Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Uncanny X-Men #13
The X-Men are widely recognized as a team comprised exclusively of mutants. Yet, this iconic group has historically welcomed non-mutant allies, showcasing their inclusive ethos. Characters like Juggernaut, Deadpool, and Warlock exemplify this broader acceptance within the team. Recently, however, the X-Men have taken inclusivity to unprecedented heights by introducing an unconventional new ally.
In Uncanny X-Men #13 (2025), created by Gail Simone and David Marquez, the young team known as the Louisiana Outliers is unexpectedly roused by a mysterious figure, Deathdream, who beckons them into the unknown.
With little explanation, Deathdream guides his teammates through the dense, fog-laden bog encircling their headquarters. As they infiltrate the depths of the Louisiana swamplands, an obsidian tomb emerges from the mist—a site imbued with mystery. Upon entering the crypt, the Outliers hear the whisperings of the deceased, channeled through Deathdream, leading them to a significant ally: Man-Thing.
Man-Thing Joins the X-Men’s Outliers
This iteration of Uncanny X-Men is steering the franchise toward a more mystical narrative. Gambit is now the bearer of one of the Eyes of Agamotto, and the Outliers have previously confronted a mutant-hunting witch. As they uncover one of the oldest secrets of mutantkind, they must also heed the warnings of the legendary entity, Man-Thing. Characterized as a plant-like empath, Man-Thing feeds on the emotions surrounding him. However, he harbors a deep aversion to fear; excess fear provokes him to act violently and inflict harm on those nearby.
Nonetheless, Man-Thing has proven to be an invaluable ally to those clever enough to navigate his unique disposition. Historically, a version of Man-Thing has aided the Avengers in their fight against the Legion of the Unliving. This encounter is not the Outliers’ first brush with the creature; a previous generation of X-Men met him during a chaotic incident in the Florida Everglades, where he demonstrated a tendency toward non-violence.
Man-Thing’s Presence Suggests Danger On The Horizon
Man-Thing Only Appears During The Greatest Of Supernatural Threats
The extent to which the Outliers will depend on Man-Thing’s abilities remains uncertain, but his arrival typically heralds impending danger. When Ted Sallis unintentionally transformed into Man-Thing after an accident involving a demonically-tainted SO-2 vaccine, he opened a portal known as the Nexus of All Realities. To protect the delicate balance of the Multiverse, Man-Thing has taken on the responsibility of guarding the Nexus from potential threats. When supernatural forces become particularly menacing, Man-Thing, or one of his counterparts, often emerges to confront the danger.
Now, as the Outliers delve into a crypt filled with the whispers of the dead, Man-Thing waits in the shadows. Although it remains a mystery how Deathdream became aware of Man-Thing’s fear-consuming nature, this connection will serve as a crucial asset when the team confronts Henrietta Benjamin, a formidable mutant entombed beneath the obsidian surface. With dark secrets lurking in the depths, this alliance between the young X-Men and their supernatural partner promises a thrilling narrative in the forthcoming chapters of Uncanny X-Men.
Uncanny X-Men #13 (2025) is currently available from Marvel Comics.