Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Uncanny X-Men #13 (2025)
New Love Blooms Among the X-Men
The X-Men franchise has long been celebrated for its vibrant superpowered couples, including iconic pairings like Cyclops and Jean Grey, as well as Rogue and Gambit. As the series progresses, readers are now being introduced to an adorable new romance blossoming between two young Outliers: Calico and Jitter. This sweet narrative thread is emerging in the latest issues of the Uncanny X-Men.
A Hair-Raising Adventure in the Swamp
In Uncanny X-Men #13 (2025), scripted by Gail Simone and illustrated by David Marquez, the scene opens with Deathdream abruptly awakening his teammates as the juvenile X-Men delve into the eerie Louisiana swamp.
As they explore deeper, the Outliers stumble upon a haunting obsidian tomb resonating with the whispers of the deceased. The atmosphere is tense; however, in a tender moment, Calico and Jitter share a fleeting hand-holding that Ransom teasingly interrupts, pointing out their blushes. This isn’t their first exchange—this growing affection hints at something genuine between them.
Love Among Misfits: The Bond of Calico and Jitter
Though a moment of hand-holding may resemble a simple school crush, in the world of the X-Men, there’s often more than meets the eye. Reflecting on the legendary relationship of Cyclops and Jean Grey, what began as naive attraction has evolved into a saga of love fraught with trials. Significantly, their bond was fortified by their respective struggles as outcasts.
In a similar vein, Calico and Jitter mirror this dynamic. Each Outlier carries the burden of their challenging pasts; they were drawn together by shared traumas, establishing a unique connection. Calico hails from a strict anti-mutant family, while Jitter faced a harsh upbringing that only ceased when her powers allowed her some semblance of self-defense. Together, they forge a sanctuary of empathy.
A Dance of Beginnings: Their First Tender Moment
When Did Calico and Jitter’s Romance Begin?
In a pivotal sequence in Uncanny X-Men #9 (2025), as the X-Men unwind after a fierce battle, Calico steps away from the group, catching the eye of Jitter. Upon discovering Calico’s hidden talent as a ballet dancer—one who has never had a partner—Jitter promptly utilizes her abilities to become her dance partner.
The two young mutants engage in an emotional dance, where, despite a lack of music, they find rhythm in their shared experience, epitomized by the sentiment, “Sometimes, you dance best when there’s no music.” But as the moment draws to a close, Calico musters only a soft, “Oh,” as reality quietly intrudes on their embrace. In this brief encounter, the Outliers reclaimed a sense of importance and connection—a light in their otherwise challenging lives.
The Role of Romance in the X-Men Narrative
Gail Simone: A Master of Romantic Storytelling
Romance has always played a significant role within the X-Men saga, with Gail Simone at the helm emphasizing passionate relationships, particularly that of Rogue and Gambit. Known for her adeptness in interweaving romance into her narratives, Simone actively engages with fans about their favorite love stories in the series.
Relationships, especially those imbued with complexity, serve as a foundational element of the X-Men lore. Each romance contributes to the depth of character and storylines. The tender moments shared between Calico and Jitter signify a burgeoning connection among the X-Men’s younger generation, hinting that they might become one of the franchise’s most endearing couples.
Uncanny X-Men #13 (2025) is currently available from Marvel Comics. Read it to witness the unfolding of this lovely connection.