Uncanny X-Force #24
Writer: Rick Remender
Art: Phil Noto, Dean White [Colors]
During last year’s “Dark Angel Saga,” the Age of Apocalypse’s evil version of Iceman escaped into Earth-616 (i.e. the mainstream Marvel Universe). This was the primary reason for that reality’s Nightcrawler joining X-Force.
In Uncanny X-Force #24, he finally gets his revenge on his former friend and teammate.
While Nightcrawler, Wolverine, and Deadpool head to Madripoor to take care of AoA Iceman, Fantomex and Psylocke attend the Otherworld funeral of Psylocke’s brother, Jamie Braddock. Here, we see Fantomex’s more human side during a brief conversation with Psylocke’s other brother, Brian (AKA Captain Britain), and learn that in order to save Fantomex during the Otherworld saga, Psylocke gave up her ability to feel sorrow or remorse.
Back in Madripoor, the fight comes down to Nightcrawler and Iceman–no powers or weapons, just two former friends fighting to the death. Rick Remender really drives home the emotional impact of this battle via Nightcrawler’s thoughts and the banter between the two. Additionally, Remender continues to bring some of the best Deadpool antics outside of Daniel Way’s Deadpool solo series and provides a huge leap in the Fantomex-Psylocke relationship, as well as building upon the father-son dynamic between Fantomex and Apocalypse child clone Genesis.
Phil Noto and Dean White’s art in this issue is vibrant and detailed, perhaps even my favorite art on this series thus far. The transitions between panels are extremely fluid and easy to follow, keeping the action moving at a steady pace.
This one-and-done issue is a must-buy for fans of the series and new readers interested in the title alike.
STORY: 9.5/10
ART: 9.5/10
