Post by Cory W. on Jan 30, 2009 14:07:19 GMT -5
X-Force #20-24, "ASK DNA" Parts 1-5
X-Force #25, "COLD WAR," Part 1
Written by Dino Pollard
Unfortunately, after a hectic Fall semester, I've gotten way behind on my reading at Marvel 2000. That includes the X-Branch. Fortunately, my work load has lightened up considerably and I'm getting back into the groove of things. The first series that I decided to catch up on was Dino Pollard's X-Force, of which I was a whopping five issues behind on. I say five because I read X-Force #20 when it actually came out, but wasn't able to keep up with the rest of the arc. That's neither here nor there, though, so on with the review.
On the one hand it's a shame that I've been missing out on this series for so long and have been unable to post reviews. It's a great series that's intelligently and cleverly put together. But on the other hand I'm actually happy that I read all of these issues back to back, and I'll tell you why but in broad strokes. I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who aren't caught up on current issues or haven't checked out the series yet. I know there are at least a few of you out there who intend on doing just that, but haven't had the opportunity yet.
Many of the storylines and plot threads that Dino's been working on are all tying together in recent issues, showing just how much thought and consideration he's put into this series as a whole. For those familiar with his X-Force, you know it's not just all slam-blam action and explosions. There's mystery, intrigue, and lots of build-up that drives the series, and when the action comes it's the pay off. It's the build-up and serious thought put into his stories that gives his overall run up until this point a lot of depth, that makes the action and plot twists meaningful.
There's a lot in this title to like, especially with the knowledge that it's all pointing in one direction and isn't just a series of serialized story-arcs. Things were slow moving at first as the foundation was set, but now things are rolling along quickly and if you seriously skip a scene you'll miss something pretty important to the story. That's my kind of pace!
I do want to take a moment to speak about the characters. I'll try not to spoil too much about mystery characters, returning characters, etc, but I do feel compelled to comment on a few of them. Dino's rendition of Nick Fury is pretty spot on, whereas Pete Wisdom is the scene stealer that he's always been in this series regardless of the writer, and Mystique plays a great part in every issue she appears in. Brass plays an interesting and integral counterpoint to Wisdom, and Maverick is fine as a loyal second in command.
I'm a little underwhelmed by Weapon X and Dust, though. Dino does some cool things with Dust's powers and he always manages to make Weapon X a badass when it's his turn to "play," but in general both characters sort of disappear into the background when the talking begins and don't feel very well fleshed out. Despite that, other characters (who I won't mention just yet) all play fitting, engaging, and just downright fun roles in the series so far, and the villains are always unique and different from what's normally been seen at M2K. My only real fear is that Dino's rushing in too many new characters too quickly in recent issues, which may leave some lost in the shuffle. Hopefully that doesn't end up the case.
To sum it all up, X-Force is one of M2K's most underrated titles. I'm not at all sure how it hasn't ended up getting more attention, but it definitely deserves more attention than it has been getting recently. Give it a look already, guys! Dino's issues are a little short so I do recommend reading them back to back in order to fully appreciate the range and scope that his stories have. That said, he does have a pretty well thought-out direction and story in mind, as well as an engaging way of approaching these ideas, and to top that he makes great use of all of the characters involved. Everyone's characterization and role in the series is distinct and unique among others.
X-Force is definitely ranks at the top of Dino's contributions to Marvel 2000, and heck, even fanfic in general. Seriously, guys! Get reading.
X-Force #25, "COLD WAR," Part 1
Written by Dino Pollard
Unfortunately, after a hectic Fall semester, I've gotten way behind on my reading at Marvel 2000. That includes the X-Branch. Fortunately, my work load has lightened up considerably and I'm getting back into the groove of things. The first series that I decided to catch up on was Dino Pollard's X-Force, of which I was a whopping five issues behind on. I say five because I read X-Force #20 when it actually came out, but wasn't able to keep up with the rest of the arc. That's neither here nor there, though, so on with the review.
On the one hand it's a shame that I've been missing out on this series for so long and have been unable to post reviews. It's a great series that's intelligently and cleverly put together. But on the other hand I'm actually happy that I read all of these issues back to back, and I'll tell you why but in broad strokes. I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who aren't caught up on current issues or haven't checked out the series yet. I know there are at least a few of you out there who intend on doing just that, but haven't had the opportunity yet.
Many of the storylines and plot threads that Dino's been working on are all tying together in recent issues, showing just how much thought and consideration he's put into this series as a whole. For those familiar with his X-Force, you know it's not just all slam-blam action and explosions. There's mystery, intrigue, and lots of build-up that drives the series, and when the action comes it's the pay off. It's the build-up and serious thought put into his stories that gives his overall run up until this point a lot of depth, that makes the action and plot twists meaningful.
There's a lot in this title to like, especially with the knowledge that it's all pointing in one direction and isn't just a series of serialized story-arcs. Things were slow moving at first as the foundation was set, but now things are rolling along quickly and if you seriously skip a scene you'll miss something pretty important to the story. That's my kind of pace!
I do want to take a moment to speak about the characters. I'll try not to spoil too much about mystery characters, returning characters, etc, but I do feel compelled to comment on a few of them. Dino's rendition of Nick Fury is pretty spot on, whereas Pete Wisdom is the scene stealer that he's always been in this series regardless of the writer, and Mystique plays a great part in every issue she appears in. Brass plays an interesting and integral counterpoint to Wisdom, and Maverick is fine as a loyal second in command.
I'm a little underwhelmed by Weapon X and Dust, though. Dino does some cool things with Dust's powers and he always manages to make Weapon X a badass when it's his turn to "play," but in general both characters sort of disappear into the background when the talking begins and don't feel very well fleshed out. Despite that, other characters (who I won't mention just yet) all play fitting, engaging, and just downright fun roles in the series so far, and the villains are always unique and different from what's normally been seen at M2K. My only real fear is that Dino's rushing in too many new characters too quickly in recent issues, which may leave some lost in the shuffle. Hopefully that doesn't end up the case.
To sum it all up, X-Force is one of M2K's most underrated titles. I'm not at all sure how it hasn't ended up getting more attention, but it definitely deserves more attention than it has been getting recently. Give it a look already, guys! Dino's issues are a little short so I do recommend reading them back to back in order to fully appreciate the range and scope that his stories have. That said, he does have a pretty well thought-out direction and story in mind, as well as an engaging way of approaching these ideas, and to top that he makes great use of all of the characters involved. Everyone's characterization and role in the series is distinct and unique among others.
X-Force is definitely ranks at the top of Dino's contributions to Marvel 2000, and heck, even fanfic in general. Seriously, guys! Get reading.