X-Factor # 5

[Roads]

I liked the art. Siryn looked really roughed up but still a hotty. This was a cool break from whats to come. I like a comic that has an ending.
And the justified kill was a bonus. Is it me or are the mutants getting overly abused. Siryn get all tied up and gets a broken leg and bitch slapped around. But, it's good to see flatscan Rictor come to the rescure without the need of any powers.

It was an OK issue. But, I hope this book picks up some speed because I only read it for the characters. I get tired of the same old mutants so I try to give other books a shot only to get dissapionted and go back to the regular mutants. I am giving New X-Men a shot but since HoM it's like they are tring to stretch a story that could be told in 1 issue into 4. That can be a waste of money. But that's the way Marvel has been doing us lately.

[TinMan]

I thought this was a great issue. Not many writers can pull off an interesting, off beat, random single issue story like PAD can (see Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #5 for another wonderful example). This issue gave us a particularly sick antagonist which he pulled off really well (I couldn't stand the SOB by the end of the book, so it shows PAD did his job well writing his character) and it definitely demonstrates that being a mutant doesn't always give you the advantage.

This issue was riddled w/ great drama and a real sense of suspense. Callero's art is pretty well just as impressive as Sook's and he handles the noir feeling just as well. So I give this issue... A 10! A 10! A FUGGIN 10!

[Rogue]

Yes, you guys got it right. I wasn't sure about XF at first but I can't stop buying so far. I was waiting for a good X-book to come around that didn't have the usual mutants. Rictor is getting lucky with the ladies ain't he? He gets saved by Layla, gets a free peek at M and saves the day with Siryn which I should will get him some points.

Rictor, the star????

[fishtaco]

I suppose it was okay. Not my favorite issue, but still somewhat decent. I didn't like how the plot was focused so specifically on Siryn and the crazy guy, I saw the "Candi says hi" thing coming. The art was pretty, but I felt like I could have gotten more out of this issue.

[Beast]

Wasn't very impressed by the issue. No, that's not harsh enough, I'd have to say I hated this issue. It was certainly the weakest issue of the series so far, for me. Too much focus on Siryn being tormented by the whacko. It played more like a a comic trying to shock the readership of the abuse and torture of a female character. I'm reading it for the interplay between the characters and the loose more relaxed team atmosphere that we saw in #1 - #4. This felt like a whole 'nother comic suddenly got dropped into the middle of the book out of nowhere. I almost had to check the front cover to be sure I was still reading X-Factor.

[lament]

I loved this issue, especially how it focused so much on Siryn and the crazy guy. My thoughts:

Terry: I really felt for her during this issue. PAD created a nice eerie tension during the story, and I was nervous for her.

Crazy Guy: He really creeped me out. Sure, his story was kind of bottled and familiar, but the whole atmosphere during the book really drew me in.

Ric: About time he gets to play the hero. I loved how he stupidly announced himself as he walked in. PAD could have easily had him come in all suave and make no mistakes, but that would have made Ric seem kind of plastic. The way it's written, Ric is good at what he does, but he's still capable of screwing up, and that makes him more believeable.

Creepy Guy's Death: Talk about creepy. The scene of Ric glancing up at his handiwork after killing that guy made me think of all those time in the Halloween movies, where Michael would inspect his handiwork after whacking someone. I like how Ric is becoming harder and more jaded, though. It suits his character.

The Ending Scene: Okay, I might be persuaded that Ric and Terry should hook up. They have a nice chemistry, and I really liked the final scene. And of course, we know he likes redheads...Rahne, *coughStarcough*...

[Beast]

The Ending Scene: Okay, I might be persuaded that Ric and Terry should hook up. They have a nice chemistry, and I really liked the final scene. And of course, we know he likes redheads...Rahne, *coughStarcough*...
Shatterstar wasn't a redhead, was he? ;) :D

[lament]

Wow, I'm surprised to see that no one else like this issue. :eek: I loved it. But then, I liked that the focus was away from the whole team for a while. And I love Terry and Ric, so they were a perfect characters to spotlight.

[Brian M.]

Shatterstar wasn't a redhead, was he? ;) :D


Just don't a picture please...I can't take another surpise like Logan/Cree. :)

[Beast]

Just don't a picture please...I can't take another surpise like Logan/Cree. :)
But Logan/Creed are so cute together. They're the only ones who could handle each other in the sack. :D

[Cayman]

I didn't quite get the rope scene. Did Rictor put the rope around the crazy guy's neck?

Cay

[Beast]

I didn't quite get the rope scene. Did Rictor put the rope around the crazy guy's neck?

Cay
It wasn't really very clear from the art. It looks like he pushed him back into them, and and then wrapped one around his throat. There's a 'WRAP!' sound effect in the panel. How Rictor didn't get stabbed doing all that, doesn't make much sense. And then when 'Whacko' is flailing, he cut the counter-weight with the scalpel and it pulled him up and hung him. It was a bit too much of a 'Lucky Break' for me. Or just a bit too illogical. But then the whole issue was rather weak. Hopefully next issue's 'Layla Miller' reveal is good.

[Cthulhudrew]

Hmm... from the "last issue" blurb, it looks like my theory about the Three Tryps is wrong, and that it was Tryp, Jr. that beat Siryn last issue. Kind of wondering why Tryp looked so different in the beginning of issue #4 and the end of the same issue now. A bit jarring.

[Steven F.]

I wasn't a big fan of the art...but I loved the issue focusing on Terry and Ric. Loved that part.

[Gaveedra 6]

I thought this issue was pretty cliche and predictable. And for a ranting psycho, I didnt think the madman said anything all that interesting.

I had super high hopes for this series, since I love the characters to no end, but I have to say it's not doing a whole lot for me. There haven't been alot of new ideas, IMO. PAD seems to just be scripting one witty, offbeat character interaction after another. And that's okay. But it doesn't suit the "noir" style at all. He clicked so well with Larry Stroman in his original X-Factor because of the off-beat tone they both brought to the book. Here, it's as if writer and artist are doing separate books.

And not to knock Callero. I thought he did a great job. The whole noir visual thing just feels forced. Someone along the lines of Mike Allred/Nick Dragotta might be cool.

I guess what I wanted to see in issue 4 was a new X-team gelling and getting down to the business of taking on Singularity. Hopefully that's next issue..

[Steven F.]

I did not like Stroman's artwork at all, and I find Allred almost as bad as Bachalo, so i am glad he is not on this book. However, I am not the BIGGEST fan of Calero's either.

[jetter_cheeze]

This issue demonstrates what PAD does best. It totally reminded me of how fun Young Justice would be and then a "dark" issue like this comes out to knock you off your socks and then in turn make the lighter issues that much more fun. Loved it.

[Hi-Fi]

Er...it was ok. The end was realy confusing with the rope and all. And I missed Jamie, Monet and...Layla Miller! :eek:

[Cayman]

It wasn't really very clear from the art. It looks like he pushed him back into them, and and then wrapped one around his throat. There's a 'WRAP!' sound effect in the panel. How Rictor didn't get stabbed doing all that, doesn't make much sense. And then when 'Whacko' is flailing, he cut the counter-weight with the scalpel and it pulled him up and hung him. It was a bit too much of a 'Lucky Break' for me. Or just a bit too illogical. But then the whole issue was rather weak. Hopefully next issue's 'Layla Miller' reveal is good.

Perhaps Layla knew it would happen and we just never were able to see her comment.

Cay

[The Lucky One]

This issue demonstrates what PAD does best. It totally reminded me of how fun Young Justice would be and then a "dark" issue like this comes out to knock you off your socks and then in turn make the lighter issues that much more fun. Loved it.

It's funny, that's the exact same thing I thought about when I read it. ;) I'll post more about it later when I'm not at work, but I thought it was... good, but not the best of this kind of story I've seen out of PAD. That's not to say it was bad, mind; I just got spoiled by Young Justice #15, the issue where Arrowette coldly, methodically stalked those two guys who killed her teacher. That was one hell of an issue, I'll tell ya. This one? Also good, but maybe just because the art wasn't as clean, not as much my style?... I dunno. Still absolute leagues ahead of most books being published today.

-D

[Zel]

There was a bit of a contradiction in the recap page.

First it says:
"So infuritaed was SI head Damian Trip Junior that he ambushed Siryn and viciously beat her..."

Then later it says:
"Oh, and Siryn was brutally beaten by an unknown assailant..."


So I guess they spoiled the identity of the mystery assailant. Oh well, a guy named Damian is suspect number one for just about everything anyway.

[Michael P]

There was a bit of a contradiction in the recap page.

First it says:
"So infuritaed was SI head Damian Trip Junior that he ambushed Siryn and viciously beat her..."

