• Written by: Gail Simone
• Art by: Luciano Vecchio
• Colors by: Rachelle Rosenberg
• Letters by: VC’s Clayton Cowles
• Cover art by: David Marquez, Matthew Wilson (cover A)
• Cover price: $4.99
• Release date: July 9, 2025

The Uncanny X-Men #17, by Marvel on 7/9/25, throws the X-Men and their young proteges into a horror movie debate, then straight into real-life terror.

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Is Uncanny X-Men #17 Good?

First Impressions

Right off the bat, this issue felt… weird, but in a good way. It kicks off with a relevant social commentary on media and fear, then swerves into classic slasher territory, keeping you on your toes.

Plot Synopsis

The issue opens with the Uncanny X-Men team – Rogue, Gambit, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, and Jubilee – along with their young mentees, the Outliers, reacting to news reports about a new horror movie titled “Murder Me, Mutina!”. The film is causing a stir because its slasher villain is a mutant, leading to public debate and concern among prominent figures like Eric Brooks (Blade), Elsa Bloodstone, and even authors C. Robert Cargill and Joe Hill, about its potential to fuel anti-mutant sentiment. The X-Men themselves are divided, with some like Nightcrawler finding it unsettling, while others, particularly Rogue, believe it’s just a movie and potentially even pro-mutant. This leads to a discussion among the veteran X-Men about their responsibility to protect the younger generation.

Despite the ongoing discussion and concerns, the Outliers – Jitter, Ransom, Deathdream, and Calico – decide to sneak out to see “Murder Me, Mutina!”. Jitter, ever the hacker, easily gets them tickets. Once inside the theater, the movie’s title sequence, with its stark red lettering on a black screen, immediately sets a chilling tone. The young mutants, who were initially excited or apprehensive, quickly find themselves unsettled by the film’s content.

Later, the Outliers are in trouble for sneaking out to see the movie and unsettled by how the move portrays mutants. The next day, Calico gets into an altercation with a bully that gets her and Jitter suspended. That night, Calico and Jitter sneak out of the house to confront the actress from the film. To their surprise, the actress is the embodiment of Mutina; a blade-wielding killer with psychic powers. Before the Outliers are sliced and diced, the X-Men arrive to bring the girls home and warn Mutina to keep her distance.

Story

Gail Simone delivers a story that feels uncomfortably real, mirroring societal anxieties and prejudices through the lens of a slasher flick. The initial debate among the X-Men about the “Mutina” movie perfectly sets the stage, making it clear that this isn’t just about popcorn and jump scares. It cleverly uses the horror genre to explore the fear and hatred mutants face, and the X-Men’s constant struggle for acceptance. The transition from the adults’ ethical concerns to the kids sneaking off to see the very thing they were warned about is a classic, effective trope. The actual horror movie sequence itself is genuinely creepy and effectively uses the slasher genre to further the mutant metaphor.

Art

Luciano Vecchio’s art, with Rachelle Rosenberg’s colors, is a dynamic force throughout the issue. The characters are expressive, conveying the emotional weight of their discussions and the fear when the horror kicks in. The shift in tone from the bright, almost domestic scenes with the X-Men to the dark, suspenseful theater and pool sequences is handled masterfully. The design of the “Mutina” title and the slasher villain’s subtle reveal are particularly striking, enhancing the eerie atmosphere without relying on cheap gore.

Characters

This issue provides some great character moments. The X-Men’s differing opinions on the “Mutina” movie highlight their individual perspectives on mutant public perception. Nightcrawler’s worry and Rogue’s more pragmatic, almost defiant, stance offer a nuanced look at how they cope with societal fear. The Outliers, despite their limited panel time, are instantly relatable as teenagers seeking thrills, with Jitter’s tech-savviness and the group’s collective apprehension adding layers to their portrayal. The brief appearances by other Marvel characters commenting on the film were a nice touch, grounding the story further in the broader Marvel universe.

Positives

The comic’s greatest strength lies in its sharp, timely social commentary, using the horror movie premise to effectively explore prejudice and fear of the unknown. The pacing is excellent, building tension gradually from the opening discussions to the chilling movie sequence. The art is consistently strong, providing clear storytelling and enhancing the emotional beats of the narrative. The character interactions are authentic, especially among the X-Men, showcasing their diverse viewpoints and concern for their younger counterparts. The ending leaves you genuinely wanting more, creating a suspenseful cliffhanger for the next issue.

Negatives

Given the setup around the movie’s controversial nature, a slightly deeper dive into the specific content of “Murder Me, Mutina!” beyond just the opening kill might have further enriched the allegorical themes.

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About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Final Thoughts

Uncanny X-Men #17 delivers a surprisingly relevant and genuinely unsettling experience, blending superheroics with horror and social commentary. It’s a clever take on mutantkind’s struggles, proving that even a trip to the movies can be fraught with peril when you’re an X-Man. Gail Simone and Luciano Vecchio are crafting a sharp, witty series that isn’t afraid to confront uncomfortable truths, even if Rogue needs a quick grammar lesson.

7.8/10

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