Review by Ian Keogh

 Spoilers in review

For some considerable time Colossus hasn’t been in control of his voice or actions, both of which have been usurped by his brother Mikael via another mutant within Russia. This plot has been dragged on way too long over assorted mutant titles, but after the false dawn of Vol. 7, Benjamin Percy finally brings it to a head here.

The ending is very much a damp squib. Controlling force Mikael’s attentions wander elsewhere and that’s Colossus freed and left with the guilt of his betrayal and what he’s inadvertently done. It draws a simple, but not very pleasing line under something that lasted too long, which it seems was always just a distraction rather than a plot with any point or solution in mind. Neither is Mikael’s fate greatly credible, being shot to provide a shock moment, yet then able to trade punches with his brother.

Robert Gill returns as artist and supplies his usual understated but extremely good art. There’s no drawing attention with unnecessary flash, but Gill is the entire package. He’s a strong storyteller, draws people well and knows how to lead the reader’s eye to the necessary place. He’s been the highlight of this entire X-Force run.

Overlook the ease with which Colossus is freed and this is one of Percy’s stronger X-Force outings. An early positive point is a starring moment for Domino, who’s very much been making up the numbers for most of the run. Her combination of Black Widow and Scarlet Witch is a derivative character, but that’s not prevented starring roles before, and here she’s the X-Force agent who takes a decisive solo role. Also good is the way Percy incorporates the disaster of the 2023 Hellfire Gala, showing a brief moment of the devastation before progressing his own plots off-site. There’s a good role for Doctor Strange, and if too many of the team are only seen in passing, they’ve had their time in the spotlight earlier. Percy, though, is never able to resist a step into shock violence, and it happens again toward the end.

How much the other members of X-Force believe Colossus is the trigger taking us into Vol. 9.