Uncanny X-Men #23

Uncanny X-Men Issue 23 plays with both fake and real monsters. By splitting the story, these elements can create an effective contrast. Read Full Review

The Uncanny X-Men #23 is the start of something exciting and has the exact perfect team behind it. This absolutely should be on every X-Men fan's pull list! Read Full Review

Uncanny X-Men #23 is the strongest entry the title has had in quite some time. Kicking off an exciting new arc, Where Monsters Dwell, the issue perfectly balances two different stories, both touching on classic Marvel Comics and classic movie and TV archetypes and tropes. Simone juggles the two well, and the art by Marquez and Wilson is excellent. Read Full Review

Cowboys, curses and monsters, oh my. What have the X-Men gotten into now? Simone's excellent script handles a long plot thread while deep diving into classic Marvel. Marquez and Wilson raise the bar on each page. If you want the best brought out of X-Men stories, this series is THE one you need! . Read Full Review

Simone crafts a fun, entertaining story in this issue with some interesting and unexpected twists. I like how both stories emerge and evolve with the young mutants story having a more lighthearted tone as they immerse themselves in the story being told and the serious tone of the Gambit encounter and its ramifications for the character and his relationships. Everything culminates in a great reveal that I really enjoyed for what it means for the mutants and what the potential conflict will be. Read Full Review

Uncanny X-Men #23 launches "Where Monsters Dwell" with confidence and style, blending genre experimentation with strong character drama. Gail Simone balances multiple tones while keeping the emotional center locked on Gambit and the team's trust in him. David Marquez and Matthew Wilson elevate the issue visually, especially through the textured pulp sequences and explosive fight scenes. Some story elements feel intentionally disorienting early on, but the creative risks add intrigue and promise a payoff as the arc unfolds. Read Full Review

Whether it is how the Uncanny X-Men deal with what's going on with Gambit or the new kids finding their voices as they deal with difficult situations, everything grabs your interest. Read Full Review

Uncanny X-Men #23 starts a new storyline for the Louisiana X-Men with a twist. The arrival of new foes and the rift forming in the team sets up a lot of potential for the next few issues. Read Full Review

Chris Y

Feb 04, 2026

I liked this issue. Maybe the opportunity to draw Rawhide Kid inspired Marquez - his art looks much more detailed and naturalistic here than in previous issues. Also, Simone's story hits all the right notes. There are scenes and dialogue that took me back to the glory days of the X-Men and New Mutants in the 80s, and even if this current book doesn't quite reach the quality of those classic runs, it comes pretty close (provided Simone manages to put the identity politics aside and just focus on the characters and telling a good superhero story, which is exactly what she's doing here.)

+ Like • Comments (2)

MikeBuzz - Feb 5, 2026

When you say “identity politics,” you mean sexuality, race and gender? I This is exactly why representation matters. If it’s cis-white heterosexual people like Rogue and Gambit, you’re fine with the drama of their relationship. Not everyone is straight or white or male.

Chris Y - Feb 6, 2026 (edited)

No, as a matter of fact, I'm not straight myself. And as a gay man, I don't have a problem with diversity. Some of my favourite superheroes are black, Hispanic, gay or whatever. What I'm referring to is the current attitude in handling minority groups - as victims that need to be pandered to. We've had diversity in comics for decades. What I don't like is the moralising attitude of woke authors (many of them straight and white) and the constant bashing of white "cis" hetero men.