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X-Force (2019)
X-Force, Vol. 3
Collects X-Force (2019) #15-20, Wolverine (2020) #13.
Crossing a dangerous line! Omega Red is harboring a deadly secret, and how far will X-Force go to keep Krakoa safe! But nothing compares to the trust broken by the interrogation of one of their own. Then, Forge, Wolverine and Quentin Quire brave the depths of the sea, where terrors of the deep await and a deadly discovery reveals a dark side of Krakoa! How will revelations about the island nation they fight for affect X-Force? And shaken by his recent resurrection, what will Quire do with his new lease on life? When Quentin finds a nightmare creature wreaking havoc on X-Force, he soon realizes that the only way to fight it...is on its own turf. Sweet dreams, Quentin! Plus: Can X-Force handle unwanted party crashers at the Hellfire Gala while keeping the disturbance under wraps?
Crossing a dangerous line! Omega Red is harboring a deadly secret, and how far will X-Force go to keep Krakoa safe! But nothing compares to the trust broken by the interrogation of one of their own. Then, Forge, Wolverine and Quentin Quire brave the depths of the sea, where terrors of the deep await and a deadly discovery reveals a dark side of Krakoa! How will revelations about the island nation they fight for affect X-Force? And shaken by his recent resurrection, what will Quire do with his new lease on life? When Quentin finds a nightmare creature wreaking havoc on X-Force, he soon realizes that the only way to fight it...is on its own turf. Sweet dreams, Quentin! Plus: Can X-Force handle unwanted party crashers at the Hellfire Gala while keeping the disturbance under wraps?
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2021
32 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Percy
793 books1,203 followersBenjamin Percy is the author of seven novels -- most recently The Sky Vault (William Morrow) -- three short fiction collections, and a book of essays, Thrill Me, that is widely taught in creative writing classrooms. He writes Wolverine, X-Force, and Ghost Rider for Marvel Comics. His fiction and nonfiction have been published in Esquire (where he is a contributing editor), GQ, Time, Men's Journal, Outside, the Wall Street Journal, Tin House, and the Paris Review. His honors include an NEA fellowship, the Whiting Writer's Award, the Plimpton Prize, two Pushcart Prizes, the iHeart Radio Award for Best Scripted Podcast, and inclusion in Best American Short Stories and Best American Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 17, 2024
The first half of this volume is more of the same for me, unappealing and very average, but the second half gave me hope for the future as two of team suffer heartbreaks of sorts, although one of the broken hearts may herald the beginning of the end of Krakoa. Talking heart breaks, should indicate that at least, Percy is doing some solid character development that has got me somewhat finally invested in this series, now a 7 out of 12 Three Star book.
2024 read
2024 read
May 25, 2022
One of the more consistent X-books. Krakoa has some kind of concerous growth that has broken off underwater and is assimilating all organic matter. Then some issues focused on Kig Omega that were great. Quentin has finally realized how douchy he is and striving to do better. Meanwhile XENO has gotten a hold of his DNA and making evil corrupted versions of Quentin to attack Krakoans in their dreams. Lots of body horror elements in these stories which work really well with Joshua Cassara's art.
March 20, 2025
Loved the Deadpool appearance
November 19, 2021
X-Force going to force the issue, am I right?
If nothing else, this whole Krakoa era will be memorable for me if only because it's caused me to reconsider my dislike for certain characters, in this case Quentin Quire AKA Kid Omega, while also throwing a considerable amount of shadiness on characters I had previously liked but considered overly goody two shoes, in this case Hank McCoy AKA the Bouncing Blue Beast.
I'll be back for vol. 4 for sure, bubs.
If nothing else, this whole Krakoa era will be memorable for me if only because it's caused me to reconsider my dislike for certain characters, in this case Quentin Quire AKA Kid Omega, while also throwing a considerable amount of shadiness on characters I had previously liked but considered overly goody two shoes, in this case Hank McCoy AKA the Bouncing Blue Beast.
I'll be back for vol. 4 for sure, bubs.
September 10, 2021
Got so bored I just stopped reading.
September 17, 2021
X-Force By Benjamin Percy Volume 3 - 4 stars
Beast's a dick, Quentin Quire has an identity crisis, Omega Red could possibly be Krakoa's key to salvation, and X-Force run security for the Hellfire Gala in this next instalment of X-Force.
The Omega Red of this volume is mostly just the second half of the story that Percy started over in his Wolverine solo title. It's nothing particularly deep, and having Red betray everyone at this point feels a bit obvious. It could just be because I didn't like this plot in Wolverine that I don't like it here, but I just don't think it's as interesting as Percy wants it to be.
The second half of the volume which focuses on Quentin Quire though, is much better. Poor Quentin's gone through so much, and it's about time his running joke of dying every mission turns out to be more of a plot point than we first thought. It's easy to write Quentin off, and most writers turn him into a one-note character, but this is probably the deepest we've delved into him for a very long time, and it's great.
