The Good
Barreling off of the emotional-psychic drama from the Fantomex split arc, the uncanniest of teams is immediately thrust into something a little more frightening. Bishop's raving warnings about the Revenant Queen turn out to be reality rather than lunacy, and nobody is safe from their darker, nightmare self.
Colorists Jay David Ramos and Rachelle Rosenberg bring the dramatic heat to this issue in a big way, and it's a smashing example of how well-chosen colors can quickly ramp up a new arc's intensity. Bishop's description of the Revenant War is delivered in the form of a spectacular double-page spread that is so bright and colorful that it nearly belies the horrors depicted in each bright panel-fragment, with the effect of actually making those horrors that much starker. He's experiencing a psychic overload as he warns the team -- and us -- of the nightmares to come, and his realization that he's the only one who can stop it is perfectly grey and somber. It's not just that page; the whole issue is dominated by vibrant, telling colors, from the violent red washes over each team member's nightmares to the fiery, lifelike Demon Bear to the dramatically-highlighted black and teal that crawls over the Revenant X-Force. These colors are making this issue (and it's already pretty spiffy on the writing and pencilling side).
The Revenant Queen and her minions are sharp, and they're vicious in how they lay bare each team member's deepest fears, weaknesses, regrets, and insecurities. Isolating everyone from Bishop is a brilliant tactical move, and it looks like we're about to witness a fascinating and large-scale battle.
The Bad
I'm feeling a small sense of withdrawal from the Fantomex arc; Elizabeth may be able to write it off as something best forgotten, but the cutover was fast and almost cold, with only the shortest mention. That said, a doomsaying Bishop and a credible nightmare threat are pretty compelling reasons to move on with the quickness.
The Verdict
UNCANNY X-FORCE is venturing into nightmare territory, but the story is anything but. It's immediately engaging, ripping the team apart and literally forcing them to confront the darkest, ugliest parts of themselves. When Bishop is the only one who can save the day, we're in for a wild ride. This issue is also a fabulous jump-on point for new or lapsed readers; with the Fantomex arc wrapped up, things are taking an entirely new direction.