With Fall of X wrapping up so we come to an end to Nightcrawler’s first Spider-Man series. Thus far Uncanny Spider-Man has further developed his character, continuing his Krakoa era narrative. In the process, we’ve seen Nightcrawler explore what it means to be a hero and building relationships. The relationship side has been a mixed bag for him. On one end he’s been able to repair his mother-son relationship with Mystique. On the other he had some heartbreak as his new relationship with Silver Sable has led him to be captured by Orchis. How will things end up for Nightcrawler as Fall of X concludes? Le’s find out with Uncanny Spider-Man #5
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Si Spurrier
Artists: Lee Garbett and Simone Buonfantino
Colorist: Matt Milla
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
SOLICITATION
“IN THE CLAWS OF THE VULTURE! Mystique is missing, mutantkind is scattered and hunted and Nightcrawler must finally face the demons he’s been keeping in the shadows. But it looks like Orchis will be helping him bare his soul…as they rend the flesh from his bones! Does Kurt Wagner’s extraordinary journey end here?” – Marvel Comics
REVIEW
Wins have been hard to come by for the X-Men during the Fall of X direction. Even before that, the X-Men wins have been few and far in between since Inferno as Orchis has gotten stronger with Moira X joining their ranks. Which makes what happens in Uncanny Spider-Man #5 an even more monumental event. For the first time in a while the X-Men got one over on Orchis, with what could be an important victory for Fall of the House of X and Rise of the Powers of X event.
The way Si Spurrier, Lee Garbett, and Simone Buonfantino opened Uncanny Spider-Man #5 by giving the vibes this would be another Orchis win over the X-Men. All the elements were there with Nightcrawler’s capture and Vulture getting the Orchis soldiers ready to kill him. Even Vulture mentioning to the Orchis soldiers to make sure Nightcrawler’s head stays intact when they kill him worked into Orchis narrative.
All of that opening set-up made the moment Nightcrawler, Mystique, and Silver Sable revealed their plan to Vulture and Orchis a hype moment. It all played out as planned for them. To Spurrier, Garbett, and Buonfantino’s credit the battle was not an easy one. Given how powerful Orchis has become that is how it should be. No matter how well the plan went the actual battle needed to feel like a struggle.
This led to the moment when Nightcrawler was able to free Warlock a game changing moment. With this Nightcrawler was able to provide the X-Men a huge win. Defeating Vulture so Warlock got full control of their powers again takes away a major weapon for Orchis. In the process the mutants that were made into Hounds by Orchis are now saved. This all gives at least a feeling that the X-Men is getting some positive momentum after being behind the eight ball this entire time.
Throughout this Spurrier made sure while this was a big win for the X-Men, it also wrapped up this chapter in Nightcrawler’s character arc. Being Spider-Man helped Nightcrawler realize what he can do as a superhero again. Combining the scope of the X-Men with the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man aspect fits Nightcrawler well. This positions Nightcrawler to further explore being a solo hero after Fall of the House of X and Rise of the Powers of X while still being an X-Men.
Helping Nightcrawler’s solo adventures is how Uncanny Spider-Man established that Kurt can have a good supporting cast. The relationship built between Nightcrawler and Silver Sable was naturally established and left on a note where it can continue. Then there is his relationship with Mystique that has been reforged to be a stronger bond than ever before. The chemistry between Mystique and Silver Sable was also a nice touch to provide this issue a light-hearted moment. It all works to establish a stronger foundation if Marvel gives Nightcrawler another solo series.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Uncanny Spider-Man #5 is a well earned finale for Nightcrawler’s solo adventures during Fall of X. Throughout this journey Nightcrawler’s character has further been strengthened as a solo hero. His chemistry with Silver Sable and Mystique further helped to put him over. The end results prove to be an important victory the X-Men needed during the dark times they have faced during the Fall of X direction. This series was certainly one of the gems of the Fall of X direction that X-Men fans should all check out.
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10