This is one of the strongest chapters in the event for fans of the character. Marauders #14 perfects the art of social chatter and gatherings -- only with superheroes and a giant alligator man. Read Full Review

Readers, I wanted this X OF SWORDS event to take off! It was cookin before last week. Then, with X OF SWORDS: STASIS #1, as well as X-MEN #14 this week, I came into this issue with this sensation of an event that simply stalled out. So, to see the opening pages present MARAUDERS #14 as a dance party with drinks like some type of pleasure cruise, I was a bit taken back. However, I was genuinely surprised by how much enjoyment I got from this issue. From the character interactions to the further development of Isca and Pogg Ur-Pogg, this story shed some interesting light on both sides of this game and left me fascinated for the road to come. This issue was extremely well written by two class acts in comics that understand the dynamics between the characters and this event. The concept was easy to follow, well prepared, witty, and creatively got the cast of characters involved. Now, lets finally get to the fights shall we?! Enough is enough. I want fireworks! Let the tournament begin! Read Full Review

Marauders #14 aka X of Swords 13 of 22 delivers on many fronts from start to finish. Magik and Gorgon are a scene stealing duo that induce grins every panel they grace. Comedy flows on numerous pages, an aquatic dance with death mesmerizes and Duggan sticks the cliffhanger landing. Read Full Review

Overall I enjoyed the feast. What disappoints me is how long we are waiting for the tournament to begin. It's almost too much exposition and filler, and not enough action. With ten battles coming and only nine chapters left, I wonder how rushed the battles will end up being? Read Full Review

This comic really shines a light on how weak some of these new protagonists are as characters. The enemy team is largely unknown and they don't have the same amount of depth as the X-Men do. Hopefully during the next few issues, we can elaborate on some of the characters a little bit. If I can't connect to most of these antagonists then what is the point. Otherwise, it is just fight scene after fight scene. Read Full Review

At least this issue has some nice character moments, even if all the bad guys in this series are wafer-thin characters. Read Full Review

Theres a lot of fun wits and dramatically tense ideas on this issue. Sadly, the characters forced chemistry, the rigid pacing and structure, and a shifting but not emotionally cohesive art make it fall as a filler in the XoS greater narrative. Read Full Review

I enjoyed this a lot. I like all the characters, so an issue built almost entirely in their interactions is a very good time to me.

A well-written issue here that really kicks the second half of this crossover into a higher gear. I really appreciated how this worked as an establishment and setup issue in terms of the champions of Krakoa and Arakko, respectively, meeting each other at a dinner party before going against each other. Plus, Caselli delivered with the art as per usual.

It's fancy dinner time for the assembled champions of Krakoa and Arakko. It's all subtle assessments and veiled barbs -- until it suddenly isn't. Stefano Caselli does an incredible job on the huge cast and wild setting; this is gorgeous. And the script is terrific, too. Most of the mutants are being extremely clever here, and I do love clever heroes.

When I see this issue's unexplained red ratings, I can't help but imagine a pack of kindergarten boys frustrated to the point of breathless tears, blubbering out "Wuh-wuh-why don't they fuh-fuh-fight already?!"

Characters with personalities interacting with one another. Refreshing.

I liked this, it had good vibes.

Could be looked at as filler but this is way better than this weeks X-Men issue. There's been a lack of character interaction overall in X of Swords so it was nice to get one issue dedicated to both sides hashing it out.

XOS Ch. 13: This was a build-up issue done right (looking at you Hickman)! Great character moments all around.

Truth be told, it's been a week since I read this, and I don't remember a whole lot, other than a vague idea that it was an above average issue for this series.