X-Force #14
The contests keeps going, and Arrako pulls out to a commanding lead in X-Force #14, by writers Benjamin Percy and Gerry Duggan, artist Joshua Cassara, colorist GURU-eFX, and letterer Joe Caramagna. In chapter seventeen of X Of Swords, things arenโt going well for the mutants, and this one illustrates that perfectly but also raises some interesting questions.
Magik faces against Pogg Ur-Pogg again in a fight without swords. He swallows her, but she fights her way out and reveals something about him- his massive body isnโt his real form, and heโs actually a little troll like creature. From there, more contests happen, with Arrako pulling ahead. Saturnyne tries to talk Brian Braddock into becoming Captain Britain again, and he refuses. He races Redroot through the Crooked Market but is set upon by three Furies, old enemies of his Satunyne sicks on him. Redroot wins but destroys something in her race, making her Jim Jaspersโ prisoner. Braddockโs destructive battle also might land him in Jaffordโs Debtor Oubliette, but Saturnyne offers him a way out- just ask for help. Krakoa loses more contests before Storm and Death face off. Stormโs powers are still affected like Wolverineโs were from their drinking contest, but even without them, she makes quick work of Death.
Percy and Duggan have pretty much saved X Of Swords in their last few issues, and this one is no exception. Theyโve posed an interesting question in the books theyโve written is simply this- what is Saturnyneโs game here? She obviously wants Brian Braddock to be Captain Britain again, but allowing the forces of Arrako to win as much as she seemingly does is bad for her kingdom- theyโve proven they want to destroy everything. It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the rest of the story.
It was great to see the Furies again- theyโre a rare Alan Moore Marvel creation and one of Captain Britainโs oldest foes. Itโs also nice to see Storm prove that even without her powers, sheโs more than a match for just about anyone she comes up against. This issue opens up many interesting cans of worms, and it moves the story forward, which was a massive problem in the first half of X Of Swords.
Joshua Cassaraโs art is terrific throughout this book. Everything looks gorgeous, and itโs hard to pick a stand out moment because so much of it is outstanding. GURU-eFXโs colors give the whole thing a superior painted quality that really adds to the artwork as well.
X-Force #14 continues to right the ship of X Of Swords. Itโs a fast-paced issue but gets across everything it needs to. Percy and Duggan donโt waste a panel- everything builds the story. Cassaraโs art, combined with the deft coloring of GURU-eFX, is a treat for the eyes. X Of Swords started off rocky, but chapters like this prove that it can be a great story.
Grade: B+