UNCANNY X-MEN #20 Review

Written by: Gail Simone
Art by: Luciano Vecchio
Colors by: Matthew Wilson
Letters by: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Cover art by: David Marquez, Matthew Wilson
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: September 3, 2025

Uncanny X-Men #20, by Marvel on 9/3/25, sends Wolverine and Ransom to Buenos Aires to recue one of Ransom’s family members from a strange anti-mutant cult.

First Impressions

This comic is a total letdown. Gail Simone’s tale is mostly setup, some action, and a whole lot of talking/narration. The pacing is incredibly slow, and the main story barely progresses at all.

Recap

In the previous issue, Uncanny X-Men #19, Wolverine and the new mutant Ransom began a road trip to rescue Valentin’s half-brother. They were tracking a classic X-villain, but the exact identity of the villain remained a mystery. The two characters had a few minor conflicts during their journey but ultimately continued on their path. The issue ended with a tease that their search would take them to an unexpected place.

Plot Analysis

The story begins with Monet St. Croix having a contentious chat with Warden Ellis in Graymalkin. Ellis attempts to develop a friendly connection with Monet, but Monet isn’t interested. Monet lets Ellis know her attempts at threats and manipulation won’t work, ands she underscores the point by ripping offer her power-dampening collar as she walks away.

The scene switches back to Haven House. Ransom receives a call from a relative, Benicio, in Buenos Aires. Benicio is about to be indoctrinated to an anti-mutant cult, and he needs Ransom’s help. After a lengthy exchange between Ransom, Wolverine, and Gambit, the trio decides to teleport to Buenos Aires to help Benicio.

The issue ends with a barroom brawl, and Wolverine meeting the head of the cult.

Detailed Review

Writing

The writing is a major disappointment. The narration, in particular, is far too intrusive and descriptive. It explains every little detail, from the most mundane thoughts of every character to the inner workings of Ransom’s powers, robbing the reader of any sense of discovery. The dialogue feels forced and lacks the witty banter expected from these characters. The plot is thin and drags on, making the entire issue feel like a simple plot with too much padding, verging on a slice-of-life comic.

Art

While the art is functional, it fails to elevate the boring plot. The line work is clean, but the panels are often static, failing to convey the energy and dynamism needed for a chase scene. The color palette is dull and uninspired, making the scenes look washed out. There’s little use of light and shadow, and the overall impression is that the art is merely a vehicle for the heavy-handed narration.

Characters

The characters are poorly utilized. Wolverine is reduced to a one-dimensional tough guy, and Ransom’s personality is lost in his overly descriptive narration. Their partnership, which was hinted at in the previous issue, falls flat due to the lack of meaningful interaction. The villain, an anti-mutant cult, is a forgettable, easily defeated antagonist who serves no purpose other than to move the heroes from one location to another.

Positives

The standout aspect of the comic is the brief fight scene at the bar. The action is concise and visually clear, offering a momentary break from the otherwise slow pace. It is the only point in the issue where the art and writing truly work together to create a cohesive and exciting sequence. Additionally, the comic tries to build on the bond between Wolverine and Ransom, a concept that has potential even if it is poorly executed here.

Negatives

The most significant weakness is the tedious narration. It constantly tells the reader what is happening instead of showing it, which is the exact opposite of what a good comic should do. The slow pace is a close second, as the story crawls from one uninteresting scene to the next. The overall plot is paper-thin and lacks any real substance, making the entire reading experience a chore.

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 #20 is a prime example of a comic that gets lost in its own exposition. It mistakes a heavy dose of descriptive text for a compelling narrative, resulting in a tedious and boring reading experience. The lack of a captivating plot, combined with uninspired art and uninteresting characters, makes this a forgettable chapter in the Uncanny X-Men series.

3/10

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