Comic Review: Uncanny X-Men #2 – Mutants of a New Era and the Return of Old Emotions

 

The second issue of the new Uncanny X-Men series by Gail Simone and David Márquez is a real treat for mutant fans. Though not without flaws, this comic skillfully blends novelty with classic elements, proving that the X-Men still have plenty to say—not just about fighting, but about humanity itself.

Artistry at Its Finest

First things first: the visuals are absolutely stunning. I may not have emphasized this in the review of the first issue, but here it’s impossible to overlook the artistry of David Márquez. Every panel is full of life, detail, and emotion. Close-ups of faces especially stand out—the expressions, the gazes, subtle grimaces—all of it builds mood and deepens emotional impact.

Matthew Wilson’s coloring is more dynamic than in the first issue. It does a great job distinguishing timelines and makes the comic easier to navigate despite its somewhat chaotic structure. Clayton Cowles' lettering also deserves praise—it complements the tone and rhythm of the story perfectly.

A Sharp Story with a Hint of Chaos

Gail Simone juggles multiple plot threads and timelines. On one hand—it’s impressive. On the other—it can be confusing at times. The comic opens with a flashback to Charles Xavier’s past, which (for now) doesn’t seem to tie into the main story. We can assume it will make sense in later issues, but at the moment—it disrupts the pacing and breaks the momentum.

Luckily, the transitions between scenes are better marked than in issue #1—visually and through coloring. It’s not perfect, but a big improvement. The first issue’s transition markers were too subtle and often confusing. While this issue still has a lot of jumps, the narrative is more digestible.

Familiar Faces and Fresh Blood

The comic’s biggest strength is its characters. Simone deftly balances classic X-Men (Rogue, Gambit, Wolverine, Jubilee) with new mutants who bring a sense of freshness and potential.

Rogue and Gambit are pure gold—their chemistry, dialogue, and dynamic feel authentic and natural. They’re a couple you want to keep following.

Among the new characters, Jitter and Ransom (fantastic codename!) stand out the most. There’s an open contest between them for the title of most interesting newcomer. Add Calico and her horse, and you have a colorful, diverse lineup. Crucially, each new character has a personality and mystery that you want to uncover.

It’s also great to see Jubilee return—a historically underrated X-Man. Her role in de-escalating conflict is small but meaningful. Hopefully she’ll get more time to shine in upcoming issues.

Narrative Structure: Full of Promise, Needing Refinement

While the story is engaging, it can feel somewhat disorganized. Time jumps and parallel plotlines are sometimes disorienting. There are moments when you wish certain flashbacks had been told later or in a different order to avoid interrupting the main plot.

It doesn’t ruin the comic, but it might frustrate new readers. To fully understand the relationships and situations, some knowledge of the Krakoa era helps. Without that, certain interactions may feel confusing or “out of the loop.”

Plot and Threats Emerge

This issue finally introduces the main threats—a new plot thread involving Dr. Corina Ellis and her plans at the former Xavier School. This part is one of the strongest in the comic—full of suspense and potential for future development.

Conclusion: A Great Comic with Minor Flaws

Uncanny X-Men #2 is a very solid continuation that builds on the groundwork laid in issue #1 and adds many new elements. Despite a few narrative issues, it’s still a well-written and beautifully illustrated comic that will satisfy both longtime X-Men fans and newer readers—if they give it a moment to settle in.

Gail Simone writes the characters with passion and precision, David Márquez delivers world-class artwork, and the Wilson–Cowles team knows how to tell a story with both color and form.

My Score: 8/10

A dynamic, emotional, and visually striking issue that builds tension and offers something fresh while staying true to its roots. A little more narrative clarity would’ve made it even stronger—but even so, I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment!