X #17 Review


Is this something that deserves a spot on your pull-list? Read on to find out.

The official description from Dark Horse:

When Leigh Ferguson’s high school friend becomes the latest victim of the “Skin Traders”—a mysterious band of surgically modified thugs who slice skin from their abducted victims—she knows X is the only person in Arcadia who can stop them. The only question is: who’s got thicker skin?

X 17_Preview PageIt would be easy to take one look at this comic book and remark about how utterly messed up it’s subject matter happens to be. We have a hard-hitting vigilante in a worse city attempting to clean it up, while another arc full of horribleness bubbles to the surface. As a matter of fact this is also a perfect jump-on point for new readers, so you have no excuse my fellow fanboys and fangirls as this one deserves attention.

Duane Swierczynski pens the script and the author effortlessly introduces a new narrative that might be too much for even X to handle. Following his simple rules of engagement, with an assist by journalist Leigh Ferguson, we’re introduced to some monstrous elements that are literally after the skin on your bones. As opening acts go the author got my attention early by embracing the disturbing nature of the crimes at hand. The ending did feel predictable but that didn’t change the fact that I can’t wait to see what happens next.

The illustrations handed in by Eric Nguyen are stylized but never to the point that they avoid reality. And it’s within that finely tuned dance that the book enjoys a wide array of images with just enough detail to see earned resonance. And when you add in the colors by Michelle Madsen the comic effortlessly flows with a visual presentation that stands firm and ready to carry the franchise through the darkest corners of humanity.

X #17 is a worthy read for fresh or even longtime followers. It carries a quick pace, brutal plot points, some humor and of course a few expertly realized renditions. In simple terms this outing effortlessly comes recommended.

OUR RATING
8.5
  • + Happens to have superb visuals.
  • + X continues to be an awesome hero.
  • + Duane Swierczynski nails a sturdy script.
  • - To be frank the ending was a bit predictable...

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