X-Factor #8- review and spoilers [Archive] - Comic Book Resources Forums

The Lucky One

06-28-2006, 11:32 AM

Holy $#!+. The Astonishing X-Men had better grab their books and pencils, because they're about to get schooled.

For those complaining that there hasn't been much advancement in the plot, or that X-Factor was kind of treading water, this issue should change their opinions substantially. Let's get to the summary:

We start with Madrox telling Siryn that Cyclops called to warn them that Quicksilver might be showing up, that he's dangerous, and that they should immediately call the X-Men if he turns up. In fact, Quicksilver IS just outside the front door at the time, but Layla throws a rock at some nearby hoods and tells them Pietro did it, so they chase him off. Meanwhile, Jamie and Guido visit a grungy, back-room DNA lab and find out that Tryp is of a different sub-species... he's apparently neither human nor mutant, but he's not an alien either, his origins are decidedly human. (So wouldn't that make him... a Neo? Never mind, forget I asked.) In addition, the DNA guy reveals, as we expected, that Tryp and Tryp Jr. have identical DNA- they're the same guy.

While they're doing that, M and Rictor get a visit from... Jamie Madrox. But a much better-dressed Jamie, clad in suit and tie, who tells them he's there to register them under the Superhero Registration Act. When they ask under whose authority, he answers that it's under the authority of... Jamie Madrox, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.!!! (Sorry, I'm just geeking out, I just thought that was so cool. Apparently Jamie sent a dupe off to study espionage and Val Cooper hooked him up w/ S.H.I.E.L.D.) Rictor having no powers and M "nothing to hide," they both register.

Meanwhile... as predicted, Siryn did indeed notice that Cyclops was only pretending not to know Layla Miller, and is suspicious. Thanks to a paranoid dupe and what Tryp said last issue, Jamie tells everyone they should start questioning the X-Men again, who already claimed they don't know anything about the Decimation. Siryn runs across Spider-Man and helps him foil a mugging... but then uses her entracement powers to make him spill the beans about the House of M. Whoops! Furious, she calls Jamie and tells him that Cyclops lied, that the X-Men DO know what was behind the Decimation. Thus, as I said earlier, the Astonishing team should probably prepare themselves for a beatdown post haste.

Oh, and the guys who were chasing Quicksilver are former mutants, so he gives them powers back, to Layla's shock... apparently Pietro was supposed to use his time-slip power to escape them and get smacked by a bus when he materialized, killing him. Layla theorizes that Pietro, being Wanda's brother, has a bit of her chaos magic in his DNA and thus is harder for her to predict. The issue ends with him coming back to X-Factor HQ, warning Layla not to interfere with him again, and preparing to go inside.

Uh, yeah... next issue? Big things a-brewin'!

I loved the issue, felt like it did a nice job of giving everyone on the team something to do, advanced both the Decimation and Tryp plots (while also giving nods to Civil War), and is on the brink of a helluva next issue. Other opinions?

(Oh, and the letters page has a funny little note by Peter David where he talks about his conversation with editor Andy Schmitt about Banshee's death. "Uhm, Andy... Banshee just died. Is he really dead?" "He did? Lemme check. [an hour passes] Yeah. He's dead." "Well, geez, Siryn should really react to that, shouldn't she?" "Yeah, that'd be good.")

-D

Keith_Martineau

06-28-2006, 12:39 PM

This thing is coming out in Premiere Edition hardback.

I haven't read a single issue.

But I'm snapping that stuff up soon as it's released.

HellFrost

06-28-2006, 01:18 PM

Great Issue. Monet's hand stand was a funny scene. I loved the whole Rock being thrown and stuff. Layla is so awesome, even if you want to hate her you can't.:)

I think there needs to be more Monet usage... she doesn't have enough for the powers she's got.

P.S. her handbook entry today SUCKS!!!!!!!! they totally made every stat lower than what it really is................:evilangry

riotgear

06-28-2006, 01:20 PM

Only problem is: there is no Chaos Magic, remember? Bendis made a big deal about stating this in Disassembled. But then, Bendis has been known to be wrong before. ;)

Beast

06-28-2006, 02:07 PM

Only problem is: there is no Chaos Magic, remember? Bendis made a big deal about stating this in Disassembled. But then, Bendis has been known to be wrong before. ;)
No, Dr. Strange is the one who said there wasn't. Just because a character says something, doesn't mean that it is fact. It was a good issue, probably the best one so far, given the book has been really slow and dull lately. Looking forward to #9, to see where things go with this. Poor Spider-Man though, this is the second time he's been punked by someone picking his brain to find out what caused Decimation.

Christopher O

06-28-2006, 02:10 PM

This was a great issue, as usual. Siryn and Layla are easily my favorites, and once again, that what reaffirmed within the book, although I love Monet and Rictor, too.

The Lucky One

06-28-2006, 02:17 PM

Poor Spider-Man though, this is the second time he's been punked by someone picking his brain to find out what caused Decimation.

True, true. At least this time it was via a hot redhead seducing him, though... if you've gotta give it up (so to speak), that's probably the way to go.

-D

Dizzy D

06-28-2006, 02:30 PM

Meanwhile, Jamie and Guido visit a grungy, back-room DNA lab and find out that Tryp is of a different sub-species... he's apparently neither human nor mutant, but he's not an alien either, his origins are decidedly human. (So wouldn't that make him... a Neo? Never mind, forget I asked.)

There are at least a couple of dozen pre-existing subspecies of humanity already in Marvel before you have to get to the Neo.. plus enough possibilities for new subspecies to show up.

Layla theorizes that Pietro, being Wanda's brother, has a bit of her chaos magic in his DNA and thus is harder for her to predict.

Makes sense actually, both born on Wundagore and only Wanda gets some of that Chthon-magic in her?

DDM

06-28-2006, 03:24 PM

No, Dr. Strange is the one who said there wasn't. Just because a character says something, doesn't mean that it is fact. It was a good issue, probably the best one so far, given the book has been really slow and dull lately. Looking forward to #9, to see where things go with this. Poor Spider-Man though, this is the second time he's been punked by someone picking his brain to find out what caused Decimation.

Bendis still said Chaos Magic does not exist through Doctor Strange in Avengers Disassembled. However, Doctor Strange uses chaos magic throughout Strange Tales #1-19 (second series). Bendis is just ignoring continuity to make his implausible story seem plausible.

The Real Rogue

06-28-2006, 03:28 PM

So M and Rictor are both pro-registration?

Bummer!!!

Hiromi

06-28-2006, 03:41 PM

I think its safe to say that M's in the "whatever" category.

Sam T.

06-28-2006, 03:42 PM

Wow I can't wait to get my hands on this book!!

Young Avenger

06-28-2006, 03:52 PM

So M and Rictor are both pro-registration?

Bummer!!!

I wouldn't say they were pro-registration. It was more of a "Why not" kind of thing. Rictor has no powers and M likes to show hers off. No harm will be brought to them by registering.

superhornet34

06-28-2006, 07:26 PM

Pietro can give people their powers back. I thought depowered meant depowered?

Oh, and the guys who were chasing Quicksilver are former mutants, so he gives them powers back, to Layla's shock... apparently Pietro was supposed to use his time-slip power to escape them and get smacked by a bus when he materialized, killing him. Layla theorizes that Pietro, being Wanda's brother, has a bit of her chaos magic in his DNA and thus is harder for her to predict. The issue ends with him coming back to X-Factor HQ, warning Layla not to interfere with him again, and preparing to go inside.

I dont read all those mini series so I didnt read Son Of M. so Pietro can just walk around granting people powers back? Why?

Faded

06-28-2006, 07:37 PM

Callero's M is hilarious! I love her strange facial expressions!

