The Good
It's hard to believe this is the third recent incarnation of X-Force. Each team has had a separate feel and we're continuing to get a taste for what this team has to offer. Seeing Psylocke kick all sorts of butt without resorting to deadly force really shows off what she's capable of. The whole mystery of what Spiral is up to along with the apparent hate Betsy feels for her is a driving force here. Storm and Puck are great additions as we see this unofficial and newly formed team try to work together.
The comic isn't just about them as we get to see more on the return of Bishop. We're finding out more about what he's been up to and why he's back. The team isn't quite sure what his return means as Psylocke comments:
Bishop?! Is that really you? Did you just growl at us?
Nothing like a nice mystery to spice up a story.
Speaking of mysteries, we also are treated to a scene with Fantomex and Cluster. Yes it is absolutely strange and weird but what is being said and what's said between the lines should be noted carefully.
As a fan of Ron Garney's art, it's great to see it showcased in a book with these characters and with so much action required. Garney uses a nice mix of layouts and you feel like you don't know what to expect when you're about to turn the page.There is a team of colorists on board as well that really adds to the different locations in which the action is spread.
The Bad
It's a torn feeling having the sense that we've been thrown into the middle of the action/story. Mysteries obviously can drive a story but now that we're two issues in, it's still hard to get a grasp on where this team will go and why they'll operate as a team. We do see more on Spiral as well as Bishop but it looks like we may have to wait another issue to get more answers. I can be patient and I'm digging these characters in the same book. I'm just trying to grasp why they're in the same book.
The Verdict
Sam Humphries and Ron Garney continue to pour the mutant action in our faces. We get some great scenes with Psylocke fighting a horde of possessed individuals and you can't help but enjoy seeing Storm and Puck face Spiral. Garney's action scenes are enhanced by a variety of color that adds a different flavor to each environment in the story. There are still questions and we're getting more before seeing some concrete answers but there is a definite hook keeping your interest attached. We may not know why these characters will operate as an incarnation of X-Force but the chance to see them in a separate corner of the X-Universe definitely is appealing.
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