Rogue does mention having invited someone to the festival, so I’m assuming that was meant to be Scott. Still, their arrival to save the children’s hospital felt oddly inserted and disconnected from the rest of the narrative.
Ultimately, while this issue didn’t significantly move the story forward, it wasn’t without its charms. In the current X-Men landscape, where many characters seem stuck in tired, recycled plotlines, this was at least a more positive and character-driven entry. I do hope we get to the promised Endling story sooner rather than later, though. Here’s hoping for more narrative momentum in the issues to come.
About The Uncanny X-Men #18
Release Date:Â July 23, 2025
Written by:Â Gail Simone
Art by: Luciano Vecchio
Cover by: David Marquez
Page Count: 28
Synopsis:Â For the first time in New Orleans history, the city has declared a MUTANT APPRECIATION DAY festival and street fair, with all the music, food and fun the city is famous for. If the Hellfire Gala is filet mignon, this is corn dogs and lemonade. But are all mutants okay with this attempt at bridging the gap, or are sinister forces lurking behind the Tilt-A-Whirl?