This book is just...great!

Siryn/Spidey--GOLD!

I officially like Layla! Her and Quicksilver are going to be priceless.

Excitement! The truth is out!

Pietro is near!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

The Lucky One

06-28-2006, 07:44 PM

I dont read all those mini series so I didnt read Son Of M. so Pietro can just walk around granting people powers back? Why?

I didn't read it either, but from what I can tell, he stole some of the Inhumans' Terrigen Mists, which is what grants them their powers, and set about using them on depowered mutants. Problem is, the mists don't actually restore powers, they change them- Pietro no longer has super-speed, now he can sort of time-jump, as I understand it. Likewise, the two guys he repowered this issue had trouble: one could fly again but could no longer land, so he floated away; the other melted into a gooey puddle and slipped through a sewer grate. Not exactly your ideal situation; so if Rictor's thinking of using them next issue, he'd better watch out or he's liable to wake up with his lower body turned to topsoil or something.

-D

Volk1

06-28-2006, 08:06 PM

Not exactly your ideal situation; so if Rictor's thinking of using them next issue, he'd better watch out or he's liable to wake up with his lower body turned to topsoil or something.
-D

I had the exact same fear after this issue. After first being totally excited about Jlulio getting his powers back, I am now nervously biting my fingernails. I know PAD couldn't possibly kill him off, but I'm now hoping Rictor doesn't get too hurt by what Peitro might do for him.:(

I also think Peitro should be the next great X-Men villain. Look at his powers now, they affect mutants on a very negative scale. I can't think of a worse thing to happen if you're a mutant, other than to lose your powers completely, is to have them go bonkers and ultimately destroy you. Pietro has this sort of destructive power now.

I love me some Julio/Monet interaction. I'm changing my hope from a Julio/Rahne hookup to a Julio/Monet. They're so fun!:)

I'd love to see Layla get exposed and to why she was keeping the HoM secret away from them. How is the rest of the X-Factor crew going to react to her after they completely find out? Rictor's going to go mad!

Can't wait til next issue. This series is still one of the better X-books out right now. And the way PAD was talking about future issues 10-12 and 13 (where the X-Factor crew goes through psychiatry sessions), makes me want to read all of them right now!

Jack

06-28-2006, 08:11 PM

Pietro actually merged with the sample of Terrigen Crystals he kept, which is why he can give people powers. For some reason he can also now sense if someone used to be a mutant or not.

Terrigen Mists seem to give former mutants back their old powers in a new and unstable form. For example, Pietro can now vibrate so fast he travels into the future, but at first the power was withering his body, so he needed to expose himself some more, making them permanent and apparently not dangerous to him.

So whether he could actually give other people stable powers is unknown. But he's a dick, so he just touches them and leaves, invariably causing them to die or go crazy.

drwho

06-28-2006, 08:33 PM

You would think by now Pietro would realize that him giving thier powers back aint helping them.

HellFrost

06-28-2006, 08:38 PM

You would think by now Pietro would realize that him giving thier powers back aint helping them.
I love Pietro... but the fool hasn't stuck around long enough to see if there were any side effects...

rilokyle

06-28-2006, 08:46 PM

Ooooh, I can't wait to pick this up tomorrow. It sounds like a great issue, and that things are beginning to intensify. This book never fails to amaze me. :)

Rokk

06-28-2006, 08:51 PM

I gave this issue a good review.

I think that David is hitting his stride on this title. I like the off-beat tone of X-Factor. We finally got more information on Tryp and his son Junior. Plus, X-Factor finally found out that the X-Men know more about Decimation than they have admitted.

I also dig Calero's artwork. It fits the tone and mood of the story.

X-Factor is a nice change of pace and is one of my favorite titles right now.

Haunt

06-28-2006, 09:31 PM

I love Pietro... but the fool hasn't stuck around long enough to see if there were any side effects...

well he should know since he's been to the future. he said something about knowing that things would end badly but he had to claim his destiny at the end of his solo series.

stealthwise

06-29-2006, 12:13 AM

I love Pietro... but the fool hasn't stuck around long enough to see if there were any side effects...

I'm pretty sure he knew, given that those jerks were trying to kick his ass for the rock that Layla threw. So he gave them a dose of power without control.

Incidentally, this series rocks far more than it should. Give mega-credit to Peter David for writing such an entertaining series around some crapass Marvel crossovers.

HellFrost

06-29-2006, 12:18 AM

I'm pretty sure he knew, given that those jerks were trying to kick his ass for the rock that Layla threw. So he gave them a dose of power without control.

I don't think that's what happened. I'm pretty sure he made them stop chasing him by offering them the chance. The way the flying guy made it sound was that he promised them power... and gave it with the price...

Think about it though, every power that went bad(all of them) Pietro went on his merry way either right or a few hours before hand. He's never seen the after effects. He also doesn't know that the mists wear off.:)

Bobster777

06-29-2006, 02:16 AM

I really liked this issue. I'm glad they finally figured out the mystery to HOM. Also, I really hope Layla doesn't die. I don't know if I'm in the minority, but I really like her character. It would be cool if she had a greater purpose. I mean she and Wolverine were the only ones who remembered anything during HOM.

Schmakt

06-29-2006, 07:44 AM

I think I need to read this again... as it stands, this was probably my least favorite issue of the series. Still good... just my least favorite.

The SHIELD Madrox guy is a cool idea... and the stuff with Trypp and Jr. is a neat idea... excited to see what happens with that. I guess that's about it... need to reread it, cuz everyone seems to like it much better than I did...

mattbib

06-29-2006, 07:50 AM

I both love and hate the Pietro/Layla evil discussion. Is there no chance of redemption for Pietro?

Jack

06-29-2006, 07:56 AM

I both love and hate the Pietro/Layla evil discussion. Is there no chance of redemption for Pietro?There's a chance right there in her dialogue. Pietro is infected with chaos.

Traser

06-29-2006, 08:49 AM

I both love and hate the Pietro/Layla evil discussion. Is there no chance of redemption for Pietro?

I think at this rate the only redemption he can gain is in death or sacrifice on some level. I really like Pietro, it's a shame seeing him go deeper and deeper down this dark path but he could end up being an excellent villian.

I cant stand Layla Millar and honestly I still dont quite understand her necessity. So she knows stuff big friggin deal. Decimation came and went the world should move on. Having her around is a joke. Honestly, would the story change that much if she wasnt around? I think it would give them more time to focus on Tryp and Cyke lying about Decimation which in itself makes no sense to me. They should have just come clean, especially since no one remembers anything anyway. Honesty is the best policy. I know it inhibits the story but think about it, what reaction could they possible have other then lets go get Pietro. They dont remember crap, so it's more of a "Oh well that sucks....whats for lunch? Pizza?"

Hi-Fi

06-29-2006, 09:13 AM

My favorite X-Factor issue. Everything was incredible, and Layla and Monet were hilarious! Can't wait to read 9.

The Lucky One

06-29-2006, 09:46 AM

Mariah

06-29-2006, 09:49 AM

In other news, issue #13 is slated to have the team visiting a psychiatrist in an homage to issue 87, maybe the most famous issue of PAD's first run on X-Factor. It could be really awesome, but I'm just a bit nervous... it's hard to catch lightning in a bottle twice, and #87 was sooo good. I just hope that, with the rotating artists, they get someone really talented to draw it; the art in the original was a major part of what made it so good.

-D
Wasn't that Joe Q who did that issue? I'm pretty sure, but I could be wrong. Wouldn't that be a kick if Joe did this one also?

