The world of the X-Men has been turned upside down with the X-Force hanging by a thread. Deadpool has left to work with Captain America while most of the team is trapped in an alternate dimension. All that’s left is Domino and Sage, so it’s about time they get some help. With mutants gone or dead, X-Force #45 takes things to a mystical place.
Picking up where we left off, X-Force #45 opens with the narrator writing and essentially catching us up to speed on Mikhail’s new target: Orchis. Now that Krakoa and mutants are weakened Mikhail has set his sights on the top dog. This issue establishes a new target to replace Colossus who has served his purpose. That helps give this issue a nice jumping-on-point feel as a new Orchis character is established while the villain pivots. That said, this tale is also pulling from months if not years-long narratives.
Meanwhile, Sage and Domino end up seeking the aid of Deadpool, who seems to be totally over wanting to be considered a mutant. Given Deadpool’s goal was to get on X-Force so long this issue feels like a turning point in more than one way. Writer Benjamin Percy continues to write Deadpool well as he’s goofy and totally in his own world. This leads them to seek the aid of a major Marvel character who adds an interesting wrinkle to Mikhail’s abilities. They seem magic-based, but apparently not. One downside of the serial story rears its head with its plot, as not a ton of progress is made by the end of this issue.
Great opening page!
Credit: Marvel
Mikhail’s powers get a nice explanation, which juxtaposes well with his brother Colossus. In a key scene, Percy reveals while Colossus can’t be broken or crushed, his brother’s powers have a give-and-take in making alleys between dimensions. When noted if Mikhail dies everything could be crushed inside, one can imagine Colossus’ ability could last against him.
Robert Gill keeps the action moving with multiple scene changes. Gill is great at blocking out a scene and keeping the characters clearly defined and located. There’s some good weirdness going on too, like when the Orchis soldier’s arms are glued together via her own skin. A painting Colossus makes is also well done, capturing the horror he’s going through.
Fans of literary connections and homages will enjoy a point made by Percy early on in the issue. As is noted, the narrator of a story tends to be the least interesting one while also having the most influence, which is why Colossus was chosen over Xavier to control. A neat wrinkle that gives the story a prose connection.
X-Force #45 ends up being a surprising pivot from what came before. The Fall of X has turned things upside down for the heroes and villains and it’s fun to see them race to gain the upper hand in this issue.
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