X-Factor #15 - Review and Spoilers

[Brian Cronin]

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/XFACT015cov_col.jpg

Something that stands out to me, reading X-Factor, is how well colorist Brian Reber has stepped into the shoes of José Villarrubia. Villarrubia was a very important part of the initial look of X-Factor (although I do not blame him for stupid huge wolf head Rahne), and for Reber to take over without any real drop-off is quite impressive on Reber's part.

Anyhow, on to the issue! One of the "troubles" of a book being "unpredictable" is that, once you become identified AS being unpredictable, it dulls the very edge that unpredictability was intended to provide. For example, take Saving Private Ryan. Remember the scene in the beginning where the soldier is hit in the helmet, but the bullet doesn't kill him? And how relieved he is, only to be shot in the head a couple of seconds later? That scene works (well, you could argue it DOESN't work, but for the sake of this, pretend that it worked) because of the unpredictability. If you repeat that same gag five other times in the film, it saps all meaning out of the gag by the fifth time (heck, by the third time).

In X-Factor, we've already had the lead character throw a supporting character off of a roof in fit of pique and another protagonist abruptly murder an innocent man. Once you have these things happen, then it is a bit hard for us to echo what one character says following an "unpredictable" scene, "Mary...mother of God...wha...what did you....," because we the reader have basically become inured to it all.

That being said, I put troubles in quotes because robbing "unpredictable" moments of their shock value is not exactly something I think is much of a problem, as shock value is pretty lame anyways. If the book isn't interesting you other than to occasionally shock you, then there's something wrong with the writing. Luckily, Peter David makes the book interesting anyways, so the book is still a fun read.

The issue tells basically two stories - Jamie Madrox (trying to round up a dupe of his, who is working for SHIELD) being captured and brainwashed by Hydra and his two ertswhile lovers (and teammates) M and Siryn hashing out their troubles on a shopping trip in Paris.

Both tales are interesting, and artist Pablo Raimondi is doing an excellent job on the art for this series (especially as there are no big dumb giant wolf heads anywhere in this comic book), although he continues in the vein on this series with the weird facial expressions that never make it look natural for someone to be talking. I don't know how three separate artists (Raimondi, Calero and Sook) could have the same exact tic, but it's there.

Siryn and M's excursion into Paris has a lot of nice dialogue and character work, along with a nice statement regarding how to deal with anti-mutant behavior in a foreign country, especially in a post-Civil War world climate.

Madrox's plot has a bunch of humorous jokes and some interesting villains, and I like the basic concept behind how Madrox gets out of the jam, although the psychology aspects seem a bit too pop psychology (think Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting) for my tastes, but I will allow that it is not so much important HOW Madrox gets to a certain point, so long as he GETS there. And WHEN he gets there, it is quite interesting, and looks like it has some nice set-up for future stories.

Like most issues of this series, the writing is quite densely packed - you get a real strong reading experience with each issue of X-Factor, which is quite a treat.

All in all, I'd recommend this comic. Nice artwork, good dialogue, and some interesting movements in the arcs of different characters.

Recommended.

-Brian

[CMBMOOL]

Girls, the only way they solve their problems is either by shopping or by watching a chick flick. :(

[Grunty]

So Madrox now has a big load of secret SHIELD informations after absorbing the Dupe?
Wow i think this will really lead to trouble with them later.

I think the anti ex-mutant movement was nicely intruced in Syrins and Monets little story.
However did those guys really burned those people afterwards?
I mean the Police was already there so its unlikely they where able to do that.

On the other hand it could have just be meant to make Monet angry... which he quite succesfull did (i don't wanna know where she hit him with the iron bar).

Anyway looks like the way for X-Cell is already starting to show.

In the end it seems that some people in the Marvel universe really have no better things to do that protest against people which are different.
And if there are no Aliens or Mutants around they simply go after the ex-mutants who are total normal now except for the fact they where unnormal before.

Wait a sec. Wasn't it in france where the big tower of the local X-corporation group was destroyed by a suicide terrorist in a van?

Anyway nice issue again.

[Mitsaso]

Cool issue, but not as great as the previous ones. Madrox's psychological turmoil and the way he took everyone out and got what he wanted to was fun, but the subplot with the girls at Paris seemed offbeat to me.
I hope M didn't kill the guy at the end, but only hurt him in some way...:(

[Beast]

Not a bad issue. Probably one of the better ones in sometime. But it's still not flowing for me. It's the one book I read and find no real enjoyment in. But given that X-Factor will be involved with the upcoming crossover near the end of the year, I'll stick it out for now. Plus the X-MAD storyline sounds good.