Sentinel K

06-29-2006, 10:01 AM

In other news, issue #13 is slated to have the team visiting a psychiatrist in an homage to issue 87, maybe the most famous issue of PAD's first run on X-Factor. It could be really awesome, but I'm just a bit nervous... it's hard to catch lightning in a bottle twice, and #87 was sooo good. I just hope that, with the rotating artists, they get someone really talented to draw it; the art in the original was a major part of what made it so good.

-D

Yeah I had mixed feelings when i read about that. I absolutely loved #87, it was so good, but I have trouble seeing it working again for this new team.

We'll see though. I look forward to it in any case.

Sentinel K

06-29-2006, 10:02 AM

Wasn't that Joe Q who did that issue? I'm pretty sure, but I could be wrong. Wouldn't that be a kick if Joe did this one also?

Yeah i think it was joe Q.

Agreed, that would be pretty cool.

Scavenger

06-29-2006, 11:13 AM

Beast

06-29-2006, 11:22 AM

This book is a just a mess.

C'mon, raise your hand....who else had forgotten Monet was in the book? Not that you could tell she was there this time with the murkiness of the art.

X-Factor is supposed to be solving the big mystery....that no one cares about. It was supposed to be a big deal, what caused everyone to lose their powers...but no one mentioned it to the other writers at Marvel, as the X-Books either already knew or didn't care that HOM had happened, and the other areas seemed to forget as well. Avengers only just did their big HOM followup...and it was Bendis who did all this! FF...why hasn't Reed been working non-stop to figure out what was going on...isn't he the smartest guy in the world...with a Mutant son? Layla Miller gets shoved into this book so Bendis latest "Creation" can be somewhere. Peter David makes lemonade out of her, but likely someone realised how dumb X-Factor not learning the cause of HOM was, so her entire "They can't find out the cause" just because moot.

We have a Madrox coming to register X-Factor...except the mutants don't need registering...we're told that in EVERY CW interview, because the government knows who the 198 are. Why does this happen...it's right there int he letter col. "There's no mechanism in place for writers to know what's going on in the different books". There used to be, though. It was called COMPETENT EDITORS.
She's been in every issue, she's just not the major focus of every one. Eventually she'll get a story, but until then I don't see the problem with how Monet is being used. She's in character, after all.

The X-Books have already dealt with HoM/Decimation. Many of the X-Men know what the cause of it was. Same with many of the Avengers. They've been keeping it quiet, because people finding out that a mutant caused it will cause big problems for the rest of the mutant population that remains. After all, a mutant who has enough power to rewrite reality on a massive scale would not put anyone at ease about the 'Mutant Problem'. And no, Layla Millar's cause didn't just become moot, she still has the purpose of preventing the information from spreading and causing more problems, as well as Quicksilver for making things worse.

Actually, the X-Men and the 198 don't need to register, as they're already automatically registered due to O*N*E and Val Cooper presence at the School. However, X-Factor isn't a part of the 198 group, nor are they members of the X-Men at the moment. So it's logical that they would have to be registered as well, if they wanted to continue with their activities. Whether more will occur with that, is another matter.

The Lucky One

06-29-2006, 11:27 AM

Actually, the X-Men and the 198 don't need to register, as they're already automatically registered due to O*N*E and Val Cooper presence at the School. However, X-Factor isn't a part of the 198 group, nor are they members of the X-Men at the moment. So it's logical that they would have to be registered as well, if they wanted to continue with their activities. Whether more will occur with that, is another matter.

It's also a way of covertly finding out where their loyalties lie. Their identities may be known, but whether they'll take Cap's side or be suitable for recruitment into the hero-hunting ranks is a big question... by sending someone they know, S.H.I.E.L.D. is probably trying to subtly win them over to their side without spooking them into joining Cap just on reflex and principle. Jamie Madrox is NOT someone you want working against you.

-D

Beast

06-29-2006, 11:32 AM

The Lucky One

06-29-2006, 12:29 PM

I'm just hoping that next issue isn't going to be horrid. Everytime they have one of those 'Hero vs. Hero' stories, one of the groups (usually the cameo characters) get written like total chumps and are written badly just so the heroes of the book can get a win over them. Just look at X-Men vs. Runaways from Free Comic Book Day. Hopefully the much hyped 'X-Factor vs. Astonishing X-Men' isn't going to end up like that.

Well, hopefully it'll be a good fight. X-Factor has the definite edge in manueverability with two fliers (versus Astonishing's zero), which helps. To be fair to the AXM, they're one of the few teams where Madrox wouldn't be very effective against most of their members- Beast is too agile for him, Kitty can just play keepaway by phasing, Wolverine's claws would kill him instead of making him duplicate, Emma can shut him down telepathically before he gets near her, and Colossus could just stand there while Jamie & his dupes exhaust themselves on his steel skin. Cyclops is really his best target, as one optic blast from Scott would create about 20 Jamies to take on. M might be able to take out Emma, but Wolfsbane would have trouble with Beast and/or Wolverine. On the other hand, we saw just recently what happens when Pete takes on someone who absorbs kinetic energy, so he should probably refrain from fighting Strong Guy. Siryn's sonic scream could probably take out either Colossus or (with his enhanced hearing) Wolverine, though. And I'm betting on Layla finding some way to keep Kitty out of the fight.

Well, we'll see...

-D

Bobster777

06-29-2006, 01:43 PM

The Lucky One

06-29-2006, 01:56 PM

I would love to see Madrox just make an army of dupes. I never understand why he doesn't do that. No matter how strong you are, it is impossible to take on a million people.

1) Jamie has limits- in the past he's only been able to create 40 dupes at once before he stops splitting. His powers may have grown since then, but it's doubtful he could create a hundred dupes at once, let alone a million.

[Note: the one exception to this was during the Age of Apocalypse, where there were hundreds, perhaps thousands of "Madri" running around as priests of Apocalypse; however, this was the result of horrible genetic experiments that left the original Jamie a ruined, near-mindless shell of a person.]

2) If you're fighting a guy made of steel who can lift 80 tons, simply having a lot of warm bodies who can punch him will accomplish something between "nil" and "zilch."

-D

Bobster777

06-29-2006, 01:59 PM

1) Jamie has limits- in the past he's only been able to create 40 dupes at once before he stops splitting. His powers may have grown since then, but it's doubtful he could create a hundred dupes at once, let alone a million.

2) If you're fighting a guy made of steel who can lift 80 tons, simply having a lot of warm bodies who can punch him will accomplish something between "nil" and "zilch."

-D

Okay, thanks for the explanation of his powers.

Of course, get Strong Guy or M on Colossus. The dupes should go after Cyclops. 10 dupes can attack him from the front to distract his then the rest can attack from the back.

jarrod

06-29-2006, 02:08 PM

The X-Books have already dealt with HoM/Decimation. Many of the X-Men know what the cause of it was.
Not all the X-men know though, and Scott's team seems to be deliberately hiding it from the other squads. You'd think the conflict with X-Factor would pale in comparison to the inevitable internal friction once Ororo, Kurt, Rachel, Lorna, Alex, Rogue, Sam, Bishop, Bobby, Shan, Dani, etc, etc find out.

Kurt's even gone to Scott a few times with what little information that TJ, Brian and Rachel seem to remember... there's gotta be some suspicion there too? Maybe the Astonishing team keeping the HOM secret is part of the reason for Bru's team taking off too?

Well, hopefully it'll be a good fight. X-Factor has the definite edge in manueverability with two fliers (versus Astonishing's zero), which helps. To be fair to the AXM, they're one of the few teams where Madrox wouldn't be very effective against most of their members- Beast is too agile for him, Kitty can just play keepaway by phasing, Wolverine's claws would kill him instead of making him duplicate, Emma can shut him down telepathically before he gets near her, and Colossus could just stand there while Jamie & his dupes exhaust themselves on his steel skin. Cyclops is really his best target, as one optic blast from Scott would create about 20 Jamies to take on. M might be able to take out Emma, but Wolfsbane would have trouble with Beast and/or Wolverine. On the other hand, we saw just recently what happens when Pete takes on someone who absorbs kinetic energy, so he should probably refrain from fighting Strong Guy. Siryn's sonic scream could probably take out either Colossus or (with his enhanced hearing) Wolverine, though. And I'm betting on Layla finding some way to keep Kitty out of the fight.

