3.66 AVERAGE

sean_from_ohio's review

5.0

Man, I loved this! Benjamin Percy takes an X-Force squad into the Krakoan era and its was seriously fun. We get another shadow team but the hows and whys make perfect sense. In this age of regeneration, finding viable threats is hard but Percy does just that. The antagonists were smart and scary. I thoroughly enjoyed the collection of mutants making up the team and like all good ongoing books, subplots aplenty. The art by Josh Cassara was dynamic and a really good match for the title. Overall, my favorite X-Force book in a very long time and the best I've read in this new era of X.

I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about this book. I mean, X-Force has a had a huuuuge track record of a lot of explosions and zero plot. Well, things do take a turn for the best with this series.
The violence is right there, but there’s also a lot of background behind what’s going on. Krakoa is fighting back against a world that is politically moving against them, and with that, we get to see the mutants making moves I hadn’t seen before.
I could argue that Beast and Jean Grey are a bit off character, but times are changing and they’re taking their places. For once, I’m glad the mutants are finally making a stand, and that Xavier’s dream is finally over. It was dated 20 years ago, I’m glad they finally made a bold move into the next step.

Another very strong book in the lineup. X-force has a grittier feel that’s reinforced well by the art. The team feels a little more haphazard as a lineup. It’s not a bad mix at all, but I wish we got a little more interaction on a character level. Still highly entertaining.

vidumor's review

5.0

This was awesome! Best of the new POX/HOX x-men era so far. We really get to explore the more... realistic? unsavoury? morally grey? sides of what it means when you declare a new nation. Characters that have always very solidly been known as the good guys are framed in a different light. And it's not like they change or their decisions don't make sense, because they absolutely do. It's just that they now take on different roles in order to make Krakoa an actually functioning, sovereign nation. And taking on these roles means that they have certain responsibilities and tasks.

It's really interesting to see that side of things, especially with Charles and Hank. Domino was also a great standout in this arc. I also had a lot of fun with the Wolverine/Kid Omega banter. And Jean takes on the most interesting role of being the most sane, level headed, and self assured person there. There are no frills with her, and I am really looking forward to how this creative team develops her further. All in all, a truly excellent arc!

Spoiler
Thoughts while reading:
#1
- I see that Marvel was inspired by the court of owls lol
- already very cool. Love to see Domino properly in action. Love it even more that we're starting off with some action!
- okay but "does a new nation mean new enemies?" Aren't they really just the old enemies? Unless of course comics give us a novel villain for once, but we'll see lol.
- I missed you Hank, ya big furry nerd. Honestly, my perfect man type!
- ok good that we're getting into Krakoa skepticism. Lets find out what's wrong with paradise
- ugh Charles are you being an optimist or being threatening? You can't do both
- dang, didn't expect Hank to be that gruesome
- yeah, cool to finally see the assassination of X after it's been alluded to previously

#2
- they're not even hiding the queer subtext of Charles and Erik at this point.
- ok so maybe don't have a giant X on cerebro for a bullet to hit. And also maybe make it bulletproof???
- Ahhh "healing and hurting can be the same thing" Wolvie says while putting the claws back into his skeleton. It hurts!! But it's also so beautiful!!
- I can't discredit the horrifying creativity of grafting mutant skin on to a body for espionage. That's brutal ugh
- don't you hate it when you run into your old principle at an airport lol. Amazing how this is how we see kid omega again
- great banter!
- "there's no room for grief when you believe in resurrection" What is up with these fantastic one liners in this comic???
- okay we're solidly in body horror now. Grooosssss!
- it is cool to see how the "pre" part of the post-humans that POX/HOX future cuts alluded to. The development of such constructs that were horrifying and brutal even in their primitive stages... unlike mutations that occur naturally and theoretically without pain.
- "this lab is like a chapel devoted to their insecurity" - the great lines just keep on coming!
- Wolvie and anyone psychi/telekinetic is really just the perfect team up!

#3
- ugh truly horrifying art in the best way. Didn't expect such a visceral torture/ medical horror scene!
- "without death, life is less about me and more about us" a very interesting thought, Jean. I will think on it!
- ooooh that shadow in the corner in the healing gardens... spoooooky! This is great art in kind of a subtle way
- ooooooh THERE'S STILL AN INTRUDER IN KRAKOA. I am seriously vibing so hard with this comic!
- okay, don't really like that we're told that there was a blast that killer Healer instead of being shown it.
- always a dramatic entrance with you Charles
- it is interesting to see Charles act like an actual president or king or head of government. The corruptness and ambiguity in who can break laws and when it's applicable. The interpretation of his actions are still benevolent to him, but he still will never make that public. He acknowledges it as a hard truth.

