Uncanny X-Men (2013) #21, pps. 3-4

Chris Bachalo!

I really enjoyed the Bendis run on Uncanny X-Men, and Chris’ character (re)designs were a huge part of the fun. Like so many others, my favorite among them was Illyana and her big honkin’ soulsword, and even though they’re relatively tiny on this DPS, the two images of her and the sword here (in panels 1 & 4) curl my toes with delight.

MOST importantly, this DPS features a Bachalo Lizard (because why should the mighty K Gearon get to have all the fun? Hi, K! ;) )! It’s likely a demonically-possessed (and Hellfire-charged) Krakoa (which is all KINDS of -awesome-), but it’s fun to imagine that, with Illyana conjuring it, it could very well be an... Infernalizard...? Kalimbo Dragon...? Limboguana...? Regardless, this Helligator (!!) learns an important lesson when it tries to start some trouble and Storm is in residence...

Tim Townsend’s marvelously silky inks make everything as smooth as glass where it needs to be (as usual), and keeps the Hellmeleon as jagged, sketchy, and “ember-like” as possible. Lots of fun textures playing off of each other here, as well as a beautiful, majestic Windrider stealing the show. Again, so grateful to have the chance to display this. Thank you, Rick!