Well, we'll see...

-D
How 'bout Lockheed? :)

The Lucky One

06-29-2006, 02:15 PM

How 'bout Lockheed? :)

I can just see him now, chasing Rictor down the street. "Ow! Get away, you stupid thing, those flames are really... ah! Dammit, dragon, you're going to pay for th- OW!!!"

-D

Affinity

06-29-2006, 03:10 PM

Hahah I loved this issue. Fabulous end splash, too, how cool was that? Everyone arriving.

M and Rictor (why? He's not powered) registering was funny and will be brought back in the future, for sure. If Jamie Madrox duplicate registered, is Jamie Madrox original registered as well? This falls into the legal stuff about his mutation...is he responsible for something a clone does?

Don't forget that Guido mentioned Madrox was talking to the clone that was with him by the phone for a bit, wonder what that's about.

LAYLA! Such awesomeness. I hope we find out WHO is making her do whatever it is she is doing.

Haunt

06-29-2006, 03:34 PM

Don't forget that Guido mentioned Madrox was talking to the clone that was with him by the phone for a bit, wonder what that's about.

Jamie has been kind of secretive about the 'evolution' of his powers. i doubt that Guido knows that the dupes are becoming more and more unpredictable; representing different states of mind (like the paranoid dupe).

The Lucky One

06-29-2006, 03:39 PM

Don't forget that Guido mentioned Madrox was talking to the clone that was with him by the phone for a bit, wonder what that's about.

That was the paranoid dupe... I think we're meant to infer that his rantings, combined with what Tryp said last issue, are what made Jamie reconsider that Cyclops might be lying to him about the Decimation.

-D

Affinity

06-29-2006, 04:56 PM

Ah, lol.

Thanks, guys.

Michael P

06-29-2006, 06:01 PM

Why is everyone assuming there's going to be a physical fight? I'd think a screaming match would be more likely.

Peter David

06-29-2006, 06:18 PM

Effect

06-29-2006, 06:45 PM

This was a great issue. :) This is why X-Factor is my favorite X-title along with New Excalibur.

Why is everyone assuming there's going to be a physical fight? I'd think a screaming match would be more likely.

Could be that a lot of people want to see the Astonishing team "get theirs"? I wouldn't mind seeing X-Factor just going off on Cyclops and crew, as long as Kitty didn't get to hurt and M managed to reduce Emma to a crying baby. Forget everything else, lets just have that happen to Emma for an entire issue. :)

Still can't wait to see what happens when they confront the X-men.

Beast

06-29-2006, 07:01 PM

"Much hyped?"

I don't think it was even in the solicitations. The only place it's been mentioned is an on line interview with me and in the letters page.

Boy, I think that's the first time that anyone has ever accused "X-Factor" as "much hyped."

PAD
No need to be snippy, PAD. But in the immortal words of Princess Leia, "I guess that's what you're best at." Well, that and writing of course. There's just been a long tradition of the 'guest stars' jobbing for the stars of the book they're appearing for. Especially in 'Hero Vs. Hero' stuff. And regardless of whether you want to claim otherwise, it has been 'much hyped', as much as anything in comics is now adays. It's been mentioned in online interviews and in the letters page, that is hyping something that's coming up. And I think it may have said 'Guest Starring the 'Astonishing X-Men' in the solicits, but I don't have my order books for it handy. I'll dig it out later.

Madrox84

06-29-2006, 09:39 PM

streator

06-29-2006, 09:50 PM

"Much hyped?"

I don't think it was even in the solicitations. The only place it's been mentioned is an on line interview with me and in the letters page.

Boy, I think that's the first time that anyone has ever accused "X-Factor" as "much hyped."

PAD
hello mr. david.
thanks for spending time coming here.
i didn't know that the astonishing team was going to be in x-factor until i saw it on here nor do i think that the book is overly promoted/hyped whatsoever.
regardless, i am looking forward to the issue and where pietro will end up.

Bobster777

06-29-2006, 09:56 PM

Great issue! It really looks like things will be kicking up a gear with the next issue, i wonder how things will go with Quicksilver.

This series is my favourite X-Title at the moment. But that may be changing soon...

I can't wait till the Astonishing group sees Quicksilver. I bet they are still pretty ticked off at him for causing so much trouble.

Madrox84

06-29-2006, 09:59 PM

"Much hyped?"

I don't think it was even in the solicitations. The only place it's been mentioned is an on line interview with me and in the letters page.

Boy, I think that's the first time that anyone has ever accused "X-Factor" as "much hyped."

PAD

I'm looking forward to the issue, but i wouldn't say that it i has been hyped at all... I only found out about it because i frequent this site.

I can't wait till the Astonishing group sees Quicksilver. I bet they are still pretty ticked off at him for causing so much trouble.

That will be very interesting to see.

Beast

06-29-2006, 10:00 PM

I can't wait till the Astonishing group sees Quicksilver. I bet they are still pretty ticked off at him for causing so much trouble.
Especially considering all the people he's killed since HoM.

Madrox84

06-29-2006, 10:05 PM

Especially considering all the people he's killed since HoM.

Indeed, he really does need a good beating. Hopefully the Astonishing X-Men will be able to oblige.

Peter David

06-30-2006, 06:04 AM

No need to be snippy, PAD. But in the immortal words of Princess Leia, "I guess that's what you're best at." .

I wasn't being anything other than amused, especially just having read comments elsewhere from a retailer who was voicing the opinion that X-Factor is far less pushed or promoted than any other X-book.

But don't let lack of intent deter you from writing something insulting.

PAD

Peter David

06-30-2006, 06:06 AM

hello mr. david.
thanks for spending time coming here.
i didn't know that the astonishing team was going to be in x-factor until i saw it on here nor do i think that the book is overly promoted/hyped whatsoever.
regardless, i am looking forward to the issue and where pietro will end up.

Shhh! Don't say that. People will start saying you're a sycophant or a brown noser or a flunky or something if you agree with me. If you value your reputation, just back away slowly and pretend you don't know me...

PAD

jarrod

06-30-2006, 07:05 AM

especially just having read comments elsewhere from a retailer who was voicing the opinion that X-Factor is far less pushed or promoted than any other X-book.
I guess this retailer doesn't carry Exiles or New Excalibur? Granted they're not up to X-Factor quality (smooch) but they're also not big name HOM tie-ins with Astonishing guest stars that get immediate hardback collections. ;)

Majinlex

06-30-2006, 07:12 AM

This Layla kid is awesome.
"What do you do when you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders?"
"I shrug".
Great line.

Beast

06-30-2006, 08:14 AM

I wasn't being anything other than amused, especially just having read comments elsewhere from a retailer who was voicing the opinion that X-Factor is far less pushed or promoted than any other X-book.

But don't let lack of intent deter you from writing something insulting.

PAD
Well, you have a reputation of being surly. Many people who have met you in person at conventions have said as such over the years. So your comment came off more as you being condescending rather than amused.

Hi-Fi

06-30-2006, 09:14 AM

Hi, PAD.

Loving X-Factor, but wating for a Monet spotlight. She has been hilarious since issue 1, but I would enjoy seeing her at the center of a story. The question is when??