#4
- Dang, Charles really is a typical politician with that "profile" lol. Also "wolverine waste management"?? Real subtle. But it is sweet in a way, he names his shell companies after his children aww (though I guess not Legion... ouch - well maybe "Gifted Mind tech?")
- "every empire's fall begins with a peasant's hunger" is such an Apocalypse quote. Dang Benjamin Percy, what goes on in your head?
- Really awesome that Mystique sees through the bullshit... but I do kind of like the idea of X-Force being a spy agency ngl
- And Storm cutting it down to the simple basics is awesome. Listen, I'm not sure about the rationale of including every one of these guys in the Quiet Council (why would you let Sinister be 100 km within it is beyond me), but I do love how they bounce off of each other. Certainly the personalities and dialogue is very well balanced.
- Dang, the close-up of Jean with just the yellow mask and red hair really does have Phoenix vibes. The subtlety of this gorgeous art!!
- FORGE!!!! Have they made any changes at all to his costume since he's been introduced?? Actually I think the fringe on his YELLOW BOOTS are new, and girl he is werking it!!!
- Domino hasn't even fully healed yet and they're already putting her on the back on the field???
- Krakoan organic weapons! COOOL. Like an organic Iron Man bleeding edge armour!
- Quentin... Forge is not a lowly mechanic!
- Forge's bone structure, especially that sharp chin... I'm dying
- Do love that Forge still refers to Charles as "Professor" lol. Not sure if he'll be back to that role any time soon
- ok, "Forge's Daily Planner" is the best thing in this comic, hands down!
- ok yeah, Forge caught on to the "we" thing with Black Tom. Thought I missed something but nope!
- Forge, Domino's been through enough torture, please don't expose her to your homemade Axe body spray!
- Idk why, but every time Domino's luck powers happen, I'm always surprised. It's very pleasant.

#5
- I like that these villains are actually a little challenging, and the characters have a personal vendetta and stakes on an individual level (especially Dom). No kids or old ladies!!
- Gateway showing up on all three comics so far, and I've never seen this man in my life before
- ... is Black Tom Cassidy on his way to becoming an omega level mutant???
- Ahhhh, the no-legs, blood smirk Wolverine. This Joshua Cassara KNOWS how to draw horror!
- Hank... he is just so gentle. I really think it's how well these characters are balance between horror and virtue that makes this comic so great!
- ahhh the squishy family dynamics and comfort after a hard battle! My favourite part about the x-men. I wanted this with Cyclops in the Summer house too man.
- ooof I did not see Hank being the torturer of human captives. I am shocked and intrigued! This x-men era is really not afraid to paint our goody-two-shoes guys DARK!

#6
- Hank's long-winded music metaphor with him as the conductor... keep them coming. Love him as this issue's narrator!
- Really interesting to see how these characters' archetypes has shifted as a result of this more political or nationalist/patriotic? setting/purpose
- Really getting the point of this narrative arc with "Xavier's Confession." He is no longer a professor or even a father. Instead, he is a patriarch that is constantly thinking of how to best influence (manipulate) and inspire his subjects in a way that still appears as caring.
- These snapshots of Hank through his thinking process are some of the most beautiful comic art I've ever seen
- ... although I am quite tired of sentinels, this organic sentinel idea is an inevitable idea that I guess has to be done. If it has to happen, I now do have faith in this writer/artist team to do it.
- okay, I never thought of it like a living, hostile Earth. That's clever!
- This is truly Jean at her prime. She doesn't need to be crazy to be powerful. And just because she's kind doesn't mean she's going to take bs (even Hank's) lying down.
- ooooh never a good sign when a forgettable one issue villain gets a six pack and glowy eyes!
Spoiler

2020 Backlog;

Marking as completed series.
Reviews in the Dawn of X Compilations.
adventurous funny fast-paced
adventurous reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

TBH I dropped this title after issue 5. It was all violence and pain and I couldn't stand it.
adventurous dark tense fast-paced