[mrc1214]

Im still enjoying it. That Hydra doctor was a complete nutcase. And Madrox not caring about the Hydra agents being killed was some powerful stuff IMO.

[MadBastard]

I enjoy the idea that while re-claiming his duplicates Jamie may be losing himself. It's a nice touch that could lead interesting places.

However, I found something Madrox said in the beginning very insightful, perhaps unintentionally.

HYDRA, an organization dedicated to doing whatever the Hell it is evil organizations do.

Just what does HYDRA do?

The organization started as a hold over from the Third Reich, a group of fanatics that were bent on world domination for their master race. Six decades later, though, this doesn’t really hold water anymore. Fanatics need a cause to rally around, whether its religion or a political philosophy. While there are still white supremacist groups around, none could muster the numbers and resources that HYDRA has at its disposal. So we've got HYDRA still running around in their little green outfits. In an age when terrorists have begun to function more like covert espionage agencies than standing armies, HYDRA just seems out of place in the world.

Which is a shame, because there is so much potential there. The cultish nature of HYDRA, with its blind followers and suicide bombers, could be used as a horrible reflection of the extremists that must be dealt with today. Instead, readers just have to be satisfied with the notion that HYDRA is evil and that somehow that's their motivation entirely.

[Omega Alpha]

It was weaker than the last two (which were genius stuff), but it was still very enjoyable. Madrox's way of taking out everyone was very funny.

[Cayman]

No issue of X-Factor should be without a Layla Miller scene.

Otherwise, quite good.

[Pyro]

I had a bit of a time trying to wrap my head around some of the things going on with Jamie in this issue. Hydra didn't know that Jamie was "Jamie Prime," right? So, should their programming have worked the way it did? Did he basically, "slap himself out of" their programming? Did Jamie transfer himself into the SHIELD dupe's body instead of transferring the dupes into his own body like he usually does?

[Alex A Sanchez]

Just what does HYDRA do?


Just what does X-FACTOR do, for that matter?

I mean, supposedly the group is a detective agency.
Except that... they don't solve mysteries. And they haven't had a client since the 2nd issue.
Supposedly they are also the defenders of Mutant town. Except... they haven't defended anyone (other than themselves) since the first story arc.

This, for me, is the weakest part of the series. Aside from stating some goals in the first few issues, they really aren't working towards anything- there is no glue holding the team together. This book is like the mutant version of The Real World. Jamie keeps talking about how the team is falling apart and doing poorly. Well? Does it matter? They don't really do anything together to begin with.

In real life, the best way to bring people together is to give them a common goal and an adversary. PAD's original X-Factor was so awesome because we had this group of mis-meshed characters who all wanted to fight evil, but had to find ways to put up with each other in the processes.

I guess for me, I feel like the characters should be able to take a break from all of the drama once in a while and have an old fasion slug-fest, or a mystery, or a villain to chase.

I can't think of another team book where the characters don't have anything to do. The Intimates comes close, but at least they were going to school and had to deal with grades and teachers, etc.

[Syzygy]

But it's still not flowing for me. It's the one book I read and find no real enjoyment in.

Yeah, me too. I've been sticking it out on account of, well...it's Peter David, and he wouldn't disappoint, right? But I am pretty bored.

Maybe it's time to drop this, I dunno....

Peace,
Syzygy

[saintsaucey]

Yeah, me too. I've been sticking it out on account of, well...it's Peter David, and he wouldn't disappoint, right? But I am pretty bored.

Maybe it's time to drop this, I dunno....

Peace,
Syzygy


Not a bad issue. Probably one of the better ones in sometime. But it's still not flowing for me. It's the one book I read and find no real enjoyment in.


wow really. no enjoyment.. this is probably one of the best books marvel is putting out for the 616 universe and you find no enjoyment in it at all. I'm sad for you guys. This issue may have been lacking in the funny (though it did have its funny moments but don't drop the book please.

[claimtosubclaim]

Peter David should've drawn out the X-Factor Investigations/Singularity Investigations a bit longer and...well, with a better twist than saying that Jamie isn't a mutant. Good characterization and dialogue makes up for the subpar plotting though, much like Astonishing X-Men. I think this ranks above Uncanny and New X-Men.