Volk1

06-30-2006, 12:51 PM

Mr. David,

If you come back, when are we going to see the girls fight over Rictor, like you mentioned before X-Factor #1 even came out? With Julio's/Rhane's history, I'm surprised we haven't seen them interact more on a personal level. I'm loving the Julio/Monet interaction as well and wouldn't mind them being together (they're so fun!) but then, if I could recall, I think you said Theresa was going to be in the mix as well - her leaning on his shoulder because of her alcoholism......

Anyway, I know there are more important story-lines to showcase in the book but am just intrigued at this potential storyline that could hopefully bring everyone's favorite depowered mutant some goshdarn happiness!:cool:

Faded

06-30-2006, 01:25 PM

Hi PAD!

*your writing is so dreamy*

I second Hi-Fi in more Monet and bring on the cameos! Confirm a few more powered/depowered obscure characters if ya like! ;)

Thanks for writing my tied favorite title.

Affinity

06-30-2006, 02:10 PM

This Layla kid is awesome.
"What do you do when you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders?"
"I shrug".
Great line.
My brother said its from some really hardcore philosophy or something book...I agree, it's really an awesome lime.

Sentinel K

06-30-2006, 02:19 PM

My brother said its from some really hardcore philosophy or something book...I agree, it's really an awesome lime.

That would be the book she is reading.

'Atlas shrugged' by Ayn Rand.

Affinity

06-30-2006, 02:25 PM

Ahh, of course. Thanks.

The Lucky One

06-30-2006, 02:32 PM

That would be the book she is reading.

'Atlas shrugged' by Ayn Rand.

As would be the definition of evil she recited in her conversation with Pietro at issue's end.

-D

Sentinel K

06-30-2006, 02:39 PM

As would be the definition of evil she recited in her conversation with Pietro at issue's end.

-D

I learned something from this issue!!!!

Aggghhh! PAD you suck!!!

Joking! I love X-factor

Zombienorthstar

06-30-2006, 02:55 PM

The fact is whatever hype X-Factor's getting its not enough...i think its generally recognised as either the top or second best X-book...for my money its the best marvel ongoing at present.

I just hope it continues to get good sales...the lineup is choice, the writing is tight and the art beautiful...And any book that contains Monet St Croix is wonderful

More Monet, Mr David.

HellFrost

06-30-2006, 02:57 PM

I agree with Zombie.

MORE MONET!!!!!!!!!

And anyone else notice that while she was doing a handstand... her cape wasn't over her head...:D

Zombienorthstar

06-30-2006, 03:04 PM

I agree with Zombie.

MORE MONET!!!!!!!!!

And anyone else notice that while she was doing a handstand... her cape wasn't over her head...:D

Id love Monet's powers to be more vague lol...cause shes always had the generic superwoman powers...id love her to use like heat vision/ice breathe or something in an issue and for someone to ask 'waitaminute can you [insert super power]'....and Monet just to go 'I can now'...

Plus she always used to lie about her powers...such as the hillarious time she claimed she had super hearing...

HellFrost

06-30-2006, 03:08 PM

Id love Monet's powers to be more vague lol...cause shes always had the generic superwoman powers...id love her to use like heat vision/ice breathe or something in an issue and for someone to ask 'waitaminute can you [insert super power]'....and Monet just to go 'I can now'...

Plus she always used to lie about her powers...such as the hillarious time she claimed she had super hearing...
Lol. That would be hilarious. And her mutation is to be 'perfect' so who knows.:D

But... I thought she used her super-hearing in Gen X. I can (vaguely) remember a time when she was listening for something...:confused: eh... who cares. She's still coolios in my book.

Zombienorthstar

06-30-2006, 03:21 PM

Lol. That would be hilarious. And her mutation is to be 'perfect' so who knows.:D

But... I thought she used her super-hearing in Gen X. I can (vaguely) remember a time when she was listening for something...:confused: eh... who cares. She's still coolios in my book.

Actually it was a joke in which she told Jubes she had super hearing,

Jubilee said 'you dont have superhearing'

and Monet said 'I might have...'

hillarious.

foxfire

06-30-2006, 05:24 PM

I'm sorry...but this part in the letters column is one of the most assanine things Ive seen in a long time

"Because I don't see the stories in the other books any sooner than you do. There's no mechanism in place-none-to provide all the writers with all the upcoming stories and storylines. So if I keep writing stories to play catch-up and reflect developments elsewhere, X-FACTOR is going to have a perpetual five-month lag time. I deemed it necessary when it came to addressing Banshee's death [Actual conversation: "Uhm, Andy... Banshee just died. Is he really dead?" "He did!? Lemme check. [an hour passes]. Yeah. He's dead." "Well, geez, Siryn should really react to that, shouldn't she?" "Yeah, that'd be good.")

You're telling me that the editors of the X-Men line couldnt take 5 minutes of their day to email all 6 or 7 writers of X-related comics, and tell them stuff like this? Like a quick update of the Sentinel status post HOM? Or if a character who's been around for 40 years dies? Is there any justifiable reason for this? After the writers get their ideas OK'd by editors, can't those ideas be sent to the other writers, so gaping plotholes don't appear that could be easily avoided?

Tell me its a joke.

Sentinel K

06-30-2006, 05:28 PM

Beast

06-30-2006, 05:32 PM

X-factor has a different editor to the rest of the X-titles.
Which is probably why it's one of the better books. ;)

Sentinel K

06-30-2006, 05:35 PM

Which is probably why it's one of the better books. ;)

Probably yeah.

Plus it's written by someone who KNOWS his characters (I'm looking at YOU Milligan!)

foxfire

06-30-2006, 05:59 PM

X-factor has a different editor to the rest of the X-titles.
Oooooook... then have Mike Marts send Andy Schmidt an email about every month. Is that too much to ask? :rolleyes:

One of Marvel's best writers is saying that there's no communication in their offices, and it's an issue that seems ridiculously easy to solve.

Jack

06-30-2006, 08:25 PM

Which is probably why it's one of the better books. ;)
Andy Schmidt is an editing god.

joeybdot

06-30-2006, 08:59 PM

Peter David

06-30-2006, 09:01 PM

Well, you have a reputation of being surly. Many people who have met you in person at conventions have said as such over the years. So your comment came off more as you being condescending rather than amused.

Ah, reputations. You know, someone just asked me what my "worst" convention story was, over on my website. I shared the following with them, which I think will be instructive.

I was at a convention--Wonder Con, I think--and the convention was effectively over. I was wandering the closing dealer's room with a friend, whom we'll call Tom.

And Tom said that I must have made thousands of people happy with all the autographs I signed (since I'd been signing pretty much non-stop every day.) And I said cynically, "Yeah, but you know, you almost never hear from them. You know who you hear from? One guy who I pissed off somehow. He's going to go around because I offended him in some way and say what a bastard I am, and his will be the voice that goes all over."

And then this guy walks up to us and asks me to autograph a comic. It wasn't one I had written. It was from indy I'd never heard of. I said politely, "I'm sorry, but I don't sign comics I haven't written. It's like taking credit for someone else's work."

He said, "I don't care. Sign it."

I said, "Yes, but *I* care. Do you have anything else I can sign?"

"Would you just sign my comic?"

"Look, can't we find something else for me to sign? A program book? A piece of paper? A napkin?"

And he snaps at me, "No, forGET it. I"m sorry to have BOTHERED you." Off he stormed.

Tom stood there, stunned, a first time witness to the sort of rudeness that I encounter routinely. And I turned to him and said, "There he goes. He was late, but he made it. He's the guy. And he's going to show up on computer boards and chat rooms and tell people that he walked up to Peter David, who wasn't doing anything in particular, and asked him for an autograph, and Peter David couldn't be bothered. And other people will pipe up and say, "Yeah, I heard Peter David's a real asshole." And that's how reputations get trashed.

