Summer turns to fall this week, and with it comes Uncanny X-Men #3. Gail Simone, David Marquez, Matthew Wilson, VC’s Clayton Cowles, and Tom Brevoort are the creators of this issue. This is the third issue in the “Red Wave” series. Despite the extensive introductory work of the previous two issues, Uncanny X-Men #3, aka “Inside Man,” functions primarily to give readers more exposition than anything else.
The book initially returns its focus to Greymalkin Prison, using this opening scene to add an intriguing layer of complexity to the titular antagonist. While the prison warden, Dr. Ellis, is pleased with the accomplishments of his dedicated mutant hunter, the risk factor with Sarah Gaunt’s continued involvement is becoming problematic. Despite being outfitted with the finest security technology on the planet, Miss Gaunt, true to her name, has no problem breaking into Prisoner X’s holding cell whenever she pleases. While our first glimpse of Charles Xavier was brief since his incarceration in the basement of his former mansion, his fear of Sarah’s return is beginning to spread to his captors. Ellis’s right-hand man, Philip, intuits with his own psychic powers that Gaunt will continue to hunt mutants, not for the prison warden’s purposes, but to kill them.
Speaking of Sarah Gaunt’s prey, Rogue and company are still living in Haven, in the Louisiana bayou. Gambit’s friends and their families are happy to accept them along with the X-Men as long as the Outliers make a living by doing chores. After a little teasing that the host family’s daughter Chelsea might be a mutant, the chores are completed just in time for a game of Catch the Elf. Rogue, Remy, and Jubilee watch as the Outliers attempt to steal the belt from Nightcrawler. Bumbling through an outdoor obstacle course, Kurt deftly evades the teenagers, but Deathdream accidentally takes it too far.
As with last issue’s combat introduction, another big exposition is delivered, interspersed with failed attempts to capture the elves. Each of the Outliers has experienced their fair share of trauma before they even meet, including parental abuse, violent kidnapping, intense bullying, and (in Deathdream’s case) multiple deaths. Even the most aggressive, like the highly prejudiced and naive Calico, come across as more nuanced when considering how their mother taught them to understand the world. This bonding moment is well underway, despite Kurt and Deathdream’s misadventures, but the X-Men can’t help but wonder if the “Endling” prophesied by Harvey X is one of the new outcasts.
Marvel Comics
An intense training session goes well, but is interrupted by a vision of a dying Logan seen by Rogue. Wolverine leaves Haven earlier in the issue, but it would be a mistake to think this is a turning point for his solo title. Logan, on his latest journey through the wilderness, is tailed by Sarah Gaunt. Able to hide from his enhanced senses, Gaunt pounces on Wolverine until it’s too late. Describing her domain and dark steel claws, Sarah seems to have connected with some kind of infernal or demonic power long after she first met Charles Xavier. A brutal Gaunt lands a fatal blow on Logan, which is a vision that overwhelms Rogue. Gaunt doesn’t finish off her prey, however, and throughout the fight, he questions Wolverine about the location of the Outliers. She also mentions this blind spot to Xavier earlier in the issue, and it remains to be seen how it relates to the cause behind Rogue’s vision.
Marquez and Wilson hit the nail on the head again with this issue. At this point, they’ve proven they know the feel for action and how to make this cast look good. On top of that, their art does a great job of capturing the comedic beats surrounding Nightcrawler. Xavier and Gaunt’s exchange is also worth mentioning. Marquez and Wilson heighten the sense of tension and claustrophobia by never showing anything but Xavier’s face and Gaunt’s fingers.
Are there any major flaws with this issue? Not really. Uncanny #3 is a solid next installment in the series, but if there was an issue I’d have it be that the series feels like it’s just getting started even though it’s three issues in. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and hopefully Simone, Marquez and Wilson get all the development they need with this story. The cover for the next issue certainly seems to be stepping up the horror elements, just in time for Halloween.
Uncanny X-Men #3 builds on the first two issues, deepening the legend of the Outliers and the newly christened Sarah Gaunt. Sadly, momentum slows further, but the next issue promises to feature some terrifying scenes and one in which Logan’s life is put at risk. The X-Men barely get a chance to get through a single training session with the Outliers, but will it be enough to take on such a fearsome foe?
Uncanny X-Men 3 tests the limits of Southern hospitality
Uncanny X-Men #3
Uncanny X-Men #3 builds on the first two issues, deepening the legend of the Outliers and the newly christened Sarah Gaunt. Sadly, momentum slows further, but the next issue promises to feature some terrifying scenes and one in which Logan’s life is put at risk. The X-Men barely get a chance to get through a single training session with the Outliers, but will it be enough to take on such a fearsome foe?
Kurt is partying with the furries, lol
Deathdream is an underrated comedian.
Is Sarah Gaunt from Hell?
