X-Force has really crescendoed since its first issue, each installment adding a new level of excitement to the already solid issues before them.  The character development in the last several issues have been stellar, especially with X-23, who Kyle and Host have turned into this emotionless killing machine--yes, I know not very original on its own-- and brought Wolverine forward as a pseudo father figure for her, as he tries to break through to her and remind her that there is more to life.  He doesn't want to see someone who has gone through the same experiences as him to fall through the same horrendous cracks he's plummeted through in his life as an X-Man.

    In this issue, X-Force #5, some interesting things go down, all of which are the reactions for last month's actions.  Angel has now, due to Bastion, Risman, and company, transformed back into the Apocalypse-created Archangel, donning metal wings and all.  Funny as it may sound, this issue, and story arc in general, is somewhat reminiscent to the structuring of The Wire's seasons--it was usually the second to last episode of the season that was the best of the season.  X-Force #5 definitely feels like it might be the best issue in the arc, setting up for what might very well be a cathartic showdown for the whole X-Force team.  I'm sure many people thought this book might fall by the wayside of all the other X-books post-Messiah Complex, but in a way it's turning out to be the most epic of them all, which is evident in this book.  There are three separate factions heading into war with one another, promising a very climactic confrontation between Risman and Eli's army of man-made angels, Bastion and his faction of Purifiers and nostalgic-esque villains, and, of course, Wolverine and his team.

    The splash pages of the angels flying through the sky and then later slaughtering a mess of Purifiers, in the most unsavory and violent fashion, were amazing, letting the reader know just how dire the situation has begun to grow over the course of the story arc.  It's also nice to see that Kyle and Yost are continuing Wolfsbane's character development--the one which started in Peter David's X-Factor.  Wolfsbane is sill dealing with trepidations that have been growing within, fearing that she truly is a demon that only belongs with the likes of Wolverine and X-2, the ruthless.  Of course, Kyle and Host have even taken it a step further with the interactions that have been occurring her and her ideal-corrupted, fundamentalist father.

    The writing for this book is turning out to be its greatest strength and I hope that Kyle and Host stick with the book for awhile before moving on with their careers, whoever thought any writer could carry a six-issue story arc with Bastion and The Purifiers as the main book's villain.  The art by Crain is very good as well, suiting the book like a well-fit, leather glove.  My only gripe with this book does, however, lie with Crain and his interpretation of how Logan's hair should look.  This isn't the Silver Age anymore, there is no reason as to why any artist should draw Wolverine's hair like that anymore.  It's as if Crain believes Wolverine's mask was stitched together for the sole purpose of going with his hairstyle.  Please, Crain, buzz Wolverine's hair down a bit, just give him a hairstyle that suits the 21st century.

    Here's to hoping for a solid conclusion to an already impressive first five issues.  Story: 5  Art: 4.8 (-.2 for Logan's hair)

    Oh, by the way, I've decided to take the Ifanboys' idea of naming Book of the Weeks, making X-Force #5 the book of the week for 7/16/08 and my very first pick.