[Pro]

Aside from stating some goals in the first few issues, they really aren't working towards anything- there is no glue holding the team together. This book is like the mutant version of The Real World. Jamie keeps talking about how the team is falling apart and doing poorly.

The purpose of the current Madrox storyline is exactly to adres this point. Jamie through the events that played out before finds the team isn't coming together as he wanted to and finds that perhaps it's because he can't hold himself together. He's all over the place.

It all seems pretty naturally flowing for me. First they start out fresh, set a goal and along the way M-day happens and being in mutant town they are drawn into those events. Linked to that comes the Tryp revelations and Jamie must decide where to go from here. But he sucks at making decisions and so that is adressed now as he pulls himslf together, literally.

It's solid storytelling, delving into the psyche of people who are like us but not quite like us. I would be disappointed if such things were not adressed and we'd get a Villain of the Week routine superhero comic.

[blinkinrogue]

hi im so sorry whoever posted to me the website where you can send comments to peter david i went to his website but i didnt see anything related to x-factor so i searched here for my old posts but for some reason i can't find the website that was given to me... anyway, the reason i want to write to mr. david is, as much as i like him and i really love his humor and writing style, i really cant stand how he is handling M.

First, i really did not like the whole sleeping with madrox thing, but i let it pass. Now, he is turning her to a potential killer (yes, we are not sure if she killed somebody) but he should really remember M was never portrayed as hot headed to the point of probably killing somebody. I mean they even did not bother to confirm first if indeed the guy was telling the truth that they burned down the building, who knows if he was just saying it to spite them? It could be argued that M read his mind to find out the truth, but still sticking a steel piece of bar into somebody was just....gawd... as a big fan of M i really am not liking what i read.

[Fede]

LOVED this issue, every part of it :D

[mrc1214]

Yeah, me too. I've been sticking it out on account of, well...it's Peter David, and he wouldn't disappoint, right? But I am pretty bored.

Maybe it's time to drop this, I dunno....

Peace,
Syzygy

I just dont think theres too much action related stories he can write now, because of Civil War. After its all over I think the book will pick up.

[Alex A Sanchez]

M was never portrayed as hot headed to the point of probably killing somebody.

Read the scene again. Notice how cool, calm and collected M is. I think it was very intentional that she isn't losing her temper in this scene, and her actions are clearly pre-meditated. When I read this scene I specifically thought of you and how you dislike her doing anything hotheaded.

[Callisto]

shocking scene with monet.....but greatly enjoyed;)

[blinkinrogue]

actually Pd has written M as hotheaded a number of times, including her reaction to finding out about Madrox and siryn.. also in the same issue, you probably noticed how she reacted when a bullet that bounced off her hit something she bought... and she was sooooo pissed off i would certainly call it being hotheaded...and she made a not-so-subtle threat to the shooter as well.
Actually, I surely hope M did not kill the guy. If she did, as much as i hate to do it, i might drop this book, nevermind if i collected all the issues so far. x-factor is no doubt enjoyable... but i just cant take M's characterization to include potentially murdering someone... since you claim it is premeditated, then it qualifies as murder if she did manage to kill him

[Faded]

As usual, I loved this issue!

I really have no complaints for this title, anymore. It's just been a good read for me month after month. It's one of three of my most enjoyed titles that I am at ease with what the writer wants to do while still anxiously anticipating his next move.

[Pyro]

As usual, I loved this issue!

I really have no complaints for this title, anymore. It's just been a good read for me month after month. It's one of three of my most enjoyed titles that I am at ease with what the writer wants to do while still anxiously anticipating his next move.I agree with you and am surprised that so many people aren't enjoying it. I just don't understand why.

[Volk1]

LOL. How sweet was Jamie's "escape" from Hyrdra? After a second read, I'm still chuckling about him slapping himself. "So bad. So bad." :)


I had no idea what a "Victor Mayer Faberge Egg" was. It couldn't have been what I first thought it was gonna be and thankfully I was wrong after doing some research. lol. I would be mad too if I was Monet.

Oh yeah and Monet is kinda hardcore. Like gangsta hardcore. :p

This was a slightly weaker issue than the last few I think, but it was still good. I have to say that I missed Layla a lil' bit. Argghgh!

I can't think of another team book where the characters don't have anything to do. I kinda like it this way. I want to see some action too but I've always wanted to see a book of X-Men where it's basically just "a day in the life". Sometimes the super-heroics get dull and I wonder what they do in their regular lives when they're not saving the world. This book isn't exactly like that but it's close enough. I love the "real-world" setting X-Factor situates itself in.

