Uncanny X-Men #15: Night Of The Living Leather-Daddies

Gail Simone’s always been a gifted writer, and this issue really allows her pacing and characterization to shine. If the previous issue seemed to drag, in places, this one ups the tempo and turbochargers the plot.

Deathdream has (appropriately enough) retained central focus, exposing new aspects of his character and strengthening the bonds between himself and his teammates. Ransom’s fraternal love for his emotionally detached ‘little brother’ was a sweet highlight, one which felt entirely earned, even as it underlines the early-Claremont ‘found family’ feel of this run.

The budding romance slowly developing between Calico and Jitter is equally precious: a sweet, floral take on adolescent sapphic love. This, too, felt both earned, natural, and deeply innocent.

The adult X-Men don’t really have a lot to do, in this story, until it’s time for the Calvary (clad in pulsing, living leather, natch) to come hurtling in. Even so, the only characters (aside from the teens) who have any real dialogue are Gambit and Rogue. It’s gotten to the point where I have to wonder why Nightcrawler and Jubilee are even bothering to show up as, aside from contributing some cool power-effects during the requisite group shots, they’re primarily just wallpaper. But this is a quibble. For the most part, the storytelling is very strong.

David Marquez has returned, and his line-work is appropriately detailed and dark. Marquez is one of the best in the business, and it’s good to see him flourishing in the pages of this dark and Gothic book. Matthew Wilson’s colors are appropriately creepy, lending a dense and smoky atmosphere to this otherworldly horror story.

This series fuses Claremont-era soap opera with Southern Gothic creepiness, creating a story that is simultaneously eerie, emotional, and seriously fun.