
GLX takes a look at
Uncanny X-Force #22.
Credits & Solicit Info:
Writer - Rick Remender
Artist - Greg Tocchini
Colorist - Dean White
• Wolverine and AOA Nightcrawler face a strange and deadly new foe in Otherworld
• Fantomex's sentence is carried out and he is injected with an anti-reality serum...
• Psylocke becomes Lady Briton!
• Deadpool is decapitated!
32 PGS./Parental Advisory ... $3.99
Review:
For years, stories involving X-Force have had an action/thriller/science fiction bent to them. Recently, Rick Remender has thrown the team into a tale called "Otherworld" that features characters that could be found in fantasy stories. While it's a fresh setting for the team, the story has so far failed to meet the standards set by
Uncanny X-Force's previous issues.
Uncanny X-Force #22 isn't a game-changer for this story, but there's some great stuff within its pages.
Remender has a solid grasp on what makes his lead characters tick. Each of them have their own unique voice and their time within the pages which makes the comic stronger. The best part of Remender's writing in this issue is his handling of Barrister Skinlessman (aka Weapon III). His origin is twisted and original, while tying in nicely to Fantomex's history. Barrister Skinlessman's personality is an insane, cruel yet interesting character. He may not able to carry the majority of the comic on his own, but he plays his role well.
The main problem with this comic is that there lacks a sense of immediacy. What helped make the comic's previous arc ("The Dark Angel Saga") a must-read was that unexpectedly, yet deliciously cool things could occur in the story. "Otherworld" has lacked that, so far. It seems like it'll become a story that'll enhance future
Uncanny X-Force tales, but lacks the necessary tension to hook readers within the pages.
Greg Tocchini and Dean White handle the art and the result is an odd artistic concoction. Tocchini's work is more expressionist than naturalist. He translates Remender's script with a focus more on emotion and action, instead of realism. His characters suffer at times from having awkward odd expressions or body language through their body language. White's colors give Tocchini's art an oily or painted feel. The art is an acquired taste, but it succeeds in giving the comic an unearthly feel.
While failing to meet the standards set by previous issues,
Uncanny X-Force #22 is still an entertaining comic. Remender handles the team nicely and leaves the reader with a fantastic last page. Hopefully, the next issue will end "Otherworld" on a high note.
7.8* out of 10*
Review by: GLX
http://www.theouthousers.com/index.php/reviews/comics-reviews/18470-uncanny-x-force-22-review.html/