Taking a chance on this book turned out to be a mistake. I have never been a big fan of the xxxtreme 90s excesses, and I associate the name “X-Force” with much of what was bad about the bad old days. I thought Messiah Complex bought everybody a second chance, though.

In hindsight, the costumes on the cover told me everything I needed to know.

To be fair, the writers rise above the premise as best they can. The “Killer X-Men Who Take the Fight to You, B****” concept could be done a lot worse, and has. The characters are all acting like themselves (except Rahne) and have clear motivations for what they do (except what they wear). In the end, though, the whole thing feels depressing and superfluous.

By the way: what is the thinking behind putting together a team where everybody has the same powers? I guess Cyclops has never played City of Heroes.

The art is angry at my eyes. What did my eyes ever do to you, art? This is the first time I’ve ever dreaded the contents matching the cover.

I won’t be back unless people are really talking this one up six months from now.