X-Force #31: Coping Mechanisms

The best part of this issue was definitely the character development. Seeing Beast confronted, by his ostensible partner, with his own monstrosity was deeply satisfying. If only he would listen to her. Perhaps he would, if Tessa weren’t coping with the horrors she’s unleashing by drinking herself into a persistent state of oblivion.

This issue also establishes that Arkady knows exactly what he is, that he has no desire to change his nature — despite being granted a good opportunity — but he is, at least, willing to point his destructive nature in a constructive direction. I love this version of Omega Red, and I cannot wait to see where his journey takes him. 

Deadpool becoming Kraven’s semi-unwitting partner was much less satisfying, but this too is an understandable direction for an established amoral murder-clown to take. Kraven himself is dealing with some heavy existential issues: ones that not many Krakoan citizens appear to be facing, despite living with them just as much as he is. I’d like to see more of this in Legion of X or even New Mutants, but those writers are dealing with other stories to much worse (Legion) and far better (New Mutants) effect.

In any case, it looks like we’ll soon see good ol’ Hank McCoy transformed into a throw rug and I, for one, cannot wait to see it. 

Robert Gill’s art just keeps on getting better. I cannot emphasize enough how perfect his line work is for this book. His panels are clean but not afraid to get dirty, if you know what I mean. Guru-eFX’s color work is rich and deep, without ever descending into chaos, and Joe Caramagna’s letters are absolutely spot on. This artistic team works wonders together. I’m excited to see what they come up with next.