X-Force #21 – Review

By Craig Kyle & Chris Yost (Writers) and Clayton Crain (Artist)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Thanks to the Necrosha one-shot and a compelling New Mutants chapter, the latest “X” crossover has gotten off to a solid start. Can Necrosha go from being solid to being good? Time to find out.

The Story: The X-Men battle Selene’s army as she continues to raise the dead.

What’s Good: X-Force #21 is packed with all the action and formerly dead mutants you could ask for. The shit hits the fan in a big way throughout the book and, really, that’s the best thing the comic has going for it. Every few pages a new “T-O” virus mutant is revealed so longtime X-Men fans are going to get a kick out of seeing some of their favorites back in action. And since the virus Selene uses allows her slaves to, in ways, retain their personalities, Craig Kyle & Chris Yost are able to write the recently dead mutants some pretty fun (though, at times, clichéd and silly) dialogue.

While it can be argued that the fights are actually all X-Force #21 has going for it (I’ll explain why shortly), some of Clayton Crain’s artwork, in this critic’s opinion, is simply stunning. It absolutely nails the grim, bleak tone of the story and totally does justice to the vision of Craig Kyle and Chris Yost. In addition, it must be noted that Crain’s work looks the best when the artist is given a lot of space to work with. And Kyle and Yost aren’t shy about giving Crain space to work with as evidenced by the number of large and full-page scenes. One particularly impressive image that shows the Techno-Organic virus at work is particularly noteworthy and absolutely worth checking out.

What’s Not So Good: The fight scenes and returning characters that take up most of the space in X-Force #21 are easily the best part of Necrosha’s second chapter. However, there’s no way to ignore the numerous flaws in the book. The story takes a backseat to the action in such a way that it’s impossible not to notice. The dialogue is super serious at points, heavy on comic book banter at others, and totally over-the-top almost any time a “MWUAHAHAHA EVIL!!” bad guy is in a scene. In other words, the tone of the dialogue is all over the place in a way that clashes with both the story being told and the visuals. Speaking of the visuals, Clayton Crain’s work is as frustrating in X-Force #21 as it was in the Necrosha one-shot. Far too many scenes are cluttered, muddy, or impossible to figure out. While the dark colors do a nice job setting the mood and tone of the story, they are WAY too dark WAY too often.

Conclusion: The second chapter of Necrosha delivers some kick-ass action and a whole lot of mutant fan service, but not much else. If you found yourself unsatisfied or frustrated by the Necrosha one-shot, you will probably feel the same way about X-Force #21.

Grade: C

-Kyle Posluszny

WCBR’s Picks Of The Week

Ray’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Sweet Tooth #3 – Jeff Lemire’s haunting, bizarre apocalyptic tale continues to make a strong campaign for best new series of the year.

Most Anticipated: Batman and Robin #6 – The legit Batman book is finally here, and it’s too bad we’re only getting treated to one good Batman read a month. It’s the conclusion to “The Revenge of the Red Hood,” and I’m expecting Grant Morrison to deliver.

Other Top Picks: Unwritten #7, Deadpool #17, Strange #1, Sword #1, Red Robin #6, The  Walking Dead #67, Green Lantern Corps #42

Kyle’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: The Marvelous Land of Oz #1 – While it doesn’t quite have the “Wow factor” that The Wonderful Wizard of Oz #1 had, the first chapter of The Marvelous Land of Oz is one heck of a success regardless.   I’d say more, but Joe’s review about the book is absolutely spot on, so be sure to check it out if you haven’t already.

Most Anticipated: Sky Doll: Doll Factory #1 – The first Sky-Doll mini-series is one of my favorite minis of all time.  Its vibrant visuals and sharp social commentary left me dying for more.  Now, months later, more has finally arrived.  To say I have high hopes for Doll Factory would be quite the understatement.

Other Top Picks: Batman and Robin #6, Unwritten #7, Deadpool #17, Strange #1, Sword #1, Vengence of Moon Knight #3, X-Force #21, Tracker #1, The Walking Dead #67, and Witchblade #132

DS’ Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Doctor Voodoo: Avenger of the Supernatural #2 – This was a week packed with good books, but Doctor Voodoo #2 took the title. Marvel sorcery, Daimon Hellstorm and magical conspiracies made for a fantastic followup to the first issue.

Most Anticipated: Strange #1 – Stephan Strange has always been one of the most powerful, compelling figures in the Marvel Universe. Now that he’s no longer Sorcerer Supreme, what does he do? I can’t wait to see! Close second/third: Batman and Robin #6 – Batman against the Red Hood and Batgirl #4 – new costume, new arc, surprise hit!

Other Top Picks: Daredevil #502, The Flash: Rebirth #5, Red Robin #6, Titans #19

Alex’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Sweet Tooth #3 – Jeff Lemire hits a home run in an issue that’s substantially better than last month’s.  The bond between man and boy is strengthened and the horror of the devastated, post-apocalyptic setting is put in the forefront.  Nonetheless, despite the intensity, Lemire’s trademark sparseness and minimalism is maintained.  A fantastic, dark, and emotionally significant book.Most Anticipated: Punisher MAX #1 – Jason Aaron is one of the best writers in comics today and, thus far, everything he’s touched has been gold.  This Wednesday, he tries to fill the shoes of Garth Ennis, bringing along Ennis’ old partner in crime, Steve Dillon.  If you’ve checked out the preview, Dillon’s work here looks like we’ve stepped into a time machine and jumped back to his work in the 90s, and that certainly conjures a great deal of nostalgia on my part.  I love Punisher MAX, I love Ennis, I love Aaron, I love Dillon.  Bring it on.

Other Picks: Hellboy: Wild Hunt #8, The Unwritten #7, Daredevil #502, Fables #90, Batman & Robin #6, DMZ #47, The  Walking Dead #67, Green Lantern Corps #42

Joe’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Marvelous Land of Oz #1 – Skottie Young and Eric Shanower continue their beautiful, fun adaptation of Frank L. Baum’s Oz series.  I read this comic book twice: once for the story, and once again to drool over the artwork.  This is a perfect comic for adults and children alike.

Most Anticipated: X-Force #21 – There’s really no contest as to what I’m most excited about this coming Wednesday.  X-Force is without a doubt the best X-Title on the stands, and with the Necrosha event in full swing, there’s no better time to be reading this series.

Other Top Picks: Usagi Yojimbo: Yokai HC, Batman and Robin #6, Booster Gold #26, Green Lantern Corps #42, REBELS #10, Red Robin #6, Fables #90, Unwritten #7, Angel #27, Walking Dead #67, Amazing Spider-Man #611, Daredevil #502, Cable #20, S.W.O.R.D. #1, Realm of Kings Imperial Guard #1, Strange #1, Dark X-Men #1, Punisher MAX #1, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly #5