Uncanny X-Men #14: Mystery Femur

This issue was a strong continuation of the scenario introduced in issue #9. Remy got to display some of his trademark acrobatics, Rogue had the opportunity to tussle with a dragon (and get knocked into the stratosphere in the process). The new kids had the opportunity to acquire a little bit of depth (especially Calico — more on that in a second), and it’s nice that at least one writer has remembered that Jubilee has a child (albeit one she basically abandoned in fairyland) and witnessing the giant, man-eating monster show her compassion for her grief was a nice little nod. The only ‘major’ character who didn’t get, at least, a second in the spotlight was Nightcrawler, which is something of a waste, though it’s not unusual for that character to get lost in the shuffle.

The new kids received the lion’s share of the author’s attention, most notably through Deathdream’s revelation that he doesn’t really experience emotions in the same way that fully-living people do, but that he’s aware of the difference and feels regret over the lack. As for Calico, without giving into spoilers, it was deeply interesting to learn what, exactly, the deal is with that creepy horse.

This issue also brought Henrietta’s story into the present: we’ve learned something about what her mutation is, and how it ties into the current storyline. The fact that Simone has tied it both to the origins of the Sentinels and also with the specter of white supremacy was simultaneously apt and clever. The white supremacy angle made it particularly satisfying when the original anti-mutant fascists were brutally stomped.

As ever, David Marquez’s art was absolutely sumptuous, beautifully detailed, but delivered with a dynamic energy that masterfully conveyed both emotional and narrative force.

This is a powerhouse of a book. Pick it up.