Comic Review: Uncanny X-Men #13 – A Beautiful Mess

 

The thirteenth issue of Uncanny X-Men is a… peculiar experience. After a more intimate, emotional, and tightly constructed previous issue focused on Gambit and Rogue, we get something entirely different. This is a comic that surprises from the first page and not always in a way that will work for every reader. Narrative chaos blends with stunning artwork, and instead of one cohesive story, we’re given three parallel plotlines that intrigue more than they satisfy.

David Marquez Is Back And It Shows Immediately
The biggest event of this issue isn’t a plot twist, a cliffhanger, or even the unsettling character on the final page (more on that later). It’s the return of David Marquez as the lead artist. His style is instantly recognizable dynamic, clear, expressive, and dramatic in the best way. Every panel bursts with life. On top of that, Matthew Wilson does an absolutely phenomenal job on colors. Layering, blur effects, light and shadow — all of it gives this part of the series a distinctive atmosphere. Some panels are so gorgeous you could frame them and hang them on the wall.

Visually, this is one of the strongest Uncanny X-Men issues in a long time.

Narrative Chaos and Three Parallel Plots
This issue’s story is split into three major arcs:

    Gambit in the Savage Lands
And here’s where things get complicated. Gambit once again finds himself in trouble, this time teleported to the Savage Lands, prompting flashbacks and internal monologues… that are strikingly similar to those from the previous issue. It’s yet another story about someone with old scores to settle, and it starts to feel repetitive. To make matters worse, the character design for Sadurang a key antagonist has changed from his earlier appearance, which is confusing and arguably a downgrade.

    Henry’s Past, Haven, and the Dark Atrey
This section is much better written. Set in the past, it follows Henry as she travels to Haven to bury her mother. It brings genuine drama, a sense of mystery, and smartly blends the fictional history of mutants with real cultural references. The flashbacks, framed through journal entries, add a melancholic tone and help ground her emotions.

    The X-Kids and Team Chemistry
The younger mutants don’t have a dominant narrative voice, which actually works in their favor. Their interactions are natural, fun, and believable. Gail Simone proves she knows how to write young characters without leaning on clichés. Everyone gets their moment, and while this plotline isn’t the main course, it’s a solid and engaging side dish.

An Ending Full of Questions
The finale leaves readers with three cliffhangers one focused on a character’s decision, others purely shrouded in mystery. One character on the final page resembles Man-Thing, but with no narrative setup it’s hard to say anything for sure. It feels more like a teaser than an actual payoff.

Beauty vs. Chaos
This is an issue that’s frustratingly beautiful. If judged solely on its visuals and colors, it would be nearly perfect. Unfortunately, the script can’t quite keep up with the visuals. Three simultaneous storylines are too much for a single issue, and none of them concludes or connects in a satisfying way. The biggest issue isn’t the quality of the writing, but its structure we have good ideas, interesting characters, sharp dialogue… but everything’s happening all at once.

Still, it’s hard not to appreciate Gail Simone’s ambition. This issue doesn’t feel like filler the mutant world expands, characters develop, and the atmosphere is thick with tension. Readers just need a moment to breathe and process it all.

Summary
Uncanny X-Men #13 is an issue that dazzles in form but demands patience and focus from its readers. The storytelling is sprawling, sometimes chaotic, but also full of potential. If seen as a piece of a larger puzzle, it might come together beautifully in a few issues. For now, it’s a gorgeous yet disjointed kaleidoscope of plot threads.

Pros

+The return of David Marquez every page is stunning

+Matthew Wilson’s coloring effects, mood, polish

+Three separate plots an ambitious attempt to broaden the universe

+Well-written younger mutants with believable team chemistry

+Strong backstory for Henry with well-integrated flashbacks

+Narrative diversity keeps the issue engaging

Cons

– Gambit’s plot feels redundant and repeats beats from the previous issue

– Sadurang’s altered appearance lacks explanation

– Three plots in one issue is simply too much

– No satisfying narrative climax — every thread ends in a cliffhanger

– Final character (likely Man-Thing) lacks context or setup

My Rating: 8/10