There’s a point you hit at times where you need to step back and question why you’re reading a comic series. Major X #4 is that point. The issue is the epitome of what was wrong with the comics of the 90s. It features stilted dialogue, storytelling, and inconsistent art. For some, the issue will be fantastic capturing their youthful excitement. For others, you’ll see how far comics have come in 20 years.

Major X and M’Koy are captured by the mysterious Administrator. He’s the typical bad guy whose motivations and inclusions are thin. It truly feels like a throwback introducing characters and then figuring out their origin and reason for inclusion down the road. Look cool and ask questions later is the name of the game for Major X as a whole.

Rob Liefeld handles writing duties delivering dialogue that’s one quip after another. It forgoes a cohesive plot, instead focusing on choppy jumps from fight panel to fight panel. Characters are thrown around and introduced with little motivation other than “bad guy” and “revenge.” Major X #4 is a frustrating experience as Liefeld continues to show he’s a much better idea person than storyteller.

The art by Brent Peeples is decent. Adelso Corona handles inks with Romulo Fajardo, Jr. on color, and Joe Sabino lettering. The style very much feels like an homage to the 90s as well which Peeples has pulled off before. Here though, there’s inconsistency of character design and the habit of dropping detail in action scenes. Again, the poses, gun blasts, and action take precedence over the polished product.

Major X #4 isn’t for me and as the series drags on it’s clear I’ve moved on from this sort of storytelling. My 13 year old self would have loved this. My adult self just expects more.

Story: Rob Liefeld Art: Brent Peeples

Ink: Adelso Corona Color: Romulo Fajardo, Jr. Letterer: Joe Sabino

Story: 5.0 Art: 7.5 Overall: 5.0 Recommendation: Pass

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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