X-Factor #1 (review and spoilers)

[The Lucky One]

For those who didn't read slively's info in the previews thread last week, here's the issue summary:

Rictor stands on a high building ledge, contemplating suicide. Jamie Madrox watches from a nearby rooftop and prepares to intervene, popping out various dupes until he finds one that represents the hopeful, optimistic side of his nature, then tosses him over to where Rictor is. The dupe talks to Rictor for a while, finding out the cause of his consternation- like 90% of the mutant population, Rictor's now powerless. As he explains in heretofore unseen character depths, his power was always more than just making earth move with seismic waves- he was actually connected to the earth, and could feel its movements and seismic shifts. Now that he's powerless, he feels cut off, so the best way he can think of to reaffirm that connection with the ground is to plummet into it from 5 stories up. Smooth.

Meanwhile, Siryn has convinced a female underling of some crook to turn over papers implicating her boss. Siryn has also discovered a new ability (though I could have sworn we've seen it before), the ability to entrance people with her voice, making them fall in love with her. It's handy, but unfortunately not gender specific, so somebody's got a secret admirer! Luckily, before said underling can try buying our recovering alcoholic a drink, she's gunned down from outside. Siryn gives chase while Strong Guy loses the assassin, but when Theresa catches up with her, she commits suicide. Oog. Back in the offices, Siryn is contemplating tying one on (why not call Captain Britain, see if he wants to join in?) when Layla Miller shows up and tells her she's joining X-Factor as well. If she were anyone but a hot blonde, I'm sure Jamie would say no, but I'm guessing he won't have too many objections.

Back on the rooftop, the dupe explains to Rictor that he's expanded his detective agency after winning a million bucks on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" and invites Ric to join. Ric's ears perk up at the mention that Rahne is a member -- apparently he's still in denial over Shatterstar's giant man-crush on him -- when who should arrive but our favorite werewolf herself. Grabbing a police bullhorn, she bitches Rictor out, reminding him he's going to hell if he commits suicide (nuts... they never remind you about the negative aspects of offing yourself), and he agrees to come down. But just as he prepares to head back inside, the dupe explains one last little detail to him: he's not Jamie's optimistic side. He lied to Jamie to make it seem that way, but he's actually the wild, unpredictable, "do anything" aspect of Jamie's personality, the X-Factor... then proves it by shoving Ric off the building! End of issue.

Really a great first issue. Obviously it's impossible to judge the opening arc as a whole, but a successful first issue should explain who the characters are and what they're about, draw the audience in, and keep them coming back for more, and X-Factor does all that and more. Plus, the triumphant return of Evil Madrox (or at least part of his personality)! Wondering if the "X-Factor" dupe is going to escape to wreak havoc again, or if Jamie will manage to reabsorb him. Dammit, I already can't wait for issue 2...

-D

[Wolverinefury]

Can someone explain to me the story of the Evil Madrox? The last story I read on Madrox was when he died back in X-factor years ago.

[Lightbend]

Well, with any person who can basically incarnate varied aspects of himself, eventually it falls to probability that an evil, or at least asshole, dupe will appear. I think that one was the in Madrox's last series to, but can't be sure.

[Traser]

Great review Lucky One. It was definitely a good issue. I dont recall the evil madrox off-hand. Was it what took place in his mini-series that came out not too long ago?

I definitely like the group of players on this team, and I am psyched to see where this story goes. It definitely was a great launch point in my opinion especially with the X-factor twist with Jamie.

[The Lucky One]

Well, in the mid-80's there was a miniseries called Fallen Angels, featuring a loosely-knit team of mutants thrown together and having various adventures, including Sunspot, Warlock, Siryn, Boom-Boom, and Madrox. HOWEVER... years later, when Peter David took over X-Factor, the first stoyline centered around the fact that the "real" Jamie Madrox WASN'T in the Fallen Angels. Rather, he had a dupe that had gained some independence and was drugging him to go off and have adventures of its own, including in the Fallen Angels. This rogue dupe was eventually recruited by Mr. Sinister and joined the Nasty Boys, and eventually managed to convince Jamie that he (the original) was actually a dupe, at which point Evil Madrox reabsorbed him. But it was a trick, as Jamie went to work tearing down Evil Madrox from inside, eventually popping out as the one, true Multiple Man. (X-Factor #71-75) Evil Madrox hasn't been seen since, but that doesn't mean he's not lurking somewhere within Jamie's mind, awaiting his chance to escape again...