Series artist Joshua Cassara draws four of the six issues on display here, while Garry Brown pops in for some of the Quentin Quire issues. Brown's just as jagged and rough around the edges as Cassara, so he fits in pretty well I think. Meanwhile Cassara returns for the Hellfire Gala issue - I always like it when series artists draw crossover issues that more people are likely to pick up, it gives a better indication of what the book's usually like and might attract them to stick around.
X-Force chugs along decently. There's nothing of too much substance in terms of greater X-plots aside from Beast continuing his downward spiral, but the Quentin Quire stuff's worth a look.
Beast's a dick, Quentin Quire has an identity crisis, Omega Red could possibly be Krakoa's key to salvation, and X-Force run security for the Hellfire Gala in this next instalment of X-Force.
The Omega Red of this volume is mostly just the second half of the story that Percy started over in his Wolverine solo title. It's nothing particularly deep, and having Red betray everyone at this point feels a bit obvious. It could just be because I didn't like this plot in Wolverine that I don't like it here, but I just don't think it's as interesting as Percy wants it to be.
The second half of the volume which focuses on Quentin Quire though, is much better. Poor Quentin's gone through so much, and it's about time his running joke of dying every mission turns out to be more of a plot point than we first thought. It's easy to write Quentin off, and most writers turn him into a one-note character, but this is probably the deepest we've delved into him for a very long time, and it's great.
Series artist Joshua Cassara draws four of the six issues on display here, while Garry Brown pops in for some of the Quentin Quire issues. Brown's just as jagged and rough around the edges as Cassara, so he fits in pretty well I think. Meanwhile Cassara returns for the Hellfire Gala issue - I always like it when series artists draw crossover issues that more people are likely to pick up, it gives a better indication of what the book's usually like and might attract them to stick around.
X-Force chugs along decently. There's nothing of too much substance in terms of greater X-plots aside from Beast continuing his downward spiral, but the Quentin Quire stuff's worth a look.
November 1, 2021
Luego del ataque de unos mercenarios rusos Colossus es escaneado por la propia X-Force para averiguar si tuvo algo que ver con el ataque. Luego de ello se va con su nueva compañera Kayla.
Durante un ataque a un barco estadounidense X-Force va a las profundidades del mar a averiguar qué está pasando y luego nuevamente los integrantes del grupo y de Krakoa sufren ataques en formas de pesadillas monstruosas. Mientras tanto, Quentin Quire quien ha muerto muchas veces habla con Phoebe, que ahora es su enamorada, y se da un cambio de look. El arco argumental casi trata de la búsqueda de Quentin y Phoebe junto con Jean quien ayuda a la joven pareja a lidiar con esta gran amenaza. Otro volumen con algunas historias revueltas que solo confunden aunque el hilo lo lleva esta vez Kid Omega, cosa que me gustó. Se investigó algo más en su soberbia, su debilidad y sus miedos. El arte no me gustó para nada así como nuevamente eso de la extraña relación de Jean y Wolverine.
Termina con el Hellfire Gala.
Durante un ataque a un barco estadounidense X-Force va a las profundidades del mar a averiguar qué está pasando y luego nuevamente los integrantes del grupo y de Krakoa sufren ataques en formas de pesadillas monstruosas. Mientras tanto, Quentin Quire quien ha muerto muchas veces habla con Phoebe, que ahora es su enamorada, y se da un cambio de look. El arco argumental casi trata de la búsqueda de Quentin y Phoebe junto con Jean quien ayuda a la joven pareja a lidiar con esta gran amenaza. Otro volumen con algunas historias revueltas que solo confunden aunque el hilo lo lleva esta vez Kid Omega, cosa que me gustó. Se investigó algo más en su soberbia, su debilidad y sus miedos. El arte no me gustó para nada así como nuevamente eso de la extraña relación de Jean y Wolverine.
Termina con el Hellfire Gala.
October 5, 2021
3.5 stars
I had fun with the quick-moving plotting that advances dueling threats X-Force have left themselves vulnerable to (one bio-organic and one psychic), and Cassara’s art really accentuates the body horror of the action scenes. Some of the dialogue is clunky, and Brown’s issues handling the internal art are a step down from Cassara, but this is pretty entertaining overall, if not essential.
I had fun with the quick-moving plotting that advances dueling threats X-Force have left themselves vulnerable to (one bio-organic and one psychic), and Cassara’s art really accentuates the body horror of the action scenes. Some of the dialogue is clunky, and Brown’s issues handling the internal art are a step down from Cassara, but this is pretty entertaining overall, if not essential.
July 21, 2024
Ratings and links to previous reviews under the spoiler:
A halfway decent volume that tries to create some Krakoa mysteries and thrills and tries its damndest to make me like Quentin Quire (spoiler alert: it fails).
