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X-FORCE #127
"Because Louise"
Highly Recommended (9/10)
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Marvel Comics
Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist: Mike Allred
Colors: Laura Allred
Letters: Mike Allred & Blambot
Editor: Axel Alonso
Price: $2.25 US/$3.75 CAN |
I'm not sure how a book that I've come to expect so much from keeps surprising and entertaining me as highly as it does, but I'm certainly happy about it. Milligan and Allred have expanded the purview of X-Force as
they went along, broadening it from being simply a parody or commentary on pop
culture but also a story featuring rich and interesting characters and a
realistic level of threat that is rarely found in comics. The book is still
funny and full of interesting commentary on the nature of celebrity, but it also
has at its heart a core of characters who are interesting in their own right.
Case in point is the
"leadership triad" that has developed amongst Edie, Guy and Tike. Each of these
characters has their selfish sides, whether it's Edie's narcissistic side,
Tike's attitude or Guy's self-pity, but they have also clearly formed a bond
with one another. More than just teammates, these three seem to have actually
become friends, and their willingness to speak frankly and openly about the
problems of each other speaks to that friendship, as does the decision that has
to be made in the finale of this issue.
However, it's really all the
characters who have gotten this fleshed out treatment. The Spike, one of the
most superficial of the characters, has depth in his quick reversals of loyalty
and in his very human cowardice. Billy Bob and Myles have been given an
interesting relationship, unusual in comics for its open homosexuality and even
more unusual in the question of whether or not the relationship is genuine or
not. And even the agent of the CIA who put X-Force onto this mission has a
secondary motivation, one that makes him, if not terribly sympathetic, at least
understandable in his actions.
The artwork, as always, just pops off the page, with Marvel using the best grade of paper that really helps Laura Allred's primary color schemes. Although Mike Allred has toned down the cartoony elements of his artwork, focusing on a more realistic approach to facial features, the general style of the book, including the colors, has an oddly retro feel which serves as a great contrast to the more layered and complex story approach. I've said it before and I'll say it again, X-Force just would not work without this unusual
approach to the artwork.
X-Force drew my attention for being so completely
different from the style it had previously had, and for being a smart read that
was willing to kill off or radically change characters to keep readers guessing.
While the book still keeps me guessing, and definitely has a style unlike any
other X-book out there, I've found that the increased focus on characterization
has made me like it more than ever.
Email Randy Lander comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board. |
