Issue #14 of Uncanny X-Force left us with very little hope for the team. With Wolverine out of commission and Psylocke imprisoned at Akkaba Metropolis, beneath the North Pole there seemed to be very little hope left for X-Force.
The Good
Fantomex isn't a bad leader, he just doesn't want to admit that he has to be one in this issue. Half the team is down and out and it's up to Fantomex, Deadpool and Deathlok to save the world and prevent Archangel from planting more light seeds and wiping out human kind. The thing that I have really enjoyed about this series is the pacing. Things don't come about immediately; rather there is a gradual progression that is taking place. This issue is the fifth issue of the 'Dark Angel Saga' and we are only now discovering the means of how Archangel plans to change the world using the light seeds. Once again, Jerome Opena's art is absolutely stunning. His attention to detail and ability to capture the expressions and emotions of the characters is breathtaking. Remender has constructed a rather complicated story and is unravelling it at just the right pace. Archangel's plans for both the world and "evolution" as well as the role Betsy will play become clear here, making this an essential issue for Uncanny X-Force readers.
The Bad
Within the first few panels the characterization of Betsy seemed forced. The dialogue does not feel genuine, and the things she says seem out of character. However, again, is my opinion. I find it hard to believe she would allow herself to be confined and served by a servant of Archangel as opposed to going after him following their confrontation in the previous issue, but again, that's my opinion.
The Verdict
Things are getting more and more interesting and this issue is guaranteed to have you at the edge of your seat. My only qualm was the characterization of Psylocke, which I mentioned above. Other than that, the story is really, really good. I do not recommend this issue for new readers; if you want to get into X-Force I suggest at least starting the story at the beginning of the story arc.