I still hate where they’ve taken Beast, this whole era better make all this character assassination worth it.
1 extra star just for having Black Tom on the team. I’m a simple gal, I love my Cassidy clan.
February 16, 2022
Really liked this one, read hot on the heels of Percy's Wolverine, Vol. 2, so there's a lot of carryover and connection between the two, of which this is obviously superior. Other than Beast turning into a Machiavellian creep, pretty much everything here was firing on all cylinders. I liked the underwater stuff, as a natural defense created by Krakoa becomes something more sinister. I liked the Quentin Quire stuff, too, as the team must battle XENO, which apparently collected part of Quire's body (his head) after a previous death and has been using it to create a malignant psychic force. Even the Hellfire Gala stuff in this issue was good--the stuff about Terra Verde and what Beast had done to the people is pretty scary and a pretty good argument for why the current status quo with the mutants and Krakoa and all of it is probably doomed to failure. And the artwork throughout is outstanding.
July 29, 2024
It's not my favourite X-Force book. Two reasons the majority of the book concentrates on Kid Omaga. I can see why this was done as he is not an established character, so it is a good idea to introduce him. It becomes a gamble as the majority of the book is dedicated to that character if he is a hut or a miss. For me personally, he is a miss.
One thing that really annoys me is when a character is prominently on the cover but hardly in the book. As the example of Jean here, she is hardly in the book.
The Seventh issue (Wolverine 13) included in this book, brought in one of my favorite characters, but aside from acting like and idiot (in fairness that is part of his fourth wall breaking charm) he finds not how much.
This felt more like a transitional book to me. Some of Beasts decisions are brought to light, and the power Beast wealds as the director or Black Ops. He hides things from his team as well as the Quiet Council. I am hoping the things hinted in this book lead somewhere. Also, I would like to see X-Force doing more action-packed black ops stuff.
One thing that really annoys me is when a character is prominently on the cover but hardly in the book. As the example of Jean here, she is hardly in the book.
The Seventh issue (Wolverine 13) included in this book, brought in one of my favorite characters, but aside from acting like and idiot (in fairness that is part of his fourth wall breaking charm) he finds not how much.
This felt more like a transitional book to me. Some of Beasts decisions are brought to light, and the power Beast wealds as the director or Black Ops. He hides things from his team as well as the Quiet Council. I am hoping the things hinted in this book lead somewhere. Also, I would like to see X-Force doing more action-packed black ops stuff.
October 18, 2021
4
One of the better and more interesting X-titles out there. Where a lot of the X-books have been succeeding is in telling a self-contained story unique to the title, connecting that to the larger, newer X-Men narrative, and also exploring individual characterization--howmthey relate to the narratives and their place in this society, how it is changing/developing them, and how they relate to others.
One of the better and more interesting X-titles out there. Where a lot of the X-books have been succeeding is in telling a self-contained story unique to the title, connecting that to the larger, newer X-Men narrative, and also exploring individual characterization--howmthey relate to the narratives and their place in this society, how it is changing/developing them, and how they relate to others.
June 13, 2022
I’m somewhat still interested in this title, though significantly less so since Jean left the team. Honestly, what hurt this volume specifically the most was the art in a couple of issues by Garry Brown. It was pretty bad, especially compared to Joshua Cassara as the regular artist.
I do like the angle of national security and some of the threats that have come up are interesting. X-Force seems to present an interesting contrast to the X-Men book by Hickman in some ways. Where that book uses vignettes to introduce plot threads to be picked up on in the future, X-Force seems to keep identifying new threats that will need to be dealt with, while also maintaining a linear story throughout the issues.
I think a lot of those will be interesting to see pay off eventually. However, I’m realizing more and more that the story I want most is one about Krakoa realizing that Hank poses one of the greatest risks to the nation because of how freaking cocky he is and all of the actually evil crap he keeps pulling. But I somehow doubt I’ll actually get that payoff any time soon.
I don’t love the characterization of Quentin because I feel like writers keep just resetting him to where he was post Morrison (which, to be fair, I only ever read Quentin starting with Wolverine & the X-Men, so I know that’s limited, but he seemed to undergo growth in that book which seems to have been undone in every new paradigm since then so that writers can try to retread the same plot with him, but in a way that never quite works as well in my opinion).
Still, the title is good enough to hold my attention for now. I was pleasantly surprised by the first couple of arcs and now it seems to be settling into what I expected from the book to begin with. Maybe I’ll be surprised again.
I do like the angle of national security and some of the threats that have come up are interesting. X-Force seems to present an interesting contrast to the X-Men book by Hickman in some ways. Where that book uses vignettes to introduce plot threads to be picked up on in the future, X-Force seems to keep identifying new threats that will need to be dealt with, while also maintaining a linear story throughout the issues.
