Head to the moon and you'll find the cheese

So this week we've got Marvel's two best X-titles.

Uncanny X-Force #3 ****
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Jerome Opena
Cover Artist: Esad Ribic
Publisher: Marvel

First up is the relatively new series, Uncanny X-Force. From the get go the creative team has done an excellent job with this series. This issue starts off with the X-Force continuing to get beat down by the new Horsemen. While Wolverine is nearly killed, Fantomex and Betsy are able to use their telepathy to confuse and distract the horsemen long enough to keep everyone alive. Meanwhile, Angel is on the verge of death himself and without a nifty healing mutation he is left with Deadpool taking care of him. The writing in this series is just great. The characters are depicted in a manner that is true to their history as well as with just a bit of an edge, that would one would expect from a covert team. We also get a nice dose of humor, from the likes of Deadpool and Fantomex especially, in an otherwise dark series. The art continues to please with its unique and beautiful style.

X-Factor #212 ****1/2
Writer: Peter David
Artist(s): Emanuela Lupacchino and Pat Davidson
Cover Artist(s): David Yardin and Andrew Crossley
Publisher: Marvel

In a time where it seems all of Marvel's long running titles are struggling, X-Factor continues to come out with quality issues. The search for the troll named Pip, X-Factor finds them in the depths of Hela's reign. Trapped, they are forced to fight her army of dead. Even with Thor, the mighty Norse god of Thunder, things don't look good for the team, although Shatterstar would beg to differ. In a major turn of events, that is likely to effect Marvel books across the board, Darwin renders Hela useless as his powers adapt to make him the King of the Dead. Ever since the relaunch at #200 this title has put out excellent issues. The stories are smart, unique, and spotlight each of the members to their fullest. The art in this issue is really great and is a perfect partner to the writing.