And reading it, you get the sense of Jamie Madrox being the guy you know at work or school or even...hell even yourself. The spotlight on Jamie's insecurities reflect on real-life feelings. PAD fleshes him out into being something more than a "comic-book" character and more so a real person. To me at least.

On a side note, these are personal preferences but I'd love to see more of Rahne right now because she's obviously dealing with some major issues and I'm very, very surprised PAD has not had a single genuine moment (besides the 1st issue) between Rahne and Julio. Maybe they've put the past behind them already but its bugs me a little.

Also, I wouldn't mind having Guido exit stage left and bringing in a new cast member with some flair. Either depowered or powered. Anybody would do. :cool:

[SeanDeacon]

I loved this issue, but then again, X-Factor is one of my favorite books right now. What I want from comics is to be entertained and to laugh, and this issue did both for me.

That was one of the better ways to dispatch of an evil Hydra horde that I have read. I think that suffocation by a smothering of duplicates of the same man might have to go on my list of ways NOT to die.

[Weapon Ick]

Magnificent as usual. I like seeing Madrox's ability to duplicate things that aren't himself get addressed.

I don't see the point in registering if it doesn't stop you from being arrested in France. Does SHEILD have no authority there?

[Alex A Sanchez]

actually Pd has written M as hotheaded a number of times,...

I meant specifically in this issue. She wasn't hot headed in this issue. If you are going to complain about something, make sure that your problem hasn't already been solved before you continue your protest.


I agree with you and am surprised that so many people aren't enjoying it. I just don't understand why.

From what I understand and from what I hear on the "street", there are like 6 people who read this book and don't enjoy it. Unfortunately, 5 of them are frequent posters here.

X-Factor has been my favorite team since I began reading comics in the early 90's (starting with v.1 #73). I guess since I assume people around here know I'm so much of a fanatic, I feel that I can make minor complaints and (what's intended to be) constructive criticism without having to explain that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE what occurs in this book.

And in case I was not clear about it before: #15 rocked. Best part: hearing Hydra talk about Jamie's true potentential. This got me all giddy and excited.:p

[TinMan]

actually Pd has written M as hotheaded a number of times, including her reaction to finding out about Madrox and siryn.. also in the same issue, you probably noticed how she reacted when a bullet that bounced off her hit something she bought... and she was sooooo pissed off i would certainly call it being hotheaded...and she made a not-so-subtle threat to the shooter as well.See I think good Mr. David is actually writing Monet in character as compared to other writers. M is a raging C#$T, plain and simple; she's arrogant, powerful and comes from an extremely priveliged family. Being hot headed as if she can get away with anything makes more sense than not being that way, it makes her at least a bit more human.

P.S. I've hated the bitch ever since she first appeared in the Phalanx Covenant/Gen X, just because of her arrogance. But PAD has actually made me like her... I still hate her guts, but I love her at the same time... she's actually interesting to me now.

Actually, I surely hope M did not kill the guy. If she did, as much as i hate to do it, i might drop this book, nevermind if i collected all the issues so far. x-factor is no doubt enjoyable... but i just cant take M's characterization to include potentially murdering someone... since you claim it is premeditated, then it qualifies as murder if she did manage to kill himI hope she did. Sorry, but that P.O.S. deserved death if he really did what he said he did. Life is precious and if you take it from an innocent (not to mention several innocents as is the case here), you don't deserve yours. You can't give life back (ok, it's a comic, but random normal humans never come back from the dead), there's is nothing you can do to fix murder, so as far as I'm concerned, you should be stripped of your right to live if you committ such a heinous act. LONG LIVE M!! :D

I thought this issue was really great, there were some sweetass character moments and the doctors comment about the nuclear warheads was great, cause I've always wondered about Madrox's ability to copy clothes and stuff as well as his genetic make-up, I'm glad PAD is addressing that. This issue was pure kickass on paper. 10/10

[blinkinrogue]

uh, as stated above, when her, uh, egg got cracked, she seemed pretty hotheaded to me, and it DID happen in this month's issue.
Yes i agree that while M has probably the "license" to be hotheaded because she has "everything," still it seems pretty out of character for me especially when you've been a fan of hers for several years... i think other M fans will agree. but still i will stick with the book til next month, who knows the P.O.S. might have survived (well, with a gaping hole in his chest).

