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For decades, Marvel’s Magnificent Mutants have dominated the tops of the charts among fan-favorite books, and now Gail Simone is pulling back the curtain on how she approaches writing Uncanny X-Men.
The title of the book alone inspires incredibly positive euphoria, and in the hands of celebrated comics legend Gail Simone, Marvel’s latest iteration of Uncanny X-Men has risen to the top of the crop of X-books that are attracting both a new and old audience alike. Recently, the gifted scribe revealed via her Facebook page that she indeed follows a formula for success when writing the mighty mutants.
With a repertoire that has included critically renowned runs on DC’s Wonder Woman, Batgirl and Birds of Prey, the 2017 InkPot Award winner is now leading the wave of talented writers that are charting Marvel’s mutants forward into a new era. With the conclusion of the Age of Krakoa arc in the rear-view mirror, Simone was brought on board for the coveted reboot of Uncanny X-Menfor the “From The Ashes” era.
The latest arc follows a remnant of the core group, centered on Rogue, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, and Gambit, struggling in a world where Professor Xavier’s dream of mutant and human coexistence may no longer be relevant. When a group of young mutant outcasts is being hunted, Rogue and the rest of the vets saddle up to the rescue.
The writer’s work has always been defined by her ease at delivering grand, sweeping adventure without compromising authentic human relationships, which makes her storytelling style resonate with her audience. Gail Simone took the lid off the cookie jar to share her philosophy for success when writing Uncanny X-Men, and many have encouraged that other X-Men scribes take a note or two.
She posted her thirteen goals on Facebook (see below), providing a glimpse into her ingredients for creative success, and above all, “Be entertaining,” which is the primary goal and #2 on her list. Simone’s distinctive approach isn’t “reinventing the wheel” but ensuring that the supporting spokes are greased and the machine has all it needs to run properly.
Not afraid to “honor the classics,” but also “tell different stories” that aren’t being told elsewhere, Simone is reverent with the legacy of these characters, referring to them as “the best cast in comics,” and is willing to “break hearts” while exploring “some new POV” to inspire wonder. The formula appears to be working, as Simone has kept readers engaged and eagerly pursuing every new issue.
Simone's eleven steps to success for the X-Men are listed on her Facebook, but can be seen here:
"1) Tell different stories than are being told elsewhere
2) Be entertaining. It’s the best cast in comics, let them be cool and fun and badass.
3) Don’t focus on the same eight villains. Bring new stuff.
4) Give them a setting of their own that is new and feels consequential.
5) When possible, tour the best dark corners of the MU.
6) Bring some new POV characters, people who could see Wolverine for the first time and we can feel their wonder.
7) Where possible, push the sexiness of the sexiest superheroes ever.
8)As much as possible, avoid the ‘they are hated and feared more than ever!’ trope.
9) Don’t be afraid to break hearts.
10) Honor the classics, don’t imitate them forever.
11) Remember you are writing UNCANNY X-MEN and that is about the funnest gig in all Marvel comics.
12) Repeat rule #2 every day.
13) See rule #12."
- Gail Simone
Marvel’s Mutants Evolve Thanks To Simone’s Unique Vision
Simone has been at the helm of Uncanny X-Men for two years now, and the book has remained über-popular. Rumors have begun to circulate that the mutant books in the line are about to get another retooling, which is rather sudden given the current life of the existing arc. The spotlight is hot on Marvel’s mutants, who will be a central component of Marvel Studios’ upcoming new phase.
The most recent cinematic iteration of the X-Men will be appearing in the upcoming, highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, and from the recently released trailer, will have a very big role. With the popularity surrounding Gail Simone’s vision of the group, which many have suggested is reminiscent of the fabled Claremont era, audiences are already hoping that Marvel Studios is taking notes.
Uncanny X-Men is published by Marvel Comics.
