Comic Reviews: X-Force #14

X-Force #14 written by Simon Spurrier, pencils and cover by Rock-He Kim, colors by Jose Villarrubia

I’ve been reading this series since the beginning, and it’s satisfying to see everything coming together. We are moving ever so close to the end of the series. This issue pulls no punches. You really get the feeling that this is all or nothing; X-Force’s final confrontation with Fantomex.

Despite coming up on the end, there are still some great character moments. Earlier in the series we learned that Marrow was pregnant, but after she was experimented upon, she lost the baby. Her character has hinged on that since the opening moments of this series. At one point in this issue, it’s revealed that Cable has done some pretty awful, manipulative things. Marrow attacks him, and says, “Some people don’t deserve children.” You get the feeling that as messed up and selfish as Marrow is, she has a huge heart and would have figured out how to be a great mother.

Make no mistake, Forgetmenot and Hope are the only real heroes here. Psylocke, Marrow, Domino, and Dr. Nemesis all end up following their plan, but Hope is the leader here. She has the best attributes of Cable here: his leadership, resourcefulness, toughness, and willingness to stick to the plan. Once this battle with Fantomex ends (color me optimistic, I think the good guys will pull it out), it will be fun to see how Cable and Hope’s relationship changes.

My prediction: Hope’s been copying the powers of those she comes in contact with all series long. First with MeMe, then with just about everyone in this issue. I think she will copy Forgetmenot’s power, and leave the team. For those who don’t know, Forgetmenot’s mutant ability is that he essentially erases himself from a person’s memory after he leaves their sight. (which has led to some pretty interesting moments during this series.) If Hope did this, none of her teammates, including her father Cable, would remember anything about her. After the things she’s seen Cable do, I could see her wanting to get out of his life.

The art from Rock-He Kim fits this tone very well. It’s been said many times by various people, but this is not a superhero book. This is a book about spies and warfare between beings with superpowers. The art lends itself well to dynamic violent images. Just check out this image of Marrow attacking Cable. You can feel the grittiness just jumping off the page at you. I’m a big time sucker for hatching and cross-hatching in art. (I once told my wife that back-up vocals going “woah-oh” in much of the punk rock I love is the musical equivelant to hatching and cross hatching. I said it on a whim, but I stand by the statement.)

This is not a super hero book, and there are characters I love doing some terrible things. This just validates Spurrier’s writing, as I keep coming back to read what happens next. I give X-Force #14 8 out of 10 ridiculously oversized assault rifles.