I think a lot of those will be interesting to see pay off eventually. However, I’m realizing more and more that the story I want most is one about Krakoa realizing that Hank poses one of the greatest risks to the nation because of how freaking cocky he is and all of the actually evil crap he keeps pulling. But I somehow doubt I’ll actually get that payoff any time soon.
I don’t love the characterization of Quentin because I feel like writers keep just resetting him to where he was post Morrison (which, to be fair, I only ever read Quentin starting with Wolverine & the X-Men, so I know that’s limited, but he seemed to undergo growth in that book which seems to have been undone in every new paradigm since then so that writers can try to retread the same plot with him, but in a way that never quite works as well in my opinion).
Still, the title is good enough to hold my attention for now. I was pleasantly surprised by the first couple of arcs and now it seems to be settling into what I expected from the book to begin with. Maybe I’ll be surprised again.
July 22, 2023
I don’t think there’s a book that I’m enjoying more than this one for the Krakoa books. Maybe Wolverine? But still, this was too awesome. The nightmare Quentin was one of the coolest things I’ve seen as Kid Omega has become one of my favorite characters since jumping into this universe. Beast is out to do what he think needs done regardless of what anyone else thinks and I’m fascinated to see the beginning of his descent into the madness I’ve heard about. Domino is been another character that I’ve enjoyed a lot more of in this title, as well! Really, the entire team has me caring about what’s going on in this book. Always excited when this comes up in the reading order!
November 13, 2021
Percy's X-Factor seems to get slower and more repetitive volume by volume.
Cancerous growth on Krakoa? Pretty new, but it feels unresolved and the body horror is much like Terra Verde, which incidentally is back for two issues near the end.
Then, we get another mutant duplicate gone wrong, which is the Domino story from last volume, but with a new victim. And more body horror (though not as much as the Domino story).
The joy of this book is the great characterization, especially Quentin, Phoebe, and the Beast. It's also nice having the close continuity with the Wolverine comic, which too often has been off on its own. But we need new material for the plot!
Cancerous growth on Krakoa? Pretty new, but it feels unresolved and the body horror is much like Terra Verde, which incidentally is back for two issues near the end.
Then, we get another mutant duplicate gone wrong, which is the Domino story from last volume, but with a new victim. And more body horror (though not as much as the Domino story).
The joy of this book is the great characterization, especially Quentin, Phoebe, and the Beast. It's also nice having the close continuity with the Wolverine comic, which too often has been off on its own. But we need new material for the plot!
May 4, 2023
the best x-book from the krakoa era for real!
August 21, 2022
X-Force continues to be an above average X-series, especially with its focus on the machinations of individual X-people rather than big silly battles. Here, we get Wolverine and Forge tackling a cancerous offshoot of Krakoa, Quentin Quire investigating his seeming inability to change despite multiple death/rebirth cycles, and Beast's Machiavellian strategies coming around to bite him in the ass.
The Kid Omega stuff was probably my least favorite, perhaps because I know the least about the character and the "travel through your mind!" bits are fairly out there. But I appreciated a series taking time to delve into the development of one character. Looking forward to where X-Force goes post-Hellfire Gala.
The Kid Omega stuff was probably my least favorite, perhaps because I know the least about the character and the "travel through your mind!" bits are fairly out there. But I appreciated a series taking time to delve into the development of one character. Looking forward to where X-Force goes post-Hellfire Gala.
March 14, 2022
The first two issues in this volume featured a rather dull story about the island nation of Krakoa being under attack from some menace deep within the surrounding ocean. We actually learn very little about this threat--it involves zombies or something--and aside from a brief cameo by Namor, nothing much interesting happens, and nothing is resolved. Yawn.
The most interesting issue in the volume--and I can't believe I'm saying this--is centered around Quentin Quire, who has realized that his countless deaths during his tenure with X-Force come from a subconscious attempt to self-sabotage, because he doesn't feel that he's worthy of being alive. I've never liked Quentin Quire, as he's an obnoxious, arrogant ass, so it's nice to see him actually undergoing some real character growth for a change. His budding relationship with Phoebe Cuckoo seems to actually be improving his character somewhat.
The next two issues have Quentin and Phoebe investigating an unknown threat that seems to be masquerading as members of X-Force and committing terrible acts of violence against civilians in an attempt to discredit X-Force. Quentin continues his awkward, sometimes stumbling growth in these issues as he swallows his pride and accepts help when the job becomes bigger than him. This ties back into the mysterious organization that captured Domino in the first volume.
The book ends with the Hellfire Gala issue, which was fun, because though this isn't one of the "main" Hellfire issues that forwards that story in a meaningful way, we did get to experience some moments from the first Hellfire issues from Marauders that show things in a different perspective. Also, there are some threads woven here that do seem to forward the overall X-Force story, so that was satisfying to see. I knew this issue wouldn't be a major part of the Hellfire Gala, but I didn't feel that my time was wasted either.
