X-Force is back, and at the helm is the team’s originator, Cable, alongside the brand-new creative team of Tim Seeley and Michael Sta. Maria. Inglorious X-Force presents itself as a compelling time-travel mystery, hinging on Cable being stranded in the past and needing to solve a murder that occurs in the future: the assassination of the very first mutant president.
A Fresh Take on Cable and the Adirondack Base
It’s an intriguing premise, and one that eschews some of the more common takes on Cable that we’ve seen. While there is a time-travel element, Cable himself is currently stranded, meaning he won’t be hopping through the timeline for the time being. Simultaneously, Inglorious X-Force brings back the original X-Force base in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. The composition of the team focuses on combining different eras of the franchise. A new member, Hellverine (Wolverine’s son, Daken), is recruited, while classic member Boom-Boom is brought back into the fold alongside 2000s X-Force stalwart Archangel.
Tim Seeley Blends Personalities and X-Men History
As a first issue, Seeley packs an impressive amount into 30 pages, giving the debut a real sense of weight and story progression. The team is assembled speedily in a way that feels sensible despite the rapid pace. The contrasts in personalities are made clear, particularly with Archangel coming from a different brand of X-Force than Cable and butting heads with the son of his old teammate and friend. Hellverine creates his own version of the Wolverine-Cyclops rivalry with Cable, though Cable is much older and more assured, keeping the ghost-demon under control for now. Meanwhile, Boom-Boom brings an infectious energy and a sense of nostalgia. She serves as the loyal heart of the group, adding dynamism and flair to a team of otherwise grumpy men.
The Surprising Role of Kamala Khan
There are two surprising additions to the cast, one of whom is revealed at the end of the issue, so I won’t spoil it here. However, the other major player is Kamala Khan, also known as Ms. Marvel. The young heroine ends up being the center of the tragedy Cable is hoping to prevent, and her present and future will be vital to the plot. It will be interesting to see how Seeley handles Ms. Marvel moving forward, but he is off to a good start here. He captures the character’s signature brand of humor in a way that feels authentic without becoming overbearing or distracting from the stakes of the story.
Stylish Visuals from Michael Sta. Maria and Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Michael Sta. Maria draws this issue and Romulo Fajardo Jr. provides the colors. The two make a potent artistic duo; the interior art is stylish and well-proportioned, featuring the appropriate amount of detail and clear, simple layouts that make the story easy to follow. The art is reminiscent of some of the more polished examples of early 2000s aesthetics, but with superior coloring techniques that emphasize the linework rather than muddying it. This is the first time either creator has worked for this X-Office, and they are off to an excellent start.
Final Verdict: A High-Stakes Debut for Inglorious X-Force
Inglorious X-Force #1 is an exciting, fun start to this new series, with a team that combines various eras of X-Force and that leans into nostalgia but still provides fresh faces. The art is well drawn and coloured, and Seeley packs a good amount of material in this debut issue, giving the story momentum and a hook.
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‘Inglorious X-Force’ #1 | Cable Returns to Lead a New Era
Inglorious X-Force #1 is an exciting, fun start to this new series, with a team that combines various eras of X-Force and that leans into nostalgia but still provides fresh faces. The art is well drawn and coloured, and Seeley packs a good amount of material in this debut issue, giving the story momentum and a hook.