[The Lucky One]

I was just surprised (and happy) to discover that I could still read most of the French bits. Woohoo, 6 1/2 years of French class not going to waste!

-D

[Faded]

Monet I will admit doesn't sound like the Monet I once knew and loved, but what's important to me is that I'm still enjoying her. :)

I hope you continue to pick up the book, blinkinrogue, because any book with M in it needs her support so she doesn't fall victim to the dreaded 'Generation X Conspiracy'. ;)

(On a side-note, I've always liked the name "X-Factor" better than "X-Men". Represents mutants well without being gender specific).

[eggie]

this might be the best X-title Marvel is producing...the stories are layered really well and very interesting...the Hydra doctor being the person that brainwashed/hypnotized Guido was an interesting touch and I've got to agree with other posters who said that Madrox having no feelings or emotions over the deaths of the Hydra agents was very powerful, what does this mean for Jamie down the road...I don't know but I do know that I'll be reading it!!

[DDM]

Jamie Madrox is obviously Peter David's favorite character, perhaps, because so little is unknown about him. After his first appearance in Giant Size Fantastic Four #3, Jamie Madrox is basically a supporting character most prominently played in Uncanny X-Men #125-128 when one of his dupes becomes a victim of Proteus, Mutant X. Therefore, I loved seeing the Hydra doctor's attempted brainwashing backfire on him. It's also a nice twist Peter David introduced in X-Factor that Jamie's dupes become more independent the longer they are away from him. I'm glad he is able to finally follow up on this idea, although it has taken a little more than a decade to flesh the idea introduced in late 1991 & early 1992.

I didn't really care for the M/Siryn subplot, but it will be nice to see when this idea becomes a solid storyline...

I do hope Peter David is able to pull Danielle Moonstar into X-Factor at some point too...

9/10

[Matthew K.]

X-Factor rocks. Madrox is awesome & the gang is killer, but I found this issue a really quick read (coulda used a bit more substance).

I like the story progression from issue 1 to now with bits & pieces releaved (the seeds planted) & latter followed up on (the seeds blooming into blossoms). Makes for a nice dynamic. Hard to think that some fans (ahem...Beast) don't find X-Factor enjoyable, but as with everything, it's not everyone's cup of tea.

@ DDM...a few good issues back in the letters column a fan questioned PAD about the possiblity of Dani appearing & talking with Rahne. PAD stated something to the effect of while that would be nice, he doesn't see it happening for a good while in the pages of X-Factor

[sephirothskiller]

uh, as stated above, when her, uh, egg got cracked, she seemed pretty hotheaded to me, and it DID happen in this month's issue.
Yes i agree that while M has probably the "license" to be hotheaded because she has "everything," still it seems pretty out of character for me especially when you've been a fan of hers for several years... i think other M fans will agree. but still i will stick with the book til next month, who knows the P.O.S. might have survived (well, with a gaping hole in his chest).

Do you know what a Faberge Egg costs???!!

Here's an example of a Victor Faberge egg:
This egg was produced in the year 2000. With 232 gr. 18 kt. of gold and 2.18 ct. of diamonds. The Limitation: 3 pieces.
The egg is enameled in green colour, with a clock and gold ornament. A cross and the arms of Vilnius are on the top. The basement is made of rock-crystal and lapis lazuli. The tower of the Vilnius castle is handmade in 18 kt. and inserted into the egg. Gold with diamonds.


These things cost many thousands of dollars and I'd be p**sed if I had bought one only to have it be broken by someone.

[sephirothskiller]

uh, as stated above, when her, uh, egg got cracked, she seemed pretty hotheaded to me, and it DID happen in this month's issue.
Yes i agree that while M has probably the "license" to be hotheaded because she has "everything," still it seems pretty out of character for me especially when you've been a fan of hers for several years... i think other M fans will agree. but still i will stick with the book til next month, who knows the P.O.S. might have survived (well, with a gaping hole in his chest).

Do you know what a Faberge Egg costs???!!

Here's an example of a Victor Faberge egg:
This egg was produced in the year 2000. With 232 gr. 18 kt. of gold and 2.18 ct. of diamonds. The Limitation: 3 pieces.
The egg is enameled in green colour, with a clock and gold ornament. A cross and the arms of Vilnius are on the top. The basement is made of rock-crystal and lapis lazuli. The tower of the Vilnius castle is handmade in 18 kt. and inserted into the egg. Gold with diamonds.


These things cost many thousands of dollars and I'd be p**sed if I had bought one only to have it be broken by someone.