Long story short (yeah, I know, too late): Never assume that the peole who complain that so-and-so a creator is an asshole is not, in fact, an asshole himself.

PAD

foxfire

06-30-2006, 09:06 PM

Peter David

07-01-2006, 07:21 AM

From everything I've heard and read, Mr. David, you are a standup comic book writer and a great guy... just want to say thanks for the all great work you've done over the years (and for the first Hulk-related story I ever read in any medium, that novel you did a few years back where the Hulk returned to the Maestro's timeline :D).

Ah: "What Savage Beast." Interesting side note: That was a story that I was originally planning to do, albeit in someone different form, in the main title, back when Betty was pregnant. But the pregnancy was ordered terminated by the Marvel editorial higher-ups who didn't want Bruce and Betty as parents. But when the novel opportunity presented itself and it was basically out of continuity, I resuscitated the idea, so I guess it all worked out.

Thanks for the kind words.

PAD

Hi-Fi

07-01-2006, 09:13 AM

PAD, I can't believe you just answered Beast's posts and not our requests for our beloved Monet!!!

I'm gonna tell everyone that you couldn't be bothered to talk to us about it!! :evilsmile :p ;)

Oh, and while we're at it: Layla is an awesome character now. Kudos!

Zombienorthstar

07-01-2006, 11:08 AM

Mr David i was just wondering on the subject of characters that arent necessarily associated with you such as Monet and Rictor...what drew you to write these characters?

Any team with Monet has my absolute backing, by the way.

drwho

07-01-2006, 11:32 AM

We all know Layla is the antichrist. 666. I'm waiting for her to do the eye thing to everyone. Also since PAD is visiting this board it would be totally cool to have everyones favorite superstar, Sleep Walker, make a guest appearance in the book. Any questions please view my avatar. Sleep Walker's undieing fan base must be satisfied.

Dr Ray Palmer

07-01-2006, 07:05 PM

Man, I just love this book so much it's a little scary. Smart, funny, unpredictable, weird ... just some cool, cool stuff.

I was worried that the "Civil War" crossover might derail things and end up being so CW-centric that I would have no interest in it (since I gave up on CW after the first issue and haven't been reading any of the related books), but it turned out to be another great issue.

One of the weird things is that this book features almost NO characters I previously had any interest in, and I totally dig it anyway. Madrox is the only one I ever really liked before, though my exposure to him had been pretty limited (I was away from comics for almost all of the '90s, so I missed PAD's original X-Factor run). Wolfsbane was always the character in the original New Mutants cast who bugged me the most, and I always actively disliked Strong Guy. I could count the number of times I'd encountered Monet, Rictor, and Siryn on the fingers of one hand, and Layla Miller annoyed me in HoM.

So it's a testament to just how good this book is that PAD and company took that group of characters and put them in a book that's now without question my favorite book Marvel is publishing. It's my favorite book that doesn't involve Gail Simone! :)

I can't wait to see what happens next. Oh, and I agree with the others who've been asking for more Monet. I knew absolutely nothing about her before this series, but I think she's hilarious, and hope she'll be taking center stage for an issue or two before too long.

barbariansheep

07-02-2006, 09:56 AM

Wow, PAD, if you like it here you should get in on LiveJournal, they love you (and X-Factor) on scans_daily. As do I, haha.

Alex A Sanchez

07-02-2006, 04:28 PM

I have read a number of reviews and tons of feedback on this issue over the internet, and I feel that I need to put bluntly what a number of people have hesitantly been hinting at. PAD frequents these boards and I am guessing people from Marvel involved with art direction do as well (what better place is there to find read feedback).

Calero's art detracts from the story. I was able to put up with it before because it still allowed me to read PAD's story, but this final issue was less enjoyable because of the art.

Here are some examples (to keep this criticism constructive):

Page 1, panel 2: The panel has to be studied to see that a rock was thrown. I didn't realize a rock was thrown until I read panel 4 (and only because Layla said "he threw it".) The rock simply gets lost in the rest of the blacks everywhere. The "EX" on the ex-mutant's jacket stands out more than the "toss" sound effect (which again, I didn't see the first time I read the panel). That's garbage. This is a comic book: its a visual medium. The page should NOT need to be studied in such detail to figure out what it going on, because it screws up PAD's pacing.

Page 1, panel 3: Rock is still hard to see since it blends in with the background. Also, its on the far edge of the panel. Because there are two characters visible, the reader's eye is drawn to the space between them.

Page 1, panel 5: Are the characters running, as the story suggests they would be? They appear to be shuffling like zombies.

Page 3, panel 2: We can clearly see Theresa reading a newspaper, but what the heck is going on with Monet? The only way we can even tell it is her (without studying the panel for a minute) is by the flesh color of her hand. Otherwise, it is not clear exactly what is being illustrated.

Page 4, panel 3: It looks like even the colorist didn't know that the large black object in the lower right hand corner is supposed to be Theresa's hand. The only way the reader can tell that she's reaching for a phone is by the sound effects and from her dialogue. Again, this is a visual medium: I should not difficult for a comic artist to illustrate a character picking up a phone.

These are just some of the more significant examples that affect storytelling, pacing, and ultimately a reader's overall experience: I didn't even mention nit-picky stuff like Guido's floating sunglasses or Jamie's dissapearing neck on page 10.

I don't have anything personal against Calero or his style: I just question if he is ready for (what should be) a major title such as X-Factor. This is Marvel Comics- this is where every aspiring artist wants to be. Do the editors at Marvel mean to tell us fans that they are unable to find an artist who can draw a woman picking up a telephone? :mad:

Zombienorthstar

07-02-2006, 04:32 PM

Calero is a step down from Sook...but ive grown to love his stuff actually..

However the best artist for XFactor would be Sean Phillips...the guy draws with a dark tone...but with very interesting faces etc...just look at some of Joe Casey's Uncanny run...his style would compliment X-Factor perfectly

Howver dont rag on Calero..hes doing a good job.

Sentinel K

07-02-2006, 04:35 PM

I have read a number of reviews and tons of feedback on this issue over the internet, and I feel that I need to put bluntly what a number of people have hesitantly been hinting at. PAD frequents these boards and I am guessing people from Marvel involved with art direction do as well (what better place is there to find read feedback).

Calero's art detracts from the story. I was able to put up with it before because it still allowed me to read PAD's story, but this final issue was less enjoyable because of the art.

Here are some examples (to keep this criticism constructive):

Page 1, panel 2: The panel has to be studied to see that a rock was thrown. I didn't realize a rock was thrown until I read panel 4 (and only because Layla said "he threw it".) The rock simply gets lost in the rest of the blacks everywhere. The "EX" on the ex-mutant's jacket stands out more than the "toss" sound effect (which again, I didn't see the first time I read the panel). That's garbage. This is a comic book: its a visual medium. The page should NOT need to be studied in such detail to figure out what it going on, because it screws up PAD's pacing.

Page 1, panel 3: Rock is still hard to see since it blends in with the background. Also, its on the far edge of the panel. Because there are two characters visible, the reader's eye is drawn to the space between them.

Page 1, panel 5: Are the characters running, as the story suggests they would be? They appear to be shuffling like zombies.

Page 3, panel 2: We can clearly see Theresa reading a newspaper, but what the heck is going on with Monet? The only way we can even tell it is her (without studying the panel for a minute) is by the flesh color of her hand. Otherwise, it is not clear exactly what is being illustrated.

Page 4, panel 3: It looks like even the colorist didn't know that the large black object in the lower right hand corner is supposed to be Theresa's hand. The only way the reader can tell that she's reaching for a phone is by the sound effects and from her dialogue. Again, this is a visual medium: I can't imagine it is very difficult for an artist to illustrate a character picking up a phone.