The art by Joshua Cassara in four of the issues herein is absolutely STUNNING. He's probably the best artist working on any of the mutant books today. Marvel should do everything in their power to keep him on board. And his work is very nicely complimented by Guru-eFX's colors. The other two issues feature art by Garry Brown, and while it's competent enough, and even reminds me of some of Sam Kieth's work at times, when it's bookended by Cassara's artwork it falls a little short.
I'm still enjoying this title, I like Percy's take on the characters, and though some of the arcs are less interesting than others, I think this is still one of the stronger X-books coming out right now.
3.5 STARS
The most interesting issue in the volume--and I can't believe I'm saying this--is centered around Quentin Quire, who has realized that his countless deaths during his tenure with X-Force come from a subconscious attempt to self-sabotage, because he doesn't feel that he's worthy of being alive. I've never liked Quentin Quire, as he's an obnoxious, arrogant ass, so it's nice to see him actually undergoing some real character growth for a change. His budding relationship with Phoebe Cuckoo seems to actually be improving his character somewhat.
The next two issues have Quentin and Phoebe investigating an unknown threat that seems to be masquerading as members of X-Force and committing terrible acts of violence against civilians in an attempt to discredit X-Force. Quentin continues his awkward, sometimes stumbling growth in these issues as he swallows his pride and accepts help when the job becomes bigger than him. This ties back into the mysterious organization that captured Domino in the first volume.
The book ends with the Hellfire Gala issue, which was fun, because though this isn't one of the "main" Hellfire issues that forwards that story in a meaningful way, we did get to experience some moments from the first Hellfire issues from Marauders that show things in a different perspective. Also, there are some threads woven here that do seem to forward the overall X-Force story, so that was satisfying to see. I knew this issue wouldn't be a major part of the Hellfire Gala, but I didn't feel that my time was wasted either.
The art by Joshua Cassara in four of the issues herein is absolutely STUNNING. He's probably the best artist working on any of the mutant books today. Marvel should do everything in their power to keep him on board. And his work is very nicely complimented by Guru-eFX's colors. The other two issues feature art by Garry Brown, and while it's competent enough, and even reminds me of some of Sam Kieth's work at times, when it's bookended by Cassara's artwork it falls a little short.
I'm still enjoying this title, I like Percy's take on the characters, and though some of the arcs are less interesting than others, I think this is still one of the stronger X-books coming out right now.
3.5 STARS
June 12, 2021
no me termina de convencer este comic, pero no aburre
Read
August 19, 2022Beast continues to get into shady shit as his god complex convinces him he can turn the results of his past errors to advantage, only for them to blow up in his face all over again. Quentin Quire, worried what he's lost by dying over and over and over, faces up to his own weaponised self-sabotage, in between attempting to use his resurrections for cosmetic surgery. There's one story here in which X-Force are literally fighting a tumour Krakoa has shed and which is corrupting everything it touches, and even by superhero comic standards that barely counts as a metaphor. And yet it never devolves into the mere grimdark cliche it might have done, I think because the art makes sure to balance the stories with colour and light and remind us that this is still Krakoa and things could still be a lot worse. Far from the leading book of the line, but certainly a reminder that this set-up has plenty of possibilities for all sorts of stories, and that Marvel have been right to keep it going longer than originally intended.
August 15, 2021
I’m really liking this series. It is fast paced, brutal at times, and in an unbelievable way, redeemed Kid Omega. I really wasn’t expecting that, ha!
Anyway, it was an enjoyable read, my only complaint is that it is leading into the Wolverine book in the end, when I was expecting the story to wrap. Still, I’m keeping the 5-star grade.
Anyway, it was an enjoyable read, my only complaint is that it is leading into the Wolverine book in the end, when I was expecting the story to wrap. Still, I’m keeping the 5-star grade.
December 7, 2021
Definitely an improvement over volume 2. There was a lot to like here.
I read this in one stretch in issues 15-20 before the trade has actually been released. The first two issues are decent, with some good character dynamics between Beast, Jean, and Wolverine (although 15 picks up a plotline from Wolverine Vol. 1 without much explanation). The Quentin Quire arc from 17-19 was really nice, beginning with a standout issue revolving around him and Phoebe that's probably my favorite issue of X-Force so far. Benjamin Percy did a good job bridging some of the gaps between Riot at Xavier's Quentin Quire and Here Comes Tomorrow's Quentin Quire, and it's nice to see recognition that Quentin can be a shit heel alongside some actual character growth. I'm equally invested in where we go next with Sage, who deserves a strong character arc herself and might be headed that way.
The Hellfire Gala issue is fun and it brings some festering plot points out into the open in ways that I really hope aren't glossed over. My only complaint is that I wish Percy were moving less back and forth between X-Force and Wolverine. If we're going to have both series, shouldn't they at least be distinct?
