The long-running drama surrounding the Man with the Peacock Tattoo is coming closer to the end in X-Force #38, out this week. We got his full back story last issue, and now it’s time for Domino, Omega Red, and Deadpool to stop him before his genetic lab can do even more harm. Harm to mutants, humans, and the world! It’s a full frontal attack, and Deadpool is gonna quip until there are no more quips left to quip.
The takedown of the Man with the Peacock Tattoo is a matter of saving lives, but it’s personal for Domino. He tortured her many issues ago, but those scars seek some revenge. Writer Benjamin Percy explores that inner turmoil and need for revenge in this issue. There’s some good closure here, and it’s a nice payoff for readers following her struggle closely.
Much of this issue continues to show how well Percy writes Deadpool. He’s funny, absurd, and pushing the boundaries of what you can say in a comic. He also gets to show his worth on the team, fighting some giant skinless beasts straight out of Attack on Titan. Deadpool dives into one and cuts his way out at one point, and somehow, Percy finds words for Deadpool to say you won’t see coming.
Along the way, Beast’s awfulness continues to permeate the book. We get most of that through data pages, which show he’s more than fine killing millions of genetically created beings. When Sage questions him since some of these lifeforms have been alive for years, Beast coldly says “nah” as if their lives are trivial and pointless.
“Open the ass of the Blackbird” is a line I never thought I’d read in a comic.
Credit: Marvel
It’s not an easy road to victory, either. Percy and artist Robert Gill keep the team busy and make them earn their fight against the Man with the Peacock Tattoo. That includes an enemy that’s an amalgam of X-Force characters. He serves as an end-level boss, but they also play a part in what turns the tide. The X-Force uses brawn to win but also brains with some quick thinking and help from Beast and Sage back at the base.
The team also comes away from this battle with something new. Who that is should be interesting to explore as the series carries on. That said, the trope of not seeing a villain or hero die and getting confirmation before exiting does take place, so we’ll see how final this ending is.
Gill keeps the action interesting, and boy howdy, does Omega Red take a hit. The fight choreography is good throughout, with cool energy effects from colorist GURU-eFX. Some of the framing can look a bit awkward or uninteresting, but overall Gill keeps you entertained.
If you’re looking for closure, X-Force #38 offers plenty as Percy’s narrative closes the door on a long-running threat. Domino seems to have grown, while Beast shows he’s even more evil than anyone would like to admit. Purchase X-Force for fun action, great Deadpool hijinks, and some closure for Domino.
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