These are just some of the more significant examples that affect storytelling, pacing, and ultimately a reader's overall experience: I didn't even mention nit-picky stuff like Guido's floating sunglasses or Jamie's dissapearing neck on page 10.

I don't have anything personal against Calero or his style: I just question if he is ready for (what should be) a major title such as X-Factor. This is Marvel Comics- this is where every aspiring artist wants to be. Do the editors at Marvel mean to tell us fans that they are unable to find an artist who can draw a woman picking up a telephone? :mad:

I could see the rock perfectly in my issue. No problems for me.

And Monet is quite clearly floating about. Thats not difficult to see.

Of course thats her hand. That black bit is commonly referred to as 'shadow'.

I think you might need an eye test dude. I love Calero's art.

Alex A Sanchez

07-03-2006, 12:12 AM

I love Calero's art.

I'm not "ragging" on aything. I don't dislike Calero's style. I'm giving cold, honest feedback- there are technical fundamentals he is ignoring which impede the story. I am pointing them out.

Stylistically, there are a lot of things I love about his work. Take for example page 5 panel 3: Layla's expression and posture are perfect. I also love page 10 panel 1: great placement of Dr. Modern, with the shelves and such in the foreground and the tilt on the panel. It gives a feeling of disarray to the lab.

I could see the rock perfectly in my issue.
Sure its there if you look for it. My point is that the rock is the most important thing in the illustration- you shouldn't have to look for it.

And Monet is quite clearly floating about. Thats not difficult to see.

Its not difficult to see in panel 1. In panel 2 it is very difficult:http://homepage.mac.com/alexsanchez/.Pictures/host/monet.jpg

Of course thats her hand. That black bit is commonly referred to as 'shadow'.

Alex: How's that working for you?
Sentinal K: What?
Alex: Being clever.
Sentinal K: Great.
Alex: Keep it up then.

I think you might need an eye test dude.
Yup. Me and every other fan who says that characters are easy to confuse, that faces are murky, and that action is difficult to discern (that's what many people have been saying, not me). I'll repeat myself for the last time: these aren't Where's Waldo books, they're comics. Whatever needs to be seen should jump out at the reader.

Volk1

07-03-2006, 01:35 AM

I don't have anything personal against Calero or his style: I just question if he is ready for (what should be) a major title such as X-Factor. This is Marvel Comics- this is where every aspiring artist wants to be. Do the editors at Marvel mean to tell us fans that they are unable to find an artist who can draw a woman picking up a telephone? :mad:

I see where you're coming from. Sometimes I feel the art in some places can be labeled as "murky." To me however, it's the coloring more so than the pencils. Sometimes some spots are just too dark. This issue's art also seemed a bit worse than his last one, which is surprising since there was a different artist in between his last two issues.

But he's still doing a good job. However, if either Sean Phillips or Michael Lark hopped on this title - I'd wet my pants. One of the best X-books with one of the best noir-style artists would be an early X-Mas present.

Well, those two or Sook of course!:D

Bobster777

07-03-2006, 01:41 AM

I see where you're coming from. Sometimes I feel the art in some places can be labeled as "murky." To me however, it's the coloring more so than the pencils. Sometimes some spots are just too dark. This issue's art also seemed a bit worse than his last one, which is surprising since there was a different artist in between his last two issues.

But he's still doing a good job. However, if either Sean Phillips or Michael Lark hopped on this title - I'd wet my pants. One of the best X-books with one of the best noir-style artists would be an early X-Mas present.

Well, those two or Sook of course!:D
Nice to know there is another Sean Phillips fan on the website. I love his work on Hellblazer. Yeah, I totally agree with you. He would do wonders on this book.

Volk1

07-03-2006, 02:03 AM

Nice to know there is another Sean Phillips fan on the website. I love his work on Hellblazer. Yeah, I totally agree with you. He would do wonders on this book.
For sure, man. What won me over was his work on Sleeper with Brubaker. I'm amped for their new colaboration Criminal coming out later this year.

Brubaker + Phillips + crime + noir = Purchase!

Bobster777

07-03-2006, 02:08 AM

For sure, man. What won me over was his work on Sleeper with Brubaker. I'm amped for their new colaboration Criminal coming out later this year.

Brubaker + Phillips + crime + noir = Purchase!
Yeah, I'm definately going to pick that up too. Bru is one of my favorite writers and Phillips is one of my favorite artists. Can't go wrong there.

Hi-Fi

07-03-2006, 08:55 AM

Sean Phillips ia a great artist indeed. I love his art in Casey's Uncanny X-Men run. The whole Chamber/Martinique encounter was greatly drawn.

Zombienorthstar

07-03-2006, 09:03 AM

Phillips rules al...his facial expressions...he needs to be on this title...PAD should go ons trike till they sign the man up.

Sentinel K

07-03-2006, 09:37 AM

Its not difficult to see in panel 1. In panel 2 it is very difficult:http://homepage.mac.com/alexsanchez/.Pictures/host/monet.jpg

That is quite clearly Monet from the rear with her hands behind her head.

Alex: How's that working for you?
Sentinal K: What?
Alex: Being clever.
Sentinal K: Great.
Alex: Keep it up then.

The fug?

I wasn't trying to be clever. I was just pointing out I had no problems making out what was going on.

Yup. Me and every other fan who says that characters are easy to confuse, that faces are murky, and that action is difficult to discern (that's what many people have been saying, not me). I'll repeat myself for the last time: these aren't Where's Waldo books, they're comics. Whatever needs to be seen should jump out at the reader.

If other people have complained, fair enough. I haven't heard any though.

:confused:

Polaris437

07-03-2006, 01:07 PM

Ryan Sook, please come back! PLEASE!:(

Beast

07-03-2006, 01:58 PM

Ryan Sook, please come back! PLEASE!:(
He won't, he left because he couldn't handle a monthly schedule.

Zombienorthstar

07-03-2006, 02:00 PM

He won't, he left because he couldn't handle a monthly schedule.

It makes my mind boggle how a comic book artisit claims they cant handle monthlies...its like a theatre actor saying 'i cant work after five o clock'

Calero's been good. Sook was great. Phillips is a god.

Sentinel K

07-03-2006, 02:09 PM

It makes my mind boggle how a comic book artisit claims they cant handle monthlies...its like a theatre actor saying 'i cant work after five o clock'

Calero's been good. Sook was great. Phillips is a god.

i think I'm the only person who REALLY doesn't like Phillips.

I think he sucks.

Zombienorthstar

07-03-2006, 02:13 PM

i think I'm the only person who REALLY doesn't like Phillips.

I think he sucks.

Yep you are...

Bobster777

07-03-2006, 02:58 PM

It makes my mind boggle how a comic book artisit claims they cant handle monthlies...its like a theatre actor saying 'i cant work after five o clock'

Calero's been good. Sook was great. Phillips is a god.
Ha ha, yeah. I can't believe someone needs more than thirty days just to write/draw one issue.

Zombienorthstar

07-03-2006, 03:00 PM

Ha ha, yeah. I can't believe someone needs more than thirty days just to write/draw one issue.

well i can understand that...but if that person does need more...they can hardly be a successful artist in the comics medium.

kloudsurfer

07-04-2006, 12:21 AM

It makes my mind boggle how a comic book artisit claims they cant handle monthlies...its like a theatre actor saying 'i cant work after five o clock'

Calero's been good. Sook was great. Phillips is a god.
Hahaha.

I like the way you think.

Just pickin up X-factor from #7 when i get the chance. Everything Ive read of it so far is awsome. Anyone know when the first trade is coming out?

Beast

07-04-2006, 12:27 AM

Hahaha.

I like the way you think.

