Uncanny X-Force #4

Just before I start, I need to initiate a... 

SPOILER WARNING. 

 
Going to be talking about every aspect of the issue, especially what happens during and at the end of the issue. 

THE COVER

Such a beautiful cover. The pale colours, in particular the lilac, are a perfect tone and match for the issue itself. The lack of bright colours or defined lines show that this book is not a happy one. One particular detail that I love on this cover is Psylocke's hair. The effect that Ribic has used is simple but effective giving the real illusion of movement, and the 'spray can' effect is unusual but makes it. Ribic is very talented and I'm glad Marvel's giving him some work. 
 

THE GOOD

Well, what can I say. This issue was amazing. Everything down to the writing, the art, the colours, the character development, the pacing, the fight scenes, the tragedy and even the humour.  
 
Can I start off by saying, I want a Deadpool tent, it's so awesome, not quite as awesome however as the scene that followed inside the tent. I knew this issue was worth the money once I saw Deadpool feeding Archangel his own....flesh. Never thought you'd see the day would ya! While I'm not a fan of the over saturation of Deadpool I am a fan when he's written right. And Remender rights Deadpool as genuinely funny! Also Opena's Deadpool towards the end of this issue showed another side him. His face showed concern and shock over events, almost as if he was... thinking! But that may of been because of a certain laugh out loud moment...   

Yes, Wolverine paralysed Deadpool's mouth by stabbing him in it! Probably a smart decision by Remender as Deadpool may of ruined the next scenes tense and serious atmosphere. 
Back to the start of the issue. Wolverine and Fantomex start fighting 'faceless goons' which shows some awesome fight scenes, stabbing and shooting ensured which is wonderfully paced. Remender is very smart in his planning and pacing, in-particularly in his fight scenes. He gives you the action and the gore, with Logan and Jean-Phillipe giving it to the bad guys, it's fast paced and violent, pure action, until the two are suddenly stopped and murdered by the Final Horsemen, with Fantomex being strangled by a magic carpet and by Wolverine's brains being eaten by...bugs. This may sound like a scene from one of the Mummy films, but was actually pretty awesome...and gruesome with Opena providing an awesome image of....  

WOLVERINE'S BRAINS BEING EATEN WHILST COMING OUT OF HIS EYE SOCKETS!!! Totally disgusting but totally brilliant! 
But of course this is just a misdirection of Fantomex and the Horseman are sent to a hostile planet by E.V.A. where survival isn't likely, but come on, they are TOO awesome to be killed off, and you know that if you never see characters actually killed off on panel, return is imminent. They will be back, mark my words. One thing that is interesting was the absence of War in the issue, he's no where to seen which of course means, he will be back, probably for Betsy as well! Remender has created the best Horseman ever, so stylistic and diverse with a formidable power set.  
 

But the real brilliance of the issue is where X-Force finds Betsy and Kid Apocalypse in his chamber. Leading to an awesome confrontation between the team where Betsy's character is shown not only to be compassionate, but formidable as well. She is ready to put Warren down to save the innocent's life where Warren's inner monologue shows his struggle with his schizophrenic, psychopathic, Archangel side. A physical fight between the lovers ensues with Betsy just showing how completely awesome she is. But also brings up a good point of the hypocrisy of Warren's actions. Again Remender brings up the pace, creating a hectic and tense atmosphere but is suddenly brought to an abrupt hault with a single gunshot...   

But instead of keeping the pace quick and manic, he slows it right down. Instead of going crazy  or having fights or fits of rage, no one says a word, and Opena's art is just amazing at displaying emotion, Remender doesn't need to write the characters words, because the art does it for him. It's simply amazing.   

I simply cannot wait to see the repercussions of this issue, especially because of this panel to the right. If looks could kill 'ey, I think Psylockes going to be having some words. I believe silence or the absence of dialogue is so effective, especially in emotionally tense scenes. It says far more than shouting or crying ever could. And it reflects the team perfectly, they are not the X-Men , they are X-Force, and this is their job, as tough as it might be, they have to kill, and deal with it, which also reflects the lives of every character. Tragedy is something that runs within all of them. 
 
The art in the issue is absolutely amazing. Like breath taking. It's dark and etchy and heartfelt in certain moments. He captures emotion in every scene, you could read this book without the words, and that is no exaggeration, it is simply that good. The colours and the inking just adds to it, the book is all about atmosphere and feeling, its manic and stressed and dark, but the colours are so vivid  you could look at them for hours. A stand out for me is how he draws Archangel, so intense, so detail, you can literally feel the crazy! Here are some of the books highlight art for me 

Gallery

And of course... THE BRAINSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!! 
 

THE BAD

By now you must of realised that I found no faults in the issue, except of course I have to wait and the fact that it ended. 
 

CONCLUSION

 It's gotta be a 5 out of 5. This is my favourite book out and I look forward to it the most every month. Rememnder and Opena are a killer team and at the moment, are the best X team out there, now unless Craig and Kyle and Choi come back, their rule will run unopposed for a long time. This issue was perfect. Go buy it now if you haven't already, even if you've been spoiled, it doesn't matter, you have to be reading this series!