This is my second foray into the X-Universe after being gone for a LONG time (the first was [b:Uncanny X-Force: The Apocalypse Solution|9919142|Uncanny X-Force The Apocalypse Solution|Rick Remender|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344270465s/9919142.jpg|14811842]). This story was easier to follow, maybe because I understand better what is going on, instead of jumping in as a new reader. That being said, it was sometimes hard to follow who was fighting who, especially in the frames with the future cyborgs, almost like watching Michael Bay's Transformers: the bad guys looked so much like the good guys, the reader is left wondering what happened.

I did like the character development in this one, especially seeing the banter between Deadpool and Fantomex, and seeing the team members struggle with the moral dilemma and outcome from the first volume.

EDIT: One thing that struck me about this story that I forgot to mention is that it reminded me of the DC Multiverse, with familiar characters showing up from different universes/times, but not quite "right", not quite the way we "know" them. ( )

Fantomex has the world in his hands - or, at least, *a* world, a world in which the Deathlok program reigns supreme. In an effort to protect "the world," Deathlok-controlled versions of various superheroes (including Captain America, Spider-Man, the Thing, as well as X-Force members) are sent into their past (or, "our" present) to accomplish two things: secure "the world" and kill Fantomex (as well as anyone helping him).

Meanwhile, someone on the team is close to cracking over the fact that (spoiler from the first trade) Fantomex killed the child Apocalypse. Well, murdered him by shooting him right between the eyes, in fact. (end spoiler...for now) And that someone is...Deadpool? Oh my stars and garters, could this be CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT in relation to Deadpool!?! I'm so used to flat idiocy when it comes to the character that I could scarcely believe it. But that's right - WADE is the one having major issues with (spoiler) the kid killing, even though he wasn't the one to do it. He gets in a spat with Wolverine, who basically tells him to suck it up and that he's a low-down, good-for-nothing dirtbag. Which Deadpool agrees to, except that he has some lines that even he doesn't cross, and one of them is killing kids (end spoiler). Bravo, Rick Remender.

But for Deadpool fans, it gets better. Fantomex and Deadpool get into a spat as well, which results in some hilarity. I love how Remender is writing Wade. I've said that already. I'll say it again before this review is over, I'm sure! Wade just seems so...real. As Deadpool stalks off, wondering why he is the pariah of the team when he didn't (spoiler) kill a kid like Fantomex (end spoiler), he meets someone who offers him what he seems to be seeking.

So, I'm not a huge X-fan, but this series is winning me over in ways I never expected. I love how Deadpool is being used here (see, I told you I'd say it again). Character development! More than just lame jokes! Be still my beating heart! Oh, and the rest of the team isn't bad, either. ;) ( )