The Uncanny X-Men #9

Marvel Comics

Written by Gail Simone

Art by Andrei Bressan

Colors by Matthew Wilson

Letters by Clayton Cowles

The Rundown: As the Outliers look for a little space to be teenagers, a new threat comes hunting for them.

Rogue and the others meet to discuss what to do with their new band of young mutants known as the Outliers. As one of them listens in, Rogue decides that the students require one on one training while the rest of the teens get some rest and learn more about each other. At the same time, Trask is working on a new type of sentinel that has some glaring bugs in its programming.

After having a heart to heart with some of the teens, Jubilee decides that they need some time and space to be teenagers and drops them off at the local mall to buy some clothes and be kids. Unfortunately, their presence allows for a field test of these new sentinels called the Bloodhounds and blood is exactly what they are out for.

The Story: Simone crafts a wonderful balance between the dark terror stalking these characters and the coming of age elements of young people in a new and strange environment. The story has some great character moments mixed with dark humor and heart. I loved the interaction with Logan and Ransom. I loved seeing Calico come into her own more and the moments with Deathdream were endearing as they discover simple joys. I really loved the cliffhanger ending of this issue and look forward to what happens next.

The Art: Bressan delivers beautiful art in the issue. I like the character designs and the visual thrills of the action a lot.