EDIT: I read this in single issues before the trade was published -- it looks like the final published version also includes Wolverine #13, the Hellfire Gala issue that directly continues from X-Force #20. I still wish for simplicity's sake that Percy's plots didn't shift back and forth between series because it makes it difficult to follow one series without the other, but at least the collected edition addresses this one instance.
I read this in one stretch in issues 15-20 before the trade has actually been released. The first two issues are decent, with some good character dynamics between Beast, Jean, and Wolverine (although 15 picks up a plotline from Wolverine Vol. 1 without much explanation). The Quentin Quire arc from 17-19 was really nice, beginning with a standout issue revolving around him and Phoebe that's probably my favorite issue of X-Force so far. Benjamin Percy did a good job bridging some of the gaps between Riot at Xavier's Quentin Quire and Here Comes Tomorrow's Quentin Quire, and it's nice to see recognition that Quentin can be a shit heel alongside some actual character growth. I'm equally invested in where we go next with Sage, who deserves a strong character arc herself and might be headed that way.
The Hellfire Gala issue is fun and it brings some festering plot points out into the open in ways that I really hope aren't glossed over. My only complaint is that I wish Percy were moving less back and forth between X-Force and Wolverine. If we're going to have both series, shouldn't they at least be distinct?
EDIT: I read this in single issues before the trade was published -- it looks like the final published version also includes Wolverine #13, the Hellfire Gala issue that directly continues from X-Force #20. I still wish for simplicity's sake that Percy's plots didn't shift back and forth between series because it makes it difficult to follow one series without the other, but at least the collected edition addresses this one instance.
November 2, 2021
For me, X-Force took a slight step backwards with this Volume. The story gets a bit convoluted (which I'll talk about in a second) and that lended itself to feeling more like filler.
Highlights:
- When a load of "zombies" wash up on the shores of Krakoa, X-Force goes on the job, finding that they were all possessed by some kind of "biological dirty bomb" which leads part of the team (Logan, Beast, Forge, and Kid Omega) into the ocean deep of Krakoa. They do find monsters (as they should), but are saved and kicked out by Namor.
- There's an entire section in the middle reserved for the evolution of the character of Quentin Quire (Kid Omega, who after this should just go by Omega). I have never really enjoyed this character, but when you add in a change of art style and make the story a bit odd, I found it harder to follow along. Using the wiki, I narrow it down to this:
- Kid Omega wants to stop being so much like a kid. Along with his girlfriend Phoebe Cuckoo, he goes to see Jumbo Carnation, who gives him a new outfit. He begins investigating deaths of himself and his teammates and comes to the realization that it is a kind of psychic remnant of him, from the experiments that XENO did on him, that is killing them. With the help of Jean Grey and a few others, he is able to defeat that side of him and begin living normally.
- The Hellfire Gala is in full swing, and we get both the X-Force and Wolverine issues here. While the funniest part of it all is when Deadpool tries to crash the party only to have to battle Logan on the beach, the real issue revolves around Beast. Having utilized the telefloronic tech by running it through Black Tom, Forge and Krakoa, he is able to control the leadership of Terra Verde, effectively making them a colony of Krakoa. Emma Frost discovers it and shuts it down which loses them as an ally, and creates animosity and mistrust towards Beast. (What is his deal lately?)
- The Volume ends with showing that the Marauder boat has been stolen and is burning off the coast of Madripoor, which is where I guess we are going next....
Overall, the book wasn't that bad, but when you add in bad art and a confusing plot that has to be looked up, it takes it down a couple notches. Still worth a read though.
Recommend.
Highlights:
- When a load of "zombies" wash up on the shores of Krakoa, X-Force goes on the job, finding that they were all possessed by some kind of "biological dirty bomb" which leads part of the team (Logan, Beast, Forge, and Kid Omega) into the ocean deep of Krakoa. They do find monsters (as they should), but are saved and kicked out by Namor.
- There's an entire section in the middle reserved for the evolution of the character of Quentin Quire (Kid Omega, who after this should just go by Omega). I have never really enjoyed this character, but when you add in a change of art style and make the story a bit odd, I found it harder to follow along. Using the wiki, I narrow it down to this:
- Kid Omega wants to stop being so much like a kid. Along with his girlfriend Phoebe Cuckoo, he goes to see Jumbo Carnation, who gives him a new outfit. He begins investigating deaths of himself and his teammates and comes to the realization that it is a kind of psychic remnant of him, from the experiments that XENO did on him, that is killing them. With the help of Jean Grey and a few others, he is able to defeat that side of him and begin living normally.
- The Hellfire Gala is in full swing, and we get both the X-Force and Wolverine issues here. While the funniest part of it all is when Deadpool tries to crash the party only to have to battle Logan on the beach, the real issue revolves around Beast. Having utilized the telefloronic tech by running it through Black Tom, Forge and Krakoa, he is able to control the leadership of Terra Verde, effectively making them a colony of Krakoa. Emma Frost discovers it and shuts it down which loses them as an ally, and creates animosity and mistrust towards Beast. (What is his deal lately?)
