You know sometimes I start to write a review before even reading the issue. This will happen when you see the cover and want to write about it, or when you had lasting thoughts from last issue. This month for X is one of those moments. Usually our covers are very black... and red. This month’s cover is awesome though. It is totally out of the norm, and I love it. X is totally having a self-reflective moment, which will hopefully set up the issue perfectly. With the three bullet holes on him it makes you think his time is up. Last issue did leave us with one big explosion. Alright, let me read. This issue certainly hits some hard notes. And by that I mean some hard punches are taken. X obviously survives the explosion, but he does now face Gambler pretty beaten down. The whole issue revolves around their fight scene. I do love seeing the fights unfold. X always reminds me of an older man who just keep getting disease after disease but keeps on living. Something on the inside just won’t let him give up. It isn’t physical, it is 110% mental for these types.

The other story we flash to is Leigh. The last couple of issues we have flashed between these two stories, and I really get into the comic this way. Spending too much time with X makes my stomach queasy and too much time with Leigh builds rage. Since discovering that X used to know Tango, our current bad dude, Leigh wants to get in close to Tango. She lies and tells Tango’s camp that she wants to write a tell all book about him. This is her way of getting close. Not a bad way if we weren’t dealing with trained murders! She is one of those chicks that always gets herself in a bind. As I have said, Leigh is becoming a great character. I sort of like her fearless but at the same time scared shitless attitude. It accompanies X’s story nicely.

As far as plot goes, the story doesn’t give us anything. Sometimes you just need some action packed issues, and not a lot of dialogue. That is exactly what we get. I don’t love it all the time, but X needed this since he has this new code now. Plus I love when an issue can be read with using only the pictures. It tells a lot about an issue and the overall theme they are trying to get across. So the cover delivered with high action and some whoop ass on X. Gambler was a fun criminal. Although I have a feeling that Tango will be the best dance for X.  I would say for art purposes or sequencing pick up the issue for some pleasure on your eyes. If you are looking for a big reveal then pass. You will still understand the plot next issue.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Duane Swierczynski Artist: Daniel Maia Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 3/12/14