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kliu 's review for:
X-Force, Volume 1: Angels And Demons
by Craig Kyle
My rating is partly because this did what it said on the tin, gave us a truly dark and violent view of what some members of the team could do if let loose.
I felt like this could be enjoyed as a standalone if you knew very little of the x-men beyond pop culture and films, however, I found having just read Messiah Complex did add some nice additional context.
Scott has finally been pushed into actively fighting the groups that target mutants. No more reacting to attacks and abuse, they're going on the offensive.
He decides to use x-force as a Black Ops team. Proactively hunting and killing their enemies, this series really pulls no punches on violence and bloodshed, and really sets up Scott's movement away from the peaceful ideals that Xavier set down.
This volume Scott wants them to deal with the Purifiers (religious zealots who kill mutants, including children), by assasinaring their current leader. The analogue to real life persecution of minorities from religious groups is very clear (particularly fundamental catholicism and homosexuality), and part of this story is about that fighting back element that minorities sometimes fantasize about being able to do to their oppressors.
The plot is surprisingly good, great character moments for all the team between the panels of extreme violence. In particular I liked Laura's realisation that there are objectives beyond the mission (in her own way), and Wolfsbane's incredibly traumatic ordeal. The final "kill the angel" moment is equal parts cathartic, karmic, and traumatising, and I won't forget it anytime soon.
The plot advances at a good pace; I never felt bored or rushed. The internal politics of the Purifiers, their own motivations, and the mysterious new member all add to the plot in interesting ways.
I wonder if the art style could be devisive, as it's not standard comic book art, but I felt like it matched dark, hyper-reality of the story.
I felt like this could be enjoyed as a standalone if you knew very little of the x-men beyond pop culture and films, however, I found having just read Messiah Complex did add some nice additional context.
Scott has finally been pushed into actively fighting the groups that target mutants. No more reacting to attacks and abuse, they're going on the offensive.
He decides to use x-force as a Black Ops team. Proactively hunting and killing their enemies, this series really pulls no punches on violence and bloodshed, and really sets up Scott's movement away from the peaceful ideals that Xavier set down.
This volume Scott wants them to deal with the Purifiers (religious zealots who kill mutants, including children), by assasinaring their current leader. The analogue to real life persecution of minorities from religious groups is very clear (particularly fundamental catholicism and homosexuality), and part of this story is about that fighting back element that minorities sometimes fantasize about being able to do to their oppressors.
The plot is surprisingly good, great character moments for all the team between the panels of extreme violence. In particular I liked Laura's realisation that there are objectives beyond the mission (in her own way), and Wolfsbane's incredibly traumatic ordeal. The final "kill the angel" moment is equal parts cathartic, karmic, and traumatising, and I won't forget it anytime soon.
The plot advances at a good pace; I never felt bored or rushed. The internal politics of the Purifiers, their own motivations, and the mysterious new member all add to the plot in interesting ways.
I wonder if the art style could be devisive, as it's not standard comic book art, but I felt like it matched dark, hyper-reality of the story.