With the age of Krakoa coming to a swift and traumatic end, many fans, especially marginalized ones, were left heartbroken. One of the unspoken traumas of being marginalized is rarely seeing people like us win. Krakoa was our utopia—a place where mutants had a home, community, and love—and then it was violently ripped away. This echoes the destruction of the Black community in Tulsa, a thriving community brought down because they dared to succeed. The fall of Krakoa brings a similar trauma, reminding readers of these historical wounds.
Simone and Marquez’s Uncanny X-Men #1 doesn’t shy away from this trauma. While it acknowledges the resilience of the X-Men, the real beauty lies in exploring what happens next—after realizing that the hubris of heroes led to this destruction. Rogue is a poignant choice for team leader. Her extraordinary gifts and immense power have left deep scars. Krakoa was her chance to relax and thrive, and losing it cut deeply. Despite having Gambit as her rock, and Logan and Nightcrawler as her brothers, she hasn’t truly healed from her past traumas; she’s simply persevering, much like many minorities do.
The book has a dark tone, highlighting the rise of unchecked bigotry following Krakoa’s fall. The new narrative introduces a prophecy threatening mutantkind on a spiritual level. Dr. Ellis, a Black woman with significant power to “correct” the mutant problem, is reminiscent of figures like Tim Scott and Candace Owens—those with proximity to power who dehumanize other minorities to maintain it. She takes over the school and perverts it, making it clear she’s here to punish and destroy. Shadowy figures also emerge, hinting at darker forces at play.
Mystic elements are woven into the story, with the Serpent God and a young precog hinting at impending doom for our heroes – oh and there’s a certain powerful magical artifact that is probably going to come back to haunt this team in the mix too.
The book ends with Rogue firmly established as the team leader, ready to face new challenges. It’s refreshing to see an X-Book focusing on deeply human characters striving to heal and find their own dream, rather than relying on traditional heroes like Cyclops or Charles Xavier.
Artwork
David Marquez’s artwork is beautifully executed, bringing the characters and their struggles to life. The emotional depth and detailed settings enhance the narrative, making the battles and quieter moments equally compelling. His use of colors, particularly the contrast between the green of the Eye of Agamotto and the vibrant hues of the characters, adds a dynamic layer to the story.
Historical and Current Context
The narrative of Uncanny X-Men #1 is powerful because it resonates with real historical and current events. The destruction of Black Wall Street in Tulsa is a poignant parallel, illustrating how thriving communities can be violently dismantled. This comic reflects the ongoing struggles of marginalized groups, making it a relevant and impactful read. The trauma of losing Krakoa mirrors the historical trauma of communities destroyed by hatred and bigotry, offering a nuanced exploration of resilience and recovery.
Final Thoughts
Uncanny X-Men #1 sets a strong foundation for this new era. Gail Simone’s sharp writing and David Marquez’s stunning artwork promise an exciting journey for the X-Men. The series focuses on human characters, their struggles, and their growth, making it a compelling read for both new and longtime fans.
Rating: Omega Level Entertainment
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