Writer – Jack Kirby
Artist – Jack Kirby
Inker – Mike Royer
Colours – Petra Goldberg
Letters – Mike Royer

“When they put a super-machine in a super-trap, they have to expect a.. super-escape!”  That is the opening blurb to the eighth issue which finds the title returning to form, more like the earlier books than the latter.  Continuing the storyline dealing with the after-effects of Ten-For’s appearance on Earth and X-51’s response to it, not to mention the fact that he is on trial, not only for his actions during that skirmish but simply because he exists and getting captured by some mobsters; suffice it to say, Machine Man has got his hands full.  Now that Dr. Spalding has gotten to safety, it is time for Machine Man to make good on his own getaway though it might mean more problems for X-51 down the line than it potentially solves.  Jack Kirby pulls out all the stops in this book featuring stronger writing and even stronger art than the previous few issues.  There is a lot of action, some of which is over-the-top and yet it all works wonderfully as it suits the character and the book perfectly.  At times it might feel a little dated and the villains a little generic, but it is only a minor thing and something that only takes a minute to get over as the story sucks one in.  One of the better things this title has showcased in almost every issue is the fact that no matter the situation, X-51 can find some way to manipulate his body to get out of it and it continues to remain one of the highlights of the title and something to always look forward to.  Imaginative stuff from the King on a book that proves why he earned the moniker.

4 out of 5