INGLORIOUS X-FORCE #5 (MARVEL COMICS)

Time is ticking on Kamala Khan.

In the future, she is assassinated as president. Cable attempts to stop this in the past. All he has in names on his arm. Possible suspects for the crime. In a covert action, he recruits them to be a part of his new X-Force. By doing this, he can take out the assassin before they attempt to act.

All have been cleared except one: ARCHANGEL. However, his case might be more difficult to blame. Mr. Sinister has returned and has eyes set on “fixing” the winged warrior!

INGLORIOUS X-FORCE #5 by Tim Seeley, Michael Sta. Maria, Roi Mercado, Romulo Fajardo Jr. & Joe Caramagna concludes its’ opening arc.

Let’s take a closer look at this finale.

INGLORIOUS X-FORCE #4 by Tim Seeley, Philip Tan, Romulo Fajardo Jr. & Joe Caramagna (Marvel Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Seeley throws readers into the deep end with this arc finale. The addition of Mr. Sinister proves to tweak events into a tense situation. Warren’s internal monologue teases the fear knowing Sinister has plans involved. Considering the history between Worthington and Apocalypse, adding another genetic meddler proves constructive for storylines. These leads into high-paced action. Sinister’s dialogue is as snarky as ever during this fight. It also allows another character to step up and try thwarting “Blood Angel”.

Over the course of the series, Boom-Boom has been written in a very inconsistent manner. Her time inside Warren’s mind proves to be her strongest moment as a hero in this story. Their talk is more personal in looking at the broader playing field. Knowing how Death affects Worthington, it proves as a solid addition to the plot. The only issue here is trying to wedge a love triangle in the course of this talk. Brushing that aside, the conflict concludes on a very steady note. Readers can see the moves coming but never lessens the impact. It results in forging a better bond in this aspect. The epilogue raises more questions & leaves a great tease for the future problems en route.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!

The art begins with a full display of Blood Angel. This allows Sinister to loosen up as he works his schemes. Panels start flooding with action. Seeing Cable lead the squad is vintage X-Force. This also gives Hellverine to steal some moments fighting Sinister. One notable panel shows him tearing a limb off of the mad scientist. This gets upstaged by Boom-Boom’s timely placed bomb. Both show the extreme measures taken that have built this team’s reputation.

Once Boom-Boom gets inside Angel’s head, the panels slow down. It vents out the anguish Worthington feels as Archangel takes over. Their calm panels are more relaxed images than the rest of the book. Boom-Boom’s grins tip off the effects of their talk. It sets up the conflict finish very well. Panel structure walks the readers through the time balanced attack. It leaves events on a more grounded note. The face close-ups of accepting fate jumps out. As for the epilogue, it teases much with a great final full page.

FINAL GRADE: 8.4

Has the assassin been discovered? That is the question looming around the IXF arc finale. Seeley brings in a new look for a classic character problem. The art brings the action needed for the climactic battle. A solid addition to a notorious team’s legacy of action and extremes.

Let me know your thoughts on INGLORIOUS X-FORCE #5 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!