Comic Review: Uncanny X-Men #17 – Movies, Prejudice, and the Weight of Being a Mutant
Following the emotional and symbolic issue #16, Gail Simone returns in Uncanny X-Men #17 with a different kind of story less dark and mythological like Penumbra, and more focused on the heart of what X-Men have always commented on: representation in popular culture and its impact on mutants’ lives. Unfortunately, despite several truly brilliant moments, the issue feels uneven balancing between an engaging story about young heroes and a clunky, overtly moralistic lecture.
A Movie That Hurts More Than a Sentinel Fight
The story begins with the release of a low-budget B-movie horror in which a mutant is portrayed as a bloodthirsty monster. On the surface, this seems trivial—mutants have been vilified in media countless times. Yet Simone highlights an important point: mass culture and repeated narratives shape how society perceives others.
The paradox is clear: in a world where mutants can pose real dangers (telepaths controlling minds, mutants creating eternal prisons), it’s understandable why ordinary people might fear them. The comic attempts to show how harmful stereotypes are, but it simultaneously admits that a regular person’s fears are not entirely irrational. This gray area is compelling, but Simone handles it only partially successfully.
Outliers Still Take Center Stage
The series continues the trend of highlighting the four young mutants the Outliers while the classic X-Men are sidelined. Jitter, Calico, Deathdream, and Hotoru remain the emotional core of the issue. Their chemistry still works—from tear-inducing lines like: “I know it’s because she loves us… we’re not ready to say it yet, but we love her too, with all her gorgeous mess” to lighter, humorous moments (WAFFLEEEEEES has become canon comfort food for this group).
Hotoru in particular steals the show her presence, even in small interactions, is magnetic. It’s no surprise fans have already declared her their “GOAT.” And yes, the cats love Hotoru her scene with the cats is a small gem amid the heavier themes of media influence and identity.
Calico and the Difficult Process of “Breaking Away”
The biggest point of contention is Calico, who struggles to separate herself from her mother’s anti-mutant worldview. Her clumsy attempts to “protect” Jitter at school (scaring off a genuinely well-meaning boy) show that undoing internalized prejudices is a long, painful process. Her behavior is toxic, yes but as fans rightly note, how many of us carry traces of homophobia or sexism inherited from family? Calico becomes a metaphor for this process, and Simone (intentionally or not) shows that change doesn’t happen overnight.
Mutina – The Candace Owens of Mutants?
Mutina appears as a background figure a mutant who publicly denies her own identity and becomes a tool for the system against her own kind. She’s interesting but ultimately underdeveloped. Mutina functions more as a symbol than a fully realized character, highlighting the harm caused by token political mouthpieces in society.
Romance – Powerful or Cringe?
Simone has a tendency to write romances in an all-or-nothing style, which sometimes borders on cringe. The Calico-Jitter relationship, instead of evolving organically, feels forced undermining the potential of both characters. Thankfully, elsewhere in the issue (like the subtle Becca-Jitter panels), Simone hits the emotional mark with genuinely moving confessions.
Rogue and Gambit – The Family They Chose
A highlight is the reminder of Rogue and Gambit. Although they didn’t have children during the Krakoan era, Simone emphasizes that the Outliers are their children now a found family that fulfills their dream of connection and care. This is a beautiful, sentimental reminder that X-Men have always been about chosen families.
Art – Vecchio Holds the Line
Luciano Vecchio continues to prove himself as a perfect partner for David Marquez. His clean, crisp style works well in contrast to Marquez lighter school scenes versus dramatic confrontations. Female faces occasionally look similar, and some panels feel a little stiff, but the overall composition and visual storytelling are strong.
Conclusion
Uncanny X-Men #17 is an important but uneven issue. It tackles a theme that resonates how media shapes fear and prejudice but some parts feel clunky and preachy. The emotional moments (Jitter, Hotoru, Rogue & Gambit) work beautifully, but classic X-Men are still sidelined in favor of the new generation.
This issue will likely appeal more to readers who connect with its message than those seeking fast-paced action. While not everything works, it remains an interesting, if occasionally frustrating, piece of the larger story.
Final Score: 6/10
Pros:
+Strong emotional beats (Jitter, Hotoru, Rogue & Gambit)+Realistic commentary on media and prejudice
+Calico as a metaphor for the long process of breaking internalized fears
+Vecchio maintains solid visual continuity with Marquez
+Touching “found family” moments
Cons:
-Clunky, moralistic tone (feels like a “lesson” more than a story)
-Classic X-Men relegated to background
-Calico-Jitter romance feels forced
-Mutina is underdeveloped and symbolic rather than fully realized
-Some themes feel heavy-handed, undermining story logic
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