- The Volume ends with showing that the Marauder boat has been stolen and is burning off the coast of Madripoor, which is where I guess we are going next....
Overall, the book wasn't that bad, but when you add in bad art and a confusing plot that has to be looked up, it takes it down a couple notches. Still worth a read though.
Recommend.
November 25, 2023
This series and this volume in particular is a mixed one for me, while the opening was great and the tie-ins dragged it out, there are a lot of plots going on atm and so its hard to keep track of and I am sure by the end it will pay off but still there are some things I liked like Quentin's whole character arc and its forcing me to change my dislike of him and I enjoyed his and Phoebe's relating and him becoming more "human" for lack of a better word rather than over the top weird guy and him coming to grips with some facts.
I liked how we see the aftermath of Terra verde and what beast did there and the sins of all that, Jean having some cool moments and whatever Logan and Forge do to clear Krakoa of whats going on with it and yeah those detailed pages are becoming a bit of hindrance to the pacing and I don't like them and probably the most annoying thing about the krakoan era.
There is the stuff with Colossus which was nice and I guess we will see more stuff with Mikhail and what he has planned for Pete, but I liked his relationship with his love interest and yeah he just wants to love a simple life, farming and all that and I really like how Percy showed the pacifist side of Pete and how he keeps getting dragged in which was well done.
Also beast becoming a full on villain now.. lets see ow future volumes are like!
I liked how we see the aftermath of Terra verde and what beast did there and the sins of all that, Jean having some cool moments and whatever Logan and Forge do to clear Krakoa of whats going on with it and yeah those detailed pages are becoming a bit of hindrance to the pacing and I don't like them and probably the most annoying thing about the krakoan era.
There is the stuff with Colossus which was nice and I guess we will see more stuff with Mikhail and what he has planned for Pete, but I liked his relationship with his love interest and yeah he just wants to love a simple life, farming and all that and I really like how Percy showed the pacifist side of Pete and how he keeps getting dragged in which was well done.
Also beast becoming a full on villain now.. lets see ow future volumes are like!
December 5, 2021
First couple of issues are a reread.
Issue 15-16: There's something more going on with Krakoa, which results in a mission under the ocean that's a little bit too much like the movie The Abyss. More seeds planted for Beast's extreme measures.
Issues 17-18: I actually really liked 17 because it gave some background on Kid Omega, who I really didn't know much about. In addition to that, it acts as a rebirth for him, redefining him with a new costume (that I kinda like!)
Issue 19: wraps up Quentin's story (which ties to a previous X-Force plot from early on) and utilizes some rather undesirable art.
Issue 20: Ties directly into the Hellfire Gala, and solidifies the Beast's apparently new personality and motive for existence. An issue of Wolverine is included, concluding this 2-part story. It contains a Deadpool cameo which serves no real purpose. These two also tie a bow on another previous X-Force plotline.
This title seems to be losing its steam. The average to below average art isn't helping, but it just feels more mediocre. Sure it's "edgier" than other X-Men titles, but much of the drama is forced, simply changing characters' personality and having them do acts that make others angry.
Issue 15-16: There's something more going on with Krakoa, which results in a mission under the ocean that's a little bit too much like the movie The Abyss. More seeds planted for Beast's extreme measures.
Issues 17-18: I actually really liked 17 because it gave some background on Kid Omega, who I really didn't know much about. In addition to that, it acts as a rebirth for him, redefining him with a new costume (that I kinda like!)
Issue 19: wraps up Quentin's story (which ties to a previous X-Force plot from early on) and utilizes some rather undesirable art.
Issue 20: Ties directly into the Hellfire Gala, and solidifies the Beast's apparently new personality and motive for existence. An issue of Wolverine is included, concluding this 2-part story. It contains a Deadpool cameo which serves no real purpose. These two also tie a bow on another previous X-Force plotline.
This title seems to be losing its steam. The average to below average art isn't helping, but it just feels more mediocre. Sure it's "edgier" than other X-Men titles, but much of the drama is forced, simply changing characters' personality and having them do acts that make others angry.
November 6, 2022
X=Force dies A LOT..(I've said that before, right?)
Besides the near constant death/rebirth sequences for these characters, we've got Beast trying to justify shady dark ops work. Beeast has consistently been portrayed, even before the Hickman run, as someone willing to justify his science however he likes. A lot of this series is set up for a loooooooong reveal. The malignant Krakoa tumor? (thanks for the save, Namor!) it'll get dealt with. The cerebro sword (who leaves mountains of data just SITTING ON THE MANTLE?) will come up eventually.
Have faith. The way Benjamin Percy writes seems to be laid out much like Hickman's work. There's a plan.
