Connect with us
'Uncanny X-Men Vol. 2: Wolverine and Cyclops' Review

Comic Books

‘Uncanny X-Men Vol. 2: Wolverine and Cyclops’ Review

Matthew Rosenberg’s finish is daring.

[amazon_link asins=’1302915835′ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’fa667113-61b7-4c20-8abd-49733eeeee75′]

It has been firmly established that the most iconic superheroes will never die and can never die, because they have become a part of our culture and ourselves. Matthew Rosenberg says as much in the afterword in Uncanny X-Men Vol. 2: Wolverine and Cyclops as he bids farewell to his 22 issue run on Uncanny X-Men. Collecting issues #17 through #22, Rosenberg finishes his epic X-Men tale filled with great losses, but a promise that the X-Men will never give up or surrender.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

So what’s it about?

The official summary reads:

First…the X-Men lose one of their own. Then…the new Black King of the Hellfire Club makes a move.

Why does this matter?

This was a series that had people talking every week thanks to major characters dying nearly every issue. We’re talking Chamber, the controversial Wolfsbane death, and more. Plus, Rosenberg and Salvador Larroca give us one of the most iconic Cyclops and Jean moments in a long time. 

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

'Uncanny X-Men Vol. 2: Wolverine and Cyclops' Review

Somebody check on Emma. I think she might have a head wound.
Credit: Marvel Comics

Now that we’ve dipped into the Hickman era of X-Men, it has become very clear Rosenberg was capable of doing anything he wanted with this series thanks to seemingly dead heroes coming back to life and really the entire status quo changing. That puts this series as a whole into perspective, going full tilt with death after death, big twists, and a complete gung-ho nature in its storytelling technique. A deeper purpose begins to become clear with this in mind, revealing that the X-Men may be close to losing everything, but their spirit can never be quelled. This is a series about fighting for what you believe in against all odds and Cyclops is the lifeblood of that message. As the story carries forward and the outlook on success grows slim, it’s clear it’s not about winning so much as never giving up. 

The art in this book is quite solid from Carlos Gomez, Carlos Villa, and in the final two issues, Salvador Larroca. This series is incredibly dark and moody, suiting the somber turns in the story. It’s hard to fault the art even when it lacks depth or detail due to the many iconic moments that occur here. 

'Uncanny X-Men Vol. 2: Wolverine and Cyclops' Review

Giving us what we want!
Credit: Marvel Comics

It can’t be perfect, can it?

Pacing can feel odd at times either due to a lack of a transitional scene or art that isn’t quite clear in its delivery. At its core, this book is about failure and major losses and it can seem like it’s in a rush to deliver on deaths rather than purposeful turns in the story. It’s clear now these deaths are more of a heavy-handed push to shock and change things but there is certainly a lack of subtle storytelling at work here that could have strengthened the overall purpose of the narrative.

Is it good?

This is a fascinating read when you consider Rosenberg could do whatever he wanted and did so with no worries of being overturned. It’s a chance to see a 22 issues run their course without outside intervention seeing as a reboot was planned all along.

'Uncanny X-Men Vol. 2: Wolverine and Cyclops' Review
Uncanny X-Men: Wolverine and Cyclops Vol. 2
Is it good?
This is a fascinating read when you consider Rosenberg could do whatever he wanted and did so with no worries of being overturned. It’s a chance to see a 22 issues run their course without outside intervention seeing as a reboot was planned all along.
Daring storytelling that drives home the point that all is never lost when you don't give up
Good art throughout that's dark in tone
Pacing can be an issue as it seems to rush to kill characters off rather than find purpose in the losses
8
Good

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

X-Men Monday #241 - Steve Foxe Talks 'X-Men '97,' 'Dead X-Men,' and 'X-Men: Blood Hunt - Psylocke' X-Men Monday #241 - Steve Foxe Talks 'X-Men '97,' 'Dead X-Men,' and 'X-Men: Blood Hunt - Psylocke'

X-Men Monday #241 – Steve Foxe Talks ‘X-Men ’97,’ ‘Dead X-Men,’ and ‘X-Men: Blood Hunt – Psylocke’

Comic Books

Films to check out at SXSW Films to check out at SXSW

Films to check out at SXSW

Movies

'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024 'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024

‘My Adventures with Superman’ gets new comics series starting June 2024

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup