X-Force #3 Spoilers

Spoilers: In Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, Nuklo is wreaking havoc on the city. While X-Force is en route, Forge explains to Sage how the analog works. Upon their arrival, the team finds the city in ruins and many injured civilians. Forge notes that the fracture they’re looking for is still far off, thousands of miles to the north. Surge argues with Forge and disembarks from the X-Jet, insisting on prioritizing civilian aid. Meanwhile, Sage briefs the rest of the team, explaining that Nuklo is a mutant with accelerated growth, energy generation, strength, and durability, but with the mental capacity of a toddler. Forge points out that Nuklo isn’t the fracture they’re searching for, but they decide to stop him regardless.

Tank surprises Nuklo and engages him in hand-to-hand combat, but Nuklo easily overpowers him. Betsy manifests a giant telekinetic sword and strikes Nuklo in the chest while Rachel rescues Tank. Rachel then joins Betsy and attempts a psi-lock on Nuklo’s mind. Together, they enter Nuklo’s psyche. Inside, Rachel is attacked by Avengers-like figures that serve as psychic antibodies. Betsy and Rachel press on and discover an old Avengers mansion, which represents the core of Nuklo’s mind.

As they delve deeper, Betsy and Rachel briefly argue, with Rachel expressing doubts about Forge, while Betsy insists she trusts both him and Sage. They also discuss Tank’s identity, questioning who he really is and whether he’s even a person at all. Finally, they find what represents Nuklo’s core: a toddler who has been artificially regressed to this mental state by an unknown third party. The toddler lashes out at Betsy and Rachel, overwhelming their minds.

Meanwhile, Forge and Sage exit the jet and contact Surge to join them. Forge and Surge attack Nuklo together, but their combined efforts aren’t enough to withstand his power. Nuklo defeats the entire X-Force, leaving only Tank, who regains consciousness, as the last one standing to face him.