Just pickin up X-factor from #7 when i get the chance. Everything Ive read of it so far is awsome. Anyone know when the first trade is coming out?
It's due out on July 19th. However, it's going to be one of the more expensive 'Premiere Hardback' versions, so it's MSRP is $19.99 for 6 issues. No release date on the basic TPB version of the first 6 issues yet as far as I know. At least I don't recall a regular version being solicited yet.

Bobster777

07-04-2006, 12:34 AM

It's due out on August 9th. However, it's going to be one of the more expensive 'Premiere Hardback' versions, so it's MSRP is $19.99 for 6 issues. No release date on the basic TPB version of the first 6 issues yet as far as I know. At least I don't recall a regular version being solicited yet.
I hate how they come out with the hardback editions first. It took me forever to find Young Avengers: Sidekicks in paperback. There is no way I am paying more for something in hardcover when I can get it for 5 dollars less in paperback.

Beast

07-04-2006, 12:41 AM

I hate how they come out with the hardback editions first. It took me forever to find Young Avengers: Sidekicks in paperback. There is no way I am paying more for something in hardcover when I can get it for 5 dollars less in paperback.
My bad, it's actually due on July 19th. :)

Nick Kal

07-04-2006, 12:50 AM

Bobster777

07-04-2006, 01:06 AM

So I read this and it was pretty interesting. I just was annoyed that Spider-Man had to be in it, as well as the fact that it was a Civil War Tie-In when there was really nothing important other than Monet and Rictor being resgistered... and the big draw of the issue for me was to see Quicksilver, and he barely appeared. For like 2 pages maybe... and who knows if he'll even be significant in the next issue other than a scene with Rictor... plus the Astonishing X-Men will probably outshine him...
I see Quicksilver doing something really big before everything is said and done. His interaction with Layla pretty much foreshadows it. Like you said though, I hope it won't be overshadowed either by Astonishing's appearance. I hope Layla doesn't die. I really like her character.

Faded

07-04-2006, 01:29 AM

If other people have complained, fair enough. I haven't heard any though.

I remember having some trouble in some panels, but nothing too distracting. I really don't remember many specifics, but the rock thing kinda threw me off. I thought it was a paper ball ripped from the book she was reading.

So I read this and it was pretty interesting. I just was annoyed that Spider-Man had to be in it, as well as the fact that it was a Civil War Tie-In when there was really nothing important other than Monet and Rictor being resgistered... and the big draw of the issue for me was to see Quicksilver, and he barely appeared. For like 2 pages maybe... and who knows if he'll even be significant in the next issue other than a scene with Rictor... plus the Astonishing X-Men will probably outshine him...

Yeah, I'm impatient for Quicksilver. I expected him to have a bigger role, though I enjoyed the scenes he was in. Nice set up for next issue.

Michael P

07-04-2006, 09:34 AM

I enjoyed the first page, the recap page, where Peter makes a comment about what his daughter is doing. I thought that was sincere, and it gave a little more respect the writer himself.

I enjoyed that.
His recap pages are usually a hoot. Back when it was instated, and he was writing his second volume of Captain Marvel, he wrote a little spy-thriller soap opera into the last paragraph of every recap page for one story arc.

Alex A Sanchez

07-04-2006, 11:22 AM

I just was annoyed that Spider-Man had to be in it,
I liked that aspect. Since PAD writes a Spidey book, the appearance seemed more... I dunno... official?

the big draw of the issue for me was to see Quicksilver, and he barely appeared. For like 2 pages maybe... and who knows if he'll even be significant in the next issue other than a scene with Rictor...

Correction: the big draw of the next two issues (#8 & #9) was Quicksilver. His appearance in #8 built up to issue #9 in a major way: look at the final page of the issue. We have three trains heading into X-Factor headquarters at the same time: Pietro, Theresa, and Guido/Jamie. On the same page, the title of the issue's story is revealed, "Collision Course". Its looking like his role will be pretty significant.

plus the Astonishing X-Men will probably outshine him...

I sincerely hope not. Personally, I don't expect there to be a fight. As much as I love X-factor, the X-men are simply more powerful. Beast has already trounced Guido in the Muir Island saga; I don't know much about Emma, but I imagine she's stronger than Monet; Siryn might be able to do some damage to Colossus; and Rhane is no match for Wolverine.
On the other hand, Jamie has a good shot at taking out Scott- and he probably has a similar command of battle tactics. Layla might be able to turn the tide in X-factor's favor, of course.

Nick Kal

07-04-2006, 02:10 PM

Layla is probably a narc for the Astonishing team, though.

Zombienorthstar

07-04-2006, 02:29 PM

; I don't know much about Emma, but I imagine she's stronger than Monet;.

Correction: Emma isnt super strong...her skin is just super hard...she has no stength she just is made of stronger stuff...Monet has been shown to be on incredible levels of strength ranking up there with the big leagues...and while Emma cant use her telepathy in diamond form...M has numerous abbilities...

Gavroche

07-05-2006, 05:12 AM

I like how PAD inserted some of Ayn Rand's philosophy into the book. That's something one doesn't normally expect.

When faced with all the negative comments about Calero from those who were confused by his art...what do I do? I shrug. It was clear to me.

The Fury

07-05-2006, 06:26 AM

Beast

07-05-2006, 08:25 AM

I liked this issue.

It was clever the way Layla knew that not enough people were there are the X-factor place for when Pietro arrived. So he stalled him.

It was about time also that someone else found out about Decimation. As X-factor and Excalibur are the only 2 books which have an understory about it, one of them would have known sooner or later.

Also, Syrins logic is sound. Good arguments against.
She wasn't stalling him, she was trying to kill him. Did you miss the part where she expected him to time shift and then get struck and killed when he slipped out of it? To prevent him from making contact with X-Factor, because he was going to screw things up. Remember, she's trying to prevent the cause of Decimation from becoming known. Mostly probably to prevent the problems that will occur when/if the world discovers that a mutant was capble/responsible of re-writing reality on such a massive scale. That level of power, weilded by someone unstable will not make things better for the remaining mutants on the Earth. Same reason that the X-Men and Avengers have decided to keep quiet on what happened.

Arilou

07-05-2006, 08:57 AM

Correction: Emma isnt super strong...her skin is just super hard...she has no stength she just is made of stronger stuff...Monet has been shown to be on incredible levels of strength ranking up there with the big leagues...and while Emma cant use her telepathy in diamond form...M has numerous abbilities...

Emma has been shown to break through walls, not sure if that is a function of strength or just increased density/pain threshold though.

Zombienorthstar

07-05-2006, 09:27 AM

Emma has been shown to break through walls, not sure if that is a function of strength or just increased density/pain threshold though.

Still doesnt make her stronger than M....

Alex A Sanchez

07-06-2006, 12:45 AM

When faced with all the negative comments about Calero.

There's a difference between negative comments and constructive criticism. One looks to improve, the other to destroy. Being into philosophy and all, I am sure you were able to differentiate among the various feedback.

streator

07-29-2006, 02:09 PM

regardless, i am looking forward to the issue and where pietro will end up.

just read the issue...

i liked it. i thought it followed up on recent events nicely.
i wasn't sure whether or not pietro would still have his time-travel abilities after son of m 6 but layla mentions him as still retaining them in this issue, which i liked.
i'm also glad that pietro's re-powering gig is still an erratic process. the bit about being wanda's brother/having a little chaos in his blood works for me as well.
i don't see why the s.h.i.e.l.d. madrox would have rictor register, but i'm sure it'll be fleshed out at some point.

lastly, about the tryp's, i thought them being the same person was not that much of a shock but them not being necessarily human or mutant was.

regardless, i'm looking forward to the next issue and hopefully more pietro (i'm aware that 9 is already out).