Writer: Rob Liefeld
Artist: Brent Peebles, Scott Hanna, Romulo Fajardo Jr, and Joe Sabino
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 17, 2019

The first issue of Major X sure made some waves. While Rob Liefeld took to Twitter to throw shade at the “clowns” he thought tried to undermine his characters first appearance, I was debating on whether or not the issue was the worst thing I had read in years. I am a Rob Liefeld fan, but this series kicked off with a confusing story with art that was a total eye sore. Why am I reviewing the second issue? Because I’m hoping it will be better…way better! Was it? Let’s find out…

The issue opens with what I thought was sorely missing from the debut…a look at what X-Istence was like before it began to fall apart at the seams. There is nothing earth-shattering here, but at least it gives you some footing to see why Major X is so damn grumpy.

The first thing, however, that readers will probably notice is the art. I guess after introducing his character all by himself, Liefeld doesn’t have to worry about anyone grabbing any Major X cash from him in the future and lets Brent Peebles draw this issue. It makes a major difference in a very positive way.

After seeing some political back and forth, we head to our world and see Major X without his helmet on, chatting it up with the X-Men. We already knew he botched up his time travel and now we see how he will remedy that.

The issue continues with Major X and Cable teaming up and we do get some information about Major X. I’ll admit that I was confused as we went forward from here because of the timey-whimey stuff combined with what I thought was the alt-reality of X-Istence, but I’ll also admit that I am a big dummy so I will go with it. It all makes for a cool fight even if I was more confused then ever afterward. The issue ends with an “explosive” cliffhanger and while this book is still not anywhere near the top of the pile stuff, this issue is a bit better than the first.

That being said, it’s still not good. Liefeld seems to be all over the place with what story he wants to tell and that really kills the pacing throughout but also left me scratching my head at points. We did get a peek at X-Istance, but the character of Major X is not fleshed out enough yet for me to care about and the heavy use of Cable seemed too convenient and forced. Plus, it didn’t do much to help the story. I did like the art a whole lot more this issue, but the story needs to get a more focus for me to carry on.

Final Thoughts:

This second issue is a step in the right direction after the abysmal debut of this series, but it still is not good. The addition of Brent Peebles on art is a major plus, but Rob Liefeld’s story needs more focus and after two issues, I am far from sold on his new character. I will give this one more issue before deciding if I’ll continue on, but I will really need to be wowed next issue for that to happen.

4.0/10