Review: Uncanny X-Force #9

Issue nine of Remender's outstanding run, takes a break from the high octane, banter filled stories to give most of the team a well deserved breather – as I said – most of the team! With great trepidation, the team stays behind as Wolverine takes the spotlight and does a favor for none other than — Magneto! Something from Magneto's past has finally made a mistake and he sends "the best there is" to take care of it — with extreme prejudice.

This is the issue that will divide X-Force fans. It is far removed from the team dynamic that Remender has perfectly set up so far and some fans will think this issue is too mundane for their tastes. It is low on dialog, but when it is used, it is poignant and well executed. Remender reigns in the break neck action as well, bringing us a book that is highly emotional and at times quite morose. It is the perfect "down" issue that really lets you into the mind of what was once the X-Men's greatest villain. He is a man trying to wash the blood stains from his own hands while turning a blind eye to the fact he is asking others to bloody theirs.

Billy Tan and Dean White converge to make a very moody and dark tale, one that this reviewer thinks of as utterly spectacular! Though Magneto's grief stricken eyes seemed too dreary at times, Tan does a wonderful job on a book that is quite different from his usual action packed work. It was completely immersive and perfectly complimented the tale Remender was trying to convey. With little dialog, it was truly up to Tan and White to tell the tale with their artistic talents and it came off flawlessly.

Remender finally lets Wolverine take center stage and it is one of the best I have read in years. I challenge you to think about the last time Wolverine did what he does best without uttering a single word, and more importantly — popping a single claw! My memory isn't what it once was, but I cannot come up with one! 

Remender and team have the Midas touch, turning every issue of Uncanny X-Force to gold! This one continues the trend and no matter what the message boards will say — it was brilliant! It is by far my favorite X book and with this twice a month schedule they have been producing lately — it feels like Christmas in May.  So check out an outstanding book by a writer that has hit the mark with each issue — regardless of how much action is featured!