Then later it says:
"Oh, and Siryn was brutally beaten by an unknown assailant..."


So I guess they spoiled the identity of the mystery assailant. Oh well, a guy named Damian is suspect number one for just about everything anyway.
Yeah, but X-Factor doesn't read the preview pages, so to them, it's still a mystery.

[Mind Shadow]

I did not like Stroman's artwork at all, and I find Allred almost as bad as Bachalo, so i am glad he is not on this book. However, I am not the BIGGEST fan of Calero's either.

Well, when compared to DC Comics, Marvel's artwork isn't really that... how should I say it... good. :(

[Meta 05]

I didn't like this issue as much as the last.I think this was really getting alittle to dark for an X-book,but it may turn out alright. I like X-factor for its humor same with my spiderman.I really don't mind the darker element once in awhile but i want the funny stuff an punch lines we had in issue one and two, thats what really sold me on this book.

[Volk1]

Er...it was ok. The end was realy confusing with the rope and all. And I missed Jamie, Monet and...Layla Miller! :eek:

I just missed M :( Where are you Monet?

I thought this issue was awesome because it's one of the few books I can count on that's NOT going to be a bad read. I too, was getting totally sick of the doctor. I'm glad he got offed.

I love the fact that it basically starred Rictor. I wouldv'e been pissed if it was a Guido issue. :evilangry

And I can't wait to see the story of Syrin finding out about Banshee being dead. Should be a good read...Keep it up PAD!

[Faded]

I just missed M :( Where are you Monet?

I thought this issue was awesome because it's one of the few books I can count on that's NOT going to be a bad read. I too, was getting totally sick of the doctor. I'm glad he got offed.

I love the fact that it basically starred Rictor. I wouldv'e been pissed if it was a Guido issue. :evilangry

And I can't wait to see the story of Syrin finding out about Banshee being dead. Should be a good read...Keep it up PAD!

Agreed on all points!

Seriously, I'm not the biggest fan of Siryn, but this still was an incredibly interesting read. I find X-Factor to still be consistently awesome no matter who's being spotlighted--simply because I love PAD's writing (though I wouldn't be wild about a Strong Guy centric issue ;) Besides, too much of a good thing--i.e. the other characters--can be harmful. See other books at the moment as an example).

However, I am severely missing my Monet dosage!

The art is the only thing that is a turnoff--I have to relook and assume when it comes to some scenes. Pablo Raimondi, Mr. David!!! Reunite please!!! And then have Bishop cameo just for the hell of it so Pablo can draw his sexy ass again!!! :cool:

[Weapon Ick]

This issue was okay but not the greatest. i'm really glad the artwork was superb. It was nice to see a depowered mutant save the day. I think it's interresting that in the situation he was in, even if he had his powers, I don't think they would have been much use to him in beating the guy.

I can't wait to see the next issue detailing Layla Miller's origin. My theory is that she used to be a Powerpuff Girl.

[Haunt]

I didn't like this issue as much as the last.I think this was really getting alittle to dark for an X-book,but it may turn out alright. I like X-factor for its humor same with my spiderman.I really don't mind the darker element once in awhile but i want the funny stuff an punch lines we had in issue one and two, thats what really sold me on this book.

dark times for mutants. blame Wanda. :)

[Volk1]

Agreed on all points!

Hey, we agree a lot on things. Makes me feel like I'm a part of the team. Which team? I don't know..but a team nonetheless!

Seriously, I'm not the biggest fan of Siryn, but this still was an incredibly interesting read. I find X-Factor to still be consistently awesome no matter who's being spotlighted--simply because I love PAD's writing (though I wouldn't be wild about a Strong Guy centric issue ;) Besides, too much of a good thing--i.e. the other characters--can be harmful. See other books at the moment as an example).

Never had a care for Siryn until I read her in Deapools' series. If any woman can show love for an insane, scarred psycho, then she gets respect! Plus, she's an alcoholic. Not that that's a reason to feel sorry for her, but a reason to root her on so she could get off of it. However with Banshee's death, who knows how she's going to end up :(

Maybe we can get a DP appearance to console Theresa?

However, I am severely missing my Monet dosage!