----------
Using a backup penciler/artist when your primary isn't available should be consistent. The art is kind of jarring in the transition. The story helps, but it's rough. Other than that, some plot points seem to be pushed HARD and others just dropped. Here's to hoping that the threads gets picked up and tied off.
Bonus: Colossus has a waterbending GF?
Bonus Bonus: Quentin Quire gets a much needed update (should have gone for the pouches)
Besides the near constant death/rebirth sequences for these characters, we've got Beast trying to justify shady dark ops work. Beeast has consistently been portrayed, even before the Hickman run, as someone willing to justify his science however he likes. A lot of this series is set up for a loooooooong reveal. The malignant Krakoa tumor? (thanks for the save, Namor!) it'll get dealt with. The cerebro sword (who leaves mountains of data just SITTING ON THE MANTLE?) will come up eventually.
Have faith. The way Benjamin Percy writes seems to be laid out much like Hickman's work. There's a plan.
----------
Using a backup penciler/artist when your primary isn't available should be consistent. The art is kind of jarring in the transition. The story helps, but it's rough. Other than that, some plot points seem to be pushed HARD and others just dropped. Here's to hoping that the threads gets picked up and tied off.
Bonus: Colossus has a waterbending GF?
Bonus Bonus: Quentin Quire gets a much needed update (should have gone for the pouches)
February 22, 2022
X-Force are back and it is all about Quentin Quire, who Benjamin Perry(and others) has managed to turn from one of the most dislikeable and kind of anti-heroes without being a hero into a complex and gripping X-Men. His relationship with Phoebe also adds layers to both of their characters.
However, the anger that was Quentin Quire has taken form, thanks to the group behind Domino's kidnap and torture and the mutants are going to be in for a very tough time.
Jean Grey and Domino help out, mainly because Beast has been side-lined and has taken Sage partly with him. Beast is doing things for the greater good, but that can mean sacrificing his morals and others. So Jean is not best pleased with him and won't work with him.
X-Force can cross the line but they keep it entertaining and take characters who might not fit in anywhere else and give them a home and purpose and the readers a great storyline.
However, the anger that was Quentin Quire has taken form, thanks to the group behind Domino's kidnap and torture and the mutants are going to be in for a very tough time.
Jean Grey and Domino help out, mainly because Beast has been side-lined and has taken Sage partly with him. Beast is doing things for the greater good, but that can mean sacrificing his morals and others. So Jean is not best pleased with him and won't work with him.
X-Force can cross the line but they keep it entertaining and take characters who might not fit in anywhere else and give them a home and purpose and the readers a great storyline.
February 12, 2025
Esta recopilación de capítulos termina sirviéndo para realizar esa ya tardía evolución de personaje de Quentin Quire. El Kid Omega de la etapa Morrinsoniana ya debe dejar la fachada de "chico punk" narcisista a golpe de misión suicida de X-Force con ese "seguro" de poder resucitar por la gracia de Krakoa. Si la(s) muerte(s) no sirven para que Quentin reevalúe su existencia... Nada lo hará.
Hay mucha línea argumental abriéndose en estas páginas. Y sobre todo se hace gran inciso de lo que parece que será una transición oscura y terrible con el personaje de Bestia. Quien con mucho acceso a nuevas y extrañas biotecnologías y "cartas blancas" sociopolíticas en la situación mutante, parece estar siendo tentado a dejar atrás las limitaciones morales.
Hay mucha línea argumental abriéndose en estas páginas. Y sobre todo se hace gran inciso de lo que parece que será una transición oscura y terrible con el personaje de Bestia. Quien con mucho acceso a nuevas y extrañas biotecnologías y "cartas blancas" sociopolíticas en la situación mutante, parece estar siendo tentado a dejar atrás las limitaciones morales.
March 10, 2023
Percy's X-Force remains one of the more middle of the pack books during "Reign of X". This volume focuses quite a bit on Quentin Quire/Kid Omega, and none of it was all that compelling. The other arc features Namor assisting X-Force on a mission, and that was perhaps the more engaging storyline. The "Hellfire Gala" tie-in issue was pretty enjoyable as well, though it does seem odd that the "CIA of Krakoa" would serve as bouncers to a party. Percy's scripts are pretty succinct so I never really find this book to be boring by any means, but it also feels a bit rudderless in terms of overall story. Cassara's artwork really elevates the quality of the book in my opinion.
January 6, 2022
I might be harsh on this volume, but in reading it I fell asleep three separate times. Admittedly I’m exhausted, but it just wasn’t holding my attention. Some of the art was weak, I continue to not understand this evil version of Beast, found everything around Kid Omega to be un-engaging, and felt the cameo for Deadpool was mostly wasted. This all feels like treading water and I just…didn’t…care. It also didn’t really engage with any of the meaningful themes of the series, so doubling down on character focus just felt blah.
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