X-Force #2

By Simon Spurrier & Rock-He Kim

This is the newest incarnation of X-force to hit the stands in the past couple of years. Cable has been present for many of the past and this present series, and this group is done by a new writer. There are some familiar faces, as Psylocke and Fantomex make a return, as well as newcomer Marrow. How will this book stack up with past takes?

This series is only two issues old, so it has to be given room to grow and get into its groove, but so far it has been less than stellar. While Spurrier has toned down Marrow this issue, she was almost intolerable last month, Fantomex is still speaking mostly in French, which is annoying. Thankfully, Spurrier does have a good handle on Cable though, and the opening pages where he is telling all the other mutant interest groups about his team were well done. We also get a little more info on Meme, which is interesting and kind of exciting. It almost feels as if this team and book are trying to be too cool, and that has done more hurt than harm so far.

The art is handled by Rock-He Kim and he does a very solid job. Kim’s style fits the mold of X-Force artists that have worked on titles prior to this, like Clayton Crain. All his action sequences are done well and it was a treat to see him draw characters like Cyclops and Polaris. Kim gives a book like this a certain type of original feel that readers can greatly appreciate and enjoy. All his good work this issue is made even better when it’s also noted that he colored it as well. His art is a high point in a sub par series that has yet to find its footing.

This is a series that is very capable of being a must read, but it needs to get an identity first. Simon Spurrier is a very capable writer that can make readers really care for his characters, but he needs to get comfortable with them first. The art has been a big standout so far and Rock-He Kim has the talent to make a book great. These two are poised for good things if they can work out some of the early kinks.