Review: X-Corp #5

Story Thus far:

In the Previous issues of X-Corps, Telecom giant Nobelesse undergoes a hostile takeover by the X-corp. Nobelesse, send their mutant consultants the Von Stucker twins on a failed infiltration OP, that results in the killing of Maddox Prime.

In the current issue (Written by Tini Howard) the Von Stucker twins make their final move and reveal their true intentions. The Patented Madrox Workflow is revealed! “Henry Gyrich makes a mysterious cameo as a representative of Orchis. Previously Henry was last seen at Hellfire Gala on Krakoa as an American representative.

Art:

The creative art team consist of: Artist: Alberto Foche; Color Artist: Sunny Gho; Letterer: VCS Clayton Cowles; Design: Tom Muller. The issue is action packed, but at time disorienting. It is a floating headquarters with different levels. I have nothing against the technique it’s the content, but some of the most exciting panels could easily be confused for Kama Sutra pages when they are supposed to be fighting. I will give some credit for excellent depiction of some Jujitsu moves. The most entertaining part was the old school sound effect lettering. Also, I enjoy the overall design

Script:

This is not for the uninitiated. The reader is thrown into a situation with a roster of character that we barely heard of whose main conflict is that they have been placed on opposing side boundaries by a thin grey line defined by money. I think there would be cultural value in exploring the telecom takeover, but I looks like Howard wants to bring it to a close already.

The dialogue was underwhelming. There was a lot of it, but it didn’t seem to capture the gravitas of the moment. One character had just died, and another two were flinging themselves toward their own, yet it didn’t feel like it. The sacrifice didn’t seem worth it.

Speculation:

This issue also demonstrated an expansion of the know capabilities of James Maddox, also known as Multiple Man (Giant-Size Fantastic Four #4). Selene Gallio is an underutilized character(New Mutants #9).

Also known as the Demon Huntress, Daughter of the Moon, and the Black queen, I can’t quite figure out why she isn’t more prominent in the Marvel Universe.

An off the wall Spec that could pan out years down the line is Davie Madrox made his first appearance much later, in Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 5) #11.

X-CORP #5 has two covers: the CVR David Aja; CVR B Michael Allred

2 stars out of 5.

Writers: Tini Howard
Artist: Alberto Foche
Color Artist: Sunny Gho
Letterer: VCS Clayton Cowles
Design: Tom Muler
Publisher: Marvel Comics