Mmm....a Monet dosage...sounds delicious... :p

The art is the only thing that is a turnoff--I have to relook and assume when it comes to some scenes. Pablo Raimondi, Mr. David!!! Reunite please!!! And then have Bishop cameo just for the hell of it so Pablo can draw his sexy ass again!!! :cool:

Have to admit the art isn't as great as Sook's but I didn't think it was ugly or anything. It was right on par with what the book (or at least, this issue) called for. I would like to see Bishop make a cameo as well, since he has great knowledge of Mutant Town. He could really help out the X-Factor crew.

One other thing: I get that Rictor is depressed because of his depowerment, but so far he's killed twice in this series. Didn't he set a guy on fire too? And I think I'm liking these actions. I'm sure this was PAD's intent, but he's really fleshing out this character, making him feel utterly human (which he is now!). With all his emotions and sadness, I'm really enjoying this character more than ever right now. I think it's safe to say that PAD cannot leave this book now.

[UniqueFrequency]

okay i've finally read this

i have to agree it isn't as good as the first 4 issues, but it's still a decent read. I liked to have some focus on Richtor, but i missed Guido and Layla!

art wise, i think the replacement is a decent one for Sook... the tone of the book is still there

still loving X-Factor!!

[Alex A Sanchez]

Well, when compared to DC Comics, Marvel's artwork isn't really that... how should I say it... good. :(

Interesting you say that. I grew up in the era when DC was known for crappy art work and Marvel had all of the best artists: Todd McFarlain, Jim Lee, Whilace Portacio, Erik Larsen, Sam Keith, Dale Keone, Rob Liefeld (well, he was super popular with kids at the time), Marc Silvestry, Ron Lim, Art Adams, Mike Mignola, Steven Platt, the Kuberts, Joe Quesada, Joe Maduria. I guess all of these guys either left for Image or now work at D.C. I didn't really notice until you pointed that out.

As for X-Factor #5, we need to give credit to Calero for helping make this doctor guy super creepy- he was rendered excellently. I did miss the rest of the team, but being familair with PAD's writing, I also knew that this issue was just a one time break from the action and things will go back to the zaniness that passes for "regular" next issue.

And concerning Strong Guy and Larry Stroman: I'm a huge fan of both. Use caution when trash talking them. Guido was best when he was with Havok (I miss that guy). I also loved the Polaris/Guido interactions. Come to think of it, the only person I hated Guido with was Rhane :evilangry

[Mitsaso]

I really liked this issue! Yay Rictor!

The psycho's story didn't affect me as much though...and the rope scene wasn't exactly clear on what had happened.

I hope this has some consequenses on the forthcoming issues, so that this one won't feel so
out of synch" with the others. :)

[Madrox84]

I really enjoyed this issue, and yay from Rictor saving Terry... It was an interesting change from the previous issues...

As for the art Calero is good, but he's no Ryan Sook or say Pablo Raimondi...

[UniqueFrequency]

As for the art Calero is good, but he's no Ryan Sook or say Pablo Raimondi...

that's pretty true. it's a shame Sook left the book. I hope the new regular artist is good.

[Madrox84]

It is a shame that Sook left, at least he is still prviding covers... I'm hoping that Raimondi takes over after issue twelve, or sooner. I really liked his art in the Madrox mini-series.

[Cthulhudrew]

There was a bit of a contradiction in the recap page.

First it says:
"So infuritaed was SI head Damian Trip Junior that he ambushed Siryn and viciously beat her..."

Then later it says:
"Oh, and Siryn was brutally beaten by an unknown assailant..."

Hm. Now I'm not so sure that my theory is wrong. I hadn't noticed this. I suspect there is some miscommunication going on, and given that the artwork of the two people (Tryp Jr. and her assailant) was different, I think I am going to have to go back to my original theory. Or maybe not. I'm confused. :confused:

[Alex A Sanchez]

Hm. Now I'm not so sure that my theory is wrong. I hadn't noticed this. I suspect there is some miscommunication going on, and given that the artwork of the two people (Tryp Jr. and her assailant) was different, I think I am going to have to go back to my original theory. Or maybe not. I'm confused. :confused:

PAD said that Damian Tryp Jr. was the one who ambushed her (on his blog) to straighten out all of the confusion. He's well aware that there was a lot of confusion regarding the assailant, so maybe he tried to change things last minute since so many fans thought it was supposed to be a mystery?

[rilokyle]

I finally got around to buying my first X-Factor book, and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. It was such a creepy storyline, but I genuinely liked it. I think I'll have to look for the first four issues now cause I'm loving it.