S.W.O.R.D. #5

Ewing and the team continue to throw surprises to thrill and astound in what is in my mind one of the best written and certainly best-drawn books in the X line. This issue juxtaposes Cortez's attempt to try to bend the rules in his favor with the S.W.O.R.D. team using highly questionable tactics of their own to solve issues. It's smart storytelling combined with superbly made art that is a pleasure to read from start to finish. Read Full Review

This issue does many things, and it does all of them exceptionally well. Read Full Review

Honestly, this issue was fantastic. Valerio Schiti draws the Zn'rx as well as the mutants. He does the Lawd's work when drawing all of his landscapes, space, Hatchery and Krakoan Quiet Council meeting panels. The waterfalls in the background had me singing TLC while I soaked up Marte Gracia's colors painted beautifully on each page. Don't get me started on Al Ewing's writing! Balancing the instances of cold blooded murder happening in unknown regions of deep space, with the ideology of murder as a guiding principal for mutants debate was masterful considering the one behind the Snarkwar assassinations, or the one delivering the fades for that matter. Read Full Review

Incredibly, this remains the best current book in the X-line, and it does it with the most unexpected cast in comics. The hubris of Fabian Cortez is practically palpable, and his powerplay (and downfall) is worth every moment of the issue. I cannot recommend this series enough. Read Full Review

S.W.O.R.D. #5 deals with the disruptive element that is Fabian Cortez but also sets him up as someone to watch in the future. Ewing scratches his sci-fi itch in this issue and also finally does something interesting with Arakko, which was completely unexpected. Schiti art is a great compliment to his script. S.W.O.R.D. remains one of the most impressive X-Men books. Read Full Review

Seeing what Ewing has in store for cosmic Marvel is a treat and as usual, hisS.W.O.R.D.is one of the best X-books on the market. Read Full Review

S.W.O.R.D. #5 delivers an intriguing issue that keeps the reader's attention while laying the groundwork for the story to come. I look forward to seeing where Brand intends to take the space program next. Read Full Review

A lot of great character work and mutant politics is at the forefront of this very well-made issue. Read Full Review

S.W.O.R.D. #5 is less of a story and more of a dressing down of Fabian Cortez by the mutants, or rather by Al Ewing. If you dislike or hate Cortez, then this book is up your wheelhouse as Ewing lays all his flaws bare. But if not, and this is your first exposure to the character, then skip it and wait for the next issue. Read Full Review

Kreniigh

Apr 25, 2021

This is exactly what I wanted in the Krakoa era -- smartly defined characters bouncing in unpredictable but logical ways against the concept.

Psycamorean

Apr 25, 2021

This was a great issue! Drag Fabian Cortez as hard as you want, Ewing. We all support you.

axdn

Apr 23, 2021

I can't stop pointing out how S.W.O.R.D is one of the greatest books out there, its art is gorgeous and its content is just amazing, if you haven't do yourself a favor and read one of the MOST important Marvel books out there.

Spacey Medicine

Sep 17, 2021

Damn we all really hate Fabian Cortez huh?

SenpaifenixJäger

Apr 21, 2021

A number full of intrigue and Cortez is not exactly a trustworthy person, his egocentricity, anger, hatred make him very dangerous. The council must be very careful with Cortez. I like the way the killings that are happening and the litigation with Cortez are interspersed, making this introduction quite interesting.

Lucas

Aug 21, 2024

I will always gawk at Valerio's art and designs.

CrazyforRAMU

Aug 28, 2021

Fabian Cortez gets his "let's not worry about murdering humans" day in court, and it's about as farcical as it should be. Meanwhile, Abigail Brand is engaging in some morally-shady sci-fi realpolitik -- and SWORD's bonkers pan-dimensional "Mysterium" harvesting is about to get explained. Exciting days! The script delivers plenty of material and the dialogue has some real cracking lines. The art, though … it's not bad, it just doesn't land as heavily as it could. My reaction to several panels was, "this would be the perfect place for some impressive art" rather than actually being impressed. (Plus, per the title, this issue is trying to do a film-snobby thing and evoke a specific movie genre that requires striking visuals, and they're m ostly MIA.) more

maelstron

Apr 22, 2021

Wastes too much time with cortez shit-talking