Once again X-Force gives us a solid issue of action, as advertised. Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost are on the money by delivering a issue that leaves us on a cliff hanger. What may strike some readers as odd is the lack of Wolverine. This has actually been beneficial to the series reminding readers that Wolverine isn’t the only horse in the stable. One of those horses is Angel who has really come on strong since his move to X-force. Having him as on the team certainly helps his character’s complexity. No matter what anyone may say about Warren Worthington the characters issues with his alter ego “Death” are compelling reading. This cast of characters has done well to separate themselves from the X-men who don’t kill.

This issue sports Clayton Crain as lead artists and while his cover art is excellent I did feel his page work was very good. X-Force fans have been spoiled Mike Choi and Sonia Oback for a good while now. This is not to criticize Crain’s nearly seamless transition in terms of quality. I did find Crain’s work solid and I feel that if he wishes to stay on X-Force then the fans will welcome his strong hand. I don’t know if he is on for this series of issues (speaking of course of the X-Necrosha crossover specifically, for more of his work check out check out the Necrosha one-shot) but he did a very good job conveying the darker nature of X-Force. Continuing it’s movement in the much more sinister direction than other X-books.

While this issue is one with less dialog than some might enjoy it’s full of surprises that classic X-fans will enjoy. Be prepared for a few surprises for those of us wondering what Selene’s ultimate goal has been all this time, expect a monumental discovery in the closing panels. It’s only a matter of time until Bastion makes his move, and when he does I wonder how the Black Queen and the X-Men will respond. I for one can’t wait to see what direction X-Force will be pushed in. Go to your local shop and pick up issue #21 the second chapter of X-Necrosha.