Comic Review: Uncanny X-Men #18 – Carnival, Celebrity, and Lack of Direction

 

Uncanny X-Men #18 unfortunately shows that the series is starting to lose momentum and focus. While I generally enjoy slice-of-life X-Men stories more intimate, character-driven stories about mutants’ daily lives this issue feels disorganized, with some moments that are hard to swallow.

Carnival in New Orleans and the “Friendship Festival”

The biggest problem of this issue is the setting: a local festival where the X-Men are treated like celebrities. The concept had potential to show different perspectives, especially for Wolverine, Rogue, or Nightcrawler, who have been public figures in Avengers or Excalibur. Unfortunately, the writer doesn’t take advantage of this. Instead, everyone reacts similarly to younger heroes like Jubilee or Gambit, who have never experienced that kind of fame. This lack of differentiation weakens the character dynamics.

The idea of “Friendship Day” itself is flat and unconvincing. Considering recent events—losing citizenship, declaring themselves new gods, blackmailing the sick, and causing international incidents it’s hard to believe the people of New Orleans would celebrate mutants with such enthusiasm. While the festival scenes are visually fun, with cosplayers and inflatable attractions, the context strains credulity.

Mutina – Good Idea, Poorly Executed

Mutina’s subplot initially had potential, giving off a horror vibe reminiscent of Nightmare on Elm Street. Unfortunately, it goes nowhere. The carnival could have been a great setting for a confrontation or nightmare sequence, but the idea is abandoned. It becomes one of those “aww, isn’t that nice” character moments fine in moderation, but overused here.

Small Moments with Nightcrawler

The only scene that truly landed emotionally was Nightcrawler visiting the mother of the child he saved in previous issues. Short but meaningful, it showcases his sensitivity and moral reflection. Sadly, the rest of the issue quickly shifts toward romanticization and lighthearted carnival humor.

Plot and Logic Issues

Several scenes leave logical questions unanswered. How did Scott, Guido, and others arrive in Louisiana to put out a fire? The story doesn’t explain this clearly, making their presence feel forced. Similarly, placing Wolverine on a Ferris wheel seems ridiculous he has survived countless death-defying events and has a healing factor, yet is about to get motion sick? It would make more sense for a younger character like Calico to be in that scenario.

Art and Visuals

Luciano Vecchio delivers solid artwork, though not as expressive as Marquez in previous issues. His style is clean and “prestige-like,” slightly soft, which fits calmer, slice-of-life moments but lacks dynamism for larger events. Gambit looks far too young and “effeminate,” losing the mystery and masculinity that made him iconic in earlier depictions.

Conclusion

Uncanny X-Men #18 is an average issue sometimes charming, but overall unfocused. The X-Men need stories with action, tension, and drama, while a day at the carnival feels trivial in the larger narrative. Fans may enjoy some emotional beats and the visual style, but overall, it feels like wasted potential.

Final Score: 5/10

Pros:

+Nightcrawler visiting the mother—short but poignant

+Some fun, slice-of-life character moments

+Vecchio’s art is clean and consistent, well-suited to calmer scenes

Cons:

-Lacks clear narrative direction

-Carnival and “Friendship Day” feel absurd given previous events

-Logical inconsistencies (fire, Ferris wheel, character appearances)

-Gambit appears too young and effeminate

-Romantic and Mutina subplots underdeveloped