-D

[Wolverinefury]

Well, in the mid-80's there was a miniseries called Fallen Angels, featuring a loosely-knit team of mutants thrown together and having various adventures, including Sunspot, Warlock, Siryn, Boom-Boom, and Madrox. HOWEVER... years later, when Peter David took over X-Factor, the first stoyline centered around the fact that the "real" Jamie Madrox WASN'T in the Fallen Angels. Rather, he had a dupe that had gained some independence and was drugging him to go off and have adventures of its own, including in the Fallen Angels. This rogue dupe was eventually recruited by Mr. Sinister and joined the Nasty Boys, and eventually managed to convince Jamie that he (the original) was actually a dupe, at which point Evil Madrox reabsorbed him. But it was a trick, as Jamie went to work tearing down Evil Madrox from inside, eventually popping out as the one, true Multiple Man. (X-Factor #71-75) Evil Madrox hasn't been seen since, but that doesn't mean he's not lurking somewhere within Jamie's mind, awaiting his chance to escape again...

-D


Thanks I remember that now. I thought something else happened after that. (one died of contracting a disease but later one he was alive again) Im sure the story was that a dupe was the one that died.

[The Lucky One]

Was it what took place in his mini-series that came out not too long ago?

No, although that might be kind of an extension of the original Evil Madrox. The original manifested at a time when most of Jamie's dupes were identical copies of him... it was the only independent one, so to speak. The fact that he's now manifesting various aspects of his personality as dupes may have to do with his reabsorption of the original Evil Madrox; the phonomenon initially began when he contracted the Legacy Virus, which may have allowed Evil Madrox to regain some power in Jamie's head and cause some havoc, leading to the individualistic dupes. Only time will tell, I suppose.

-D

[Nick Kal]

You know that was a really good issue. This wasn't on my pull list.. but I decided to try it and I really liked it. I don't know if I can make room for it, but I really want to!

[Cayman]

This was excellent. Siryn's adorable.

Cay

[stealthwise]

This issue was so damn good, filled with excellent dialogue, subtle characterization and twists and turns that I thought that Brian K Vaughan wrote it.

Just kidding PAD. :D

Excellent start to what I expect to be one of the best new series from Marvel.

[Ant-Man]

Did Guido get any significant page time?

[stealthwise]

Did Guido get any significant page time?

Yeah, he was part of a pretty important half of the book.

[Faded]

I loved it.

Too bad there was no M yet, but I'm content with waiting. :D

I loved Rahne's scene. Loved the ending. This was a good week for the X-Books (and Runaways came out too!)

[Young Avenger]

It was a great first issue. I gotta say, the ending was totally unexpected. I hope the Wolfsbane manages to save Rictor. I don't know who Rictor is but how PAD wrote him I like him already. I can't wait until next issue.

[streator]

Siryn has also discovered a new ability (though I could have sworn we've seen it before), the ability to entrance people with her voice, making them fall in love with her.
-D
i can't recall it personally, but uncannyxmen.net lists sending others into a trance as one of her abilities.

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/db/characters/showquestion.asp?fldAuto=969

[kalorama]

I loved it.

Too bad there was no M yet, but I'm content with waiting.

Shouldn't have to wait long. Smart money says the second issue opens with Monet swooping in, catching Rictor before he flattens, and giving him some droll, holier-than-thou barbs along the way.

