Comic Review: Uncanny X-Men #16 – The Mysteries of Penumbra and an Inconclusive Ending
The new issue of Uncanny X-Men is, on one hand, a visual masterpiece, and on the other, a narrative riddle that frustrates more than it satisfies. While David Marquez and Luciano Vecchio elevate this series to artistic heights, the script gets lost in vagueness and overly chaotic plot threads. This is a comic with plenty of great ideas, but one that doesn’t fully know how to use them.
The Best-Looking X Book on the Stands
Let’s start with the strongest element the artwork. Marquez has been the artistic backbone of this series from the beginning, and he hasn’t disappointed once. His dynamic linework, precision, and expressive character work give Uncanny X-Men a unique identity. In this issue, Luciano Vecchio joins in and it must be said, he’s the perfect choice. His style fits Marquez’s far better than the other fill-in artists we’ve seen. The result? The book looks cohesive, with transitions between the artists almost seamless.
The scenes in New Orleans, where mutants are honored and finally celebrated, look dazzling. It’s a real breath of fresh air in a world where X-Men are usually just fighting to survive. On the other hand, the sequences in Penumbra the purgatory-like underworld created by Greta are dark, suffocating, and contrast beautifully with the hopeful opening.
Penumbra and Shuvahrak – Mythology Worthy of the X-Men
The most compelling part of the story is the expansion of mutant mythology through Penumbra. Greta, a woman born with the power to curse, created this world as punishment for those who betrayed their mutant relatives. It’s a chilling, bold concept, and one that fits perfectly into the metaphor of mutants as victims of systemic hate.
Shuvahrak, the demonic warden of Penumbra, and Henrietta, its steward, add mystical depth to this world. Especially striking are the scenes in which Hotoru forces the trapped souls to confess their crimes against their families. The theme of “incarceration without rehabilitation” becomes a pointed social commentary brutal, but relevant.
The Main Problem: Who Is the Endling?
Unfortunately, the biggest flaw here is how the central mystery is handled. For months, readers have been waiting for the reveal: who is the Endling? This issue was supposed to deliver the payoff… but instead we get nothing. No clear answer.
Is the Endling Jitter, whose power involves stealing the gifts of the dead? That seems to fit the clues and it would make sense. But the comic also heavily implies that it could be Ransom, or maybe Ember. The lack of a definitive solution undermines the entire arc. After all that buildup, the story ends not with clarity, but with frustration.
Side Plots – Too Much or Too Little?
Several side threads pop up. Gambit has his moments, but his subplot feels detached from the main story. Henrietta, while intriguing, ultimately doesn’t affect the bigger picture. These loose ends dilute the narrative, and the finale doesn’t land as strongly as it should.
Team Bonds and the Growth of the Outliers
On the plus side, the younger mutants the Outliers get significant development. Each of them gets a chance to shine, and their dynamic feels increasingly authentic. Importantly, the story shows that it’s not just about fighting external demons but also about accepting yourself. That’s always been the core of the X-Men mythos, and it comes through well here.
Conclusion
Uncanny X-Men #16 is a beautifully illustrated, ambitious, but ultimately uneven issue. The stellar art from Marquez and Vecchio, the bold concept of Penumbra, and the emotional growth of its characters can’t fully mask the shortcomings of the story. The lack of a clear answer regarding the Endling’s identity makes the finale feel hollow, leaving readers more puzzled than satisfied.
Still as a story about discovering what it means to be an X-Man, about bonds and self-acceptance the issue succeeds. It’s worth reading, but it won’t go down as a defining arc in X-Men history.
Final Score: 7/10
Pros:
+Fantastic artwork (Marquez + Vecchio = perfect duo)+Strong, original concept of Penumbra and Shuvahrak
+Solid development of the Outliers with strong themes of self-acceptance
+Great visual contrasts (New Orleans vs. Penumbra)
+Thoughtful use of themes like rehabilitation vs. punishment
Cons:
-No clear answer about the Endling—the main thread loses weight-Some side plots (Henrietta, Gambit) feel unnecessary
-Ending leaves a sense of incompleteness and confusion
-At times too many ambiguities make the story hard to follow
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