Cable and X-Force #3 Review

Only one of Marvel's two new X-Force books has launched so far, and already I'm questioning the need for two separate books in the first place. Cable and X-Force is too reminiscent of the bad type of X-Force series -- too much grit, too many pouches, and not enough heart. The perpetually nonlinear approach to this opening arc really isn't helping either. The actual premise and ongoing direction of the series is finally solidifying, but finding any real reason to become invested in the book is another matter.

Part of the problem with the book is that the drama feels forced. Yes, Cable is not the sort of person who tends to work well with others and actively seek out help. Even so, he seems to be going out of his way to portray himself and his team as hostile fugitives in the eyes of the Avengers. Another problem is that the idea of Cable fighting a losing battle against the clock and his own failing body is old hat. I really hoped that the fallout of Avengers: X-Sanction would push the character in a new direction for once. And finally, I'm not thrilled with Hope's role in this series. She's degenerated into a pretty one-note character of late, and I would have preferred her to remain off the radar for a while with AvX having wrapped up.

None of this is to say that the series doesn't have its merits. It's nice to see a new starring vehicle for Domino and Dr. Nemesis, both of whom bring brief but welcome moments of levity to an otherwise grim book. Hopeless also makes strong use of Havok in his conflicting roles as Summers family member and leader of the Uncanny Avengers. Salvador Larroca's art also fits the tone of the book well. I'm not thrilled with the character designs, but the tech-infused settings play to Larroca and colorist Frank D'Armata's strengths.

So basically, the series wouldn't be half bad if it were just "X-Force" and not "Cable and X-Force." At the very least, I'm hoping that the series will even out a bit and ditch the nonlinear format after this debut arc.

Jesse is a writer for various IGN channels. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter, or Kicksplode on MyIGN.

Source : ign[dot]com