Finally, one of the three relaunched titles actually sees print, and it's X-Statix.

Ever since Milligan and Allred took over X-Force, the focus of this story has drifted further from what at first seemed to be a straightforward superhero parody, in favour of a more general celebrity satire which also works as a conventional character driven team book. It's annoyed some of the hardline anti-superhero contingent who liked the early issues because they were politically correct, but it's made for a stronger and more rounded series in the long run.

The plot of this first issue continues the fallout from Edie's death at the end of X-Force, and brings in her replacement, Venus Dee Milo. As we've come to expect, Venus is just as screwed up as the rest of the team, maintaining the deliberately insane angst levels.

As X-Statix develop into characters we're invited to take somewhat at face value, Milligan introduces an even more demented take on the celebrity mutant superhero team. O-Force are the product of a superhero equivalent of American Idol, and fight exclusively in rigged battles. They make an amusing counterpoint to X-Statix, as well as some great scenes parodying the reality shows (and X-Statix as the rapt audience - "He's lulling the others into a false sense of security...").

The issue has the usual great comedy moments scattered throughout - Spike attempting to politely explain to Dead Girl why she doesn't really have much mainstream sex appeal, and the increasingly ridiculous O-Force members. It's continuing the direction clearly established in the X-Force issues, and really there's no change here aside from the name. But that's fine by me. It's still the best of the X-books right now.

In a back-up strip illustrated by Darwyn Cooke, Doop disposes of uncontrollable X-Statix trainee Corkscrew. It's a curious piece which seems to be referencing the Blair Witch Project - which is a bit of a stale reference by this point. It casts Doop in a darker light than before, considering that until now he's been one of the only X-Force members who always seemed rather nice. I'm not entirely sure it works, but it's an interesting change of pace from the lead story, if nothing else.
 

Rating: A

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