[Greg Anderson]

Heh, when I did research on the egg myself last night, I totally understood and found it in character what M did.

[Alex A Sanchez]

It's also a nice twist Peter David introduced in X-Factor that Jamie's dupes become more independent the longer they are away from him. I'm glad he is able to finally follow up on this idea, although it has taken a little more than a decade to flesh the idea introduced in late 1991 & early 1992.

Wait, when exactly did he introduce this idea?
Jamie's first dupe who desired his own identity surfaced in the Fallen Angel's mini-series.
The first time dupes were created with personalities/temeraments than Jamie's (i.e. dupes that would actually argue with him) was not until 1993, after PAD left the title. This happened when Jamie caught the legacy virus, and he had those 3 dupes hanging around that never assimilated. I'm pretty sure this wasn't part of PAD's plan for the character, although I've never read or heard anything from him that says this for sure.

[Tre Styles]

Heh, when I did research on the egg myself last night, I totally understood and found it in character what M did.

I agree. It was exactly in character for M. This was one of the most in-character issues for M, ever. And I own every M appearance there is....well except for the Gen X novel....so I know my Monet. Plus, this is an older Monet, not the teenager, nor her sisters who were pretending to be her. Yes, the twins could've been mimicking her to the very last detail, but they weren't actually her. A copy is never good as the original. I think David is crafting a very unique Monet who is still aloof and can sling insults, but has that human side to her. This is the Monet who lost the love of her life (She was very hotheaded in that training session with Banshee back in GENX #68 or something like that). This a Monet who doesn't hold back what she thinks (when has she ever?). This is a Monet who has grown into a woman, a bitchy hell of a woman.:cool:

[DDM]

Wait, when exactly did he introduce this idea?
Jamie's first dupe who desired his own identity surfaced in the Fallen Angel's mini-series.
The first time dupes were created with personalities/temeraments than Jamie's (i.e. dupes that would actually argue with him) was not until 1993, after PAD left the title. This happened when Jamie caught the legacy virus, and he had those 3 dupes hanging around that never assimilated. I'm pretty sure this wasn't part of PAD's plan for the character, although I've never read or heard anything from him that says this for sure.

X-Factor #71-75. It was Peter David who said the Madrox character in Fallen Angels was a dupe during his X-Factor run. Siryn felt used because she believed him to be the real Jamie Madrox.

[Alex A Sanchez]

X-Factor #71-75. It was Peter David who said the Madrox character in Fallen Angels was a dupe during his X-Factor run. Siryn felt used because she believed him to be the real Jamie Madrox.

Like I said before, it wasn't his idea: Jo Duffy introduced the concept in the Fallen Angels mini. It may have been a dupe that ran off with the Vanisher and pals, but this dupe had his own dupe who developed a distinct personality. This series is also where Jamie learned how to heal himself using his power. If there is one other writer (after PAD, of course) who has explored Jamie's powers, its Duffy.

Now don't think I'm trying to be a know-it-all for pointing this out. I'm not saying that exactly...

On second thought, I guess I am.:D [But at the risk of sounding immature, you started it;) ]

[Affinity]

I skimmed through the Hydra parts and just read the M/Siryn ones. I guess I'll go back and read it, but I'm just reading this title to see where it goes. I like it but it's, I'm not sure, but I'm not enjoying it as much as I'd like. Still, I love PAD and the characters and I'm definitely supporting the book.

[Greg Anderson]

I like it but it's, I'm not sure, but I'm not enjoying it as much as I'd like.

......You're weird.

[stealthwise]

I'm just loving this series, as it manages to wrap itself around the crapfest that are the Marvel events and provide some excellent stories.

This issue was really good, and I like to see the plot continuing to move forward. X-Factor is the only 616 Marvel series left that I'm reading.

[Dusty.]

This book would be the best comic on the stands if it wasn't for the brilliant Captain America series. This book is GOOD! I'm happy to support a longtime vet like PAD if he has a great artist, and Pablo Raimondi is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I don't want him leaving this series, he's perfect for it. I still have to pick up the Books of Doom TPB by Ed Brubaker and Pablo Raimondi (inked by the great Mark Farmer). 10/10

[Faded]

It just occured to me: I'd like to see the return of Ned Campbell.

No, seriously.

[loopdodgers]

I'm hoping to see some good team moments surface during the X-cell storyline. Otherwise, this is among my favorite reads. I look forward to it every month and I'm really happy Raimondi is on this book.