Take the last issue of a miniseries and release that as a one-shot. That’s what X-Force: Killshot feels like reading. An issue released to celebrate 30 years of X-Force which officially launched in New Mutants #100 in 1991. Much like the recent Major X, X-Force: Killshot feels like a lot of good concepts but not executed in a way that’s interesting or to their full potential.

With a story by Rob Liefeld and a script by Chad Bowers, X-Force: Killshot is full of action and that’s about it. It quickly gets the plot out of the way to get to the meat of the story. Stryfe has a giant cannon that will cause chaos and it’s Cable’s job to stop him. To do so, a team from throughout history is put together to ensure success. Now, why there needs to be an assault and not just shoot the space cannon down isn’t discussed but as Deadpool says “maximum effort.” The story is that effort with an almost check list of moments featuring some of Liefeld’s creations that have been absent for some time. That’s maybe the most enjoyable aspect of the comic, the spotlight of these “classic” characters that are just not used today.

The writing and story itself is best to not dwell too much upon. Much of the dialogue feels like it’s spent in attempts of witty quips or reminding us who these characters are. There’s times it feels like the dialogue itself is out of order and doesn’t belong at all.

Liefeld handles the art with color by Bryan Valenza, Federico Blee, and Mirza Wirawan, and lettering by Joe Sabino. It’s exactly what you’d expect with the over the top exaggeration that has made him a favorite of so many. There’s even moments with logic defying weapons that feel like they appear out of the ether for just the right moments. There’s something fun to see Liefeld return to the characters he created bringing his flair and style with a bit of modern update in colors. But, comics aren’t all visual and there needs to be a story to work off of. That’s where the comic falls apart. It just feels like there’s a lot that’s missed and we’re brought in at the end of a story whose issues don’t exist.

X-Force: Killshot is a nostalgia fest for Liefeld fans and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s about the characters and the art and that’s about it. It’s best to not think about the plot too much. Just roll with it, sit back, and pretend it’s 30 years ago and comics haven’t evolved at all from the 90s.

Story: Rob Liefeld Script: Chad Bowers Art: Rob Liefeld
Ink: Rob Liefeld Color: Bryan Valenza, Federico Blee, Mirza Wirawan Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 5.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 5.0 Recommendation: Pass

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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