Comic Review: Uncanny X-Men #15 – When Mutant History Meets Gothic Horror and Lovecraft

 

It seems that Uncanny X-Men by Gail Simone and David Marquez has finally found its place somewhere between the legacy of classic mutant stories and full-blooded gothic horror with a touch of Lovecraftian madness. Issue #15 isn’t perfect, but it shows narrative boldness, worldbuilding ambition, and emotional depth that make this series compelling again after a string of very uneven chapters.

Penumbra – A Hell Forged from Guilt and Pain

The core of issue #15 revolves around Penumbra—a terrifying metaphysical realm created by a mysterious mutant named Greta as an eternal prison for those who betrayed their mutant kin. This isn’t just a standard “hell dimension”—it’s a bloody allegory for prejudice, betrayal, and internalized hatred.

Simone masterfully overlays mutant mythology onto real-world social issues. Quotes like:

"If a father branded his daughter a witch – he came here. If a mother informed the constable on her husband – she came here. To their eternal REGRET."

…are haunting and powerful. Penumbra is a city built from suffering, a place of punishment for crimes never repented—a storytelling device with endless narrative potential. Imagine: known Marvel characters discovering a relative trapped in Penumbra due to their betrayal of mutantkind. It’s brilliant worldbuilding.

Lore Dump Overload?

However, not everything in this issue works perfectly. Simone delivers a massive lore dump: we learn more about the origin of the Artery, the existence of Penumbra and its ruler Shuvahrak, and Greta’s possible connection to it all. For many readers, it may be too much too fast. I personally had to re-read several scenes and check online just to understand that Penumbra and the Artery are not the same, and Shuvahrak may—or may not—be Greta, or something she summoned.

Despite the confusion, the world is so fascinating that even when the narrative stumbles, the emotional and thematic core still pulls you in.

The Outliers – Rebellious, Raw, and Real

Just like in #14, the Outliers—a new class of young mutants—are the emotional anchor of the book. The standout here is Deathdream. Initially, he came across as another “sad Japanese loner with death powers,” but this arc finally gave him space to evolve—from someone obsessed with death into someone who truly values life.

Also great are Calico and Jitter. Their romance feels organic, though the "I love you" may have come a little too early. Then again, in a world filled with death and darkness, maybe there's no time to wait.

Ransom remains the least interesting member of the team—flat, and lacking development. But the four-armed mutant in the background? Give him his own series. Immediately.

Jubilee, Leather Tops, and the Goth Comeback

Let’s not ignore the bold redesign of Jubilee. Simone and Marquez give her a tight black leather top with her midriff showing—a callback to early 2000s alt fashion that screams "hot goth reboot." Is it subtle? Absolutely not. Does it work? 100% yes.

Henrietta and the Weight of Mutant History

The flashbacks continue to explore Lady Henrietta, one of the most intriguing additions to mutant lore in years. Her story, set in the 1920s, isn’t just background—it’s a thoughtful reflection on racism, oppression, and betrayal. Simone handles it with tact and insight, making this historical retcon feel earned and impactful.

Marquez – A Horror Artist in His Prime

None of this would land without David Marquez’s visuals. His panels drip with shadow, decay, and drama. Penumbra looks like something out of Silent Hill crossed with an ancient Aztec underworld. One standout moment: Calico and Deathdream staring at the souls of the damned—it’s eerie, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Mutants, Metaphors, and Moral Reckoning

Simone doesn’t let the metaphor be subtle—this arc is about prejudice and betrayal, and the consequences of both. Even though these are mutants, the parallels to Black American history are clear. Penumbra is more than a horror setting—it’s a symbolic reckoning. The people trapped in Penumbra are those who never reflected on their bigotry, even after death.

This is what X-Men has always been about: the irrational nature of hatred, the pain of being “othered,” and the beauty of defiance.

Verdict

“Uncanny X-Men #15” is ambitious, dense, and deeply emotional. Though the story stumbles under the weight of its own mythology, it’s impossible not to admire the boldness with which Gail Simone expands the mutant universe. Penumbra could be a defining addition to X-Men lore for years to come.

This issue combines gothic horror, mythology, emotion, and sharp social commentary. It’s not perfect but it’s undeniably fascinating.

Pros:

+Powerful and original mythology surrounding Penumbra and Shuvahrak

+Emotional growth of Deathdream and Calico/Jitter's romance

+Jubilee’s goth queen comeback

+Sensitive and insightful historical context (racism, betrayal, justice)

+Stunning, horror-infused visuals by David Marquez

+Lady Henrietta is an instant classic in mutant history

Cons:

− Occasional lore overload and confusing exposition

− Ransom still lacks compelling development

− Shuvahrak’s nature is still unclear (Greta or something else?)

− Calico’s “I love you” may have come a bit too soon

Final Score: 8/10

Gail Simone and David Marquez deliver an issue that pushes the X-Men mythos into eerie, poetic new territory. This isn’t just mutant horror—it’s a story of guilt, memory, and justice. Not flawless, but fascinating.