[xakko]

Shouldn't have to wait long. Smart money says the second issue opens with Monet swooping in, catching Rictor before he flattens, and giving him some droll, holier-than-thou barbs along the way.
I love Rictor's description of M as "Supergirl-meets-Veronica Lodge".

Good solid opening. With this and New Excalibur, there's promise in the X-books. This is definitely a dark book, and the art seems to fit what PAD is writing to a T.

[Cayman]

So who is this Veronica Lodge exactly? :o

I suppose I'll google her.

Cay

[xakko]

So who is this Veronica Lodge exactly? :o

I suppose I'll google her.

Cay
From Archie comics... As in Betty & Veronica.

Snot-nosed (but reportedly beautiful) rich brat.

[Cayman]

From Archie comics... As in Betty & Veronica.

Snot-nosed (but reportedly beautiful) rich brat.

Ah thanks, I didn't know her last name.

I was afraid I was gonna google up a porn star or something.

Cay

[Joe Rice]

I liked it.

[jj9126]

Not a bad first issue. I'm betting that there's going to be a twist with the "evil Jamie" ending since it's way too similiar David's first X-Factor arc all those years ago.

[Gnarl]

Should be interesting to see interaction between Rahne and Siryn. Rahnes adopted mother was very deeply in with Siryns biological father. I wonder if Rahne ever thought of Siryn as a potential sister?

Have they ever met?

[The Lucky One]

Should be interesting to see interaction between Rahne and Siryn. Rahnes adopted mother was very deeply in with Siryns biological father. I wonder if Rahne ever thought of Siryn as a potential sister?

Have they ever met?

They have, but I don't remember them ever having any significant interaction.. even when X-Factor helped capture X-Force during X-Cutioner's Song, I don't think they talked or anything. It's a shame, because you're right, with their familial connections, they were almost step-sisters. Maybe PAD will change that.

BTW, for the trivia buffs- the correct answer to Jamie's "Millionaire" question of who played Darren on Bewitched when he was turned into a child -- Billy Mumy -- was a child actor who also played the sociopathic god-child Anthony in the classic Twilight Zone episode "It's A Good Life." This episode was later spoofed in a famous Simpsons Halloween episode where Bart has godlike powers. Also, Mumy returned to reprise his character as an adult on the 2002 Twilight Zone update in the episode "It's Still A Good Life."

And that's one to grow on!

-D

[cyclops2500]

Applause for Peter David. I think this book is gonna be a gem in the wash of mediocrity that Marvel seems destined to cram into the X line.

[lament]

They have, but I don't remember them ever having any significant interaction.. even when X-Factor helped capture X-Force during X-Cutioner's Song, I don't think they talked or anything. It's a shame, because you're right, with their familial connections, they were almost step-sisters. Maybe PAD will change that.

-D

That's one thing I'd love to see addressed. Sean and Moira were together for a good number of years, so I would think that Rahne and Terry would recognize some kind of connection. A nod to that connection would really impress me.

[Joe Rice]

The Mumy and Ellison references were the only things that really bothered me. Yes, we get it, Peter, you're friends with sci-fi people, that's great.

[Gaveedra 6]

Great first issue!
I'm also betting that Monet will swoop in and save poor Rictor. She's the only one yet to make an entrance, and that would be fitting, esp after her being referred to as Supergirl.

Rahne's bullhorn browbeating of Rictor had me grinning ear to ear. I have always loved PD's take on her. Smart but innocent, earnest but shy, conservative but passionate. I think she could become my favorite again real quick. And I love her new look. I was worried that she and Syrin would look too similar, but clearly they covered that when developing this book. And I guess Terry had to loose the accent. Probably for the best.

[Michael P]

I liked it.
One of us, one of us...

The Mumy and Ellison references were the only things that really bothered me. Yes, we get it, Peter, you're friends with sci-fi people, that's great.

See, I'm not entirely sure he did it to point out he was friends with them; they might just have been unusual trivia questions that he knew the answers to.

[Joe Rice]

Either way, it was typical PAD "me me me" writing, in a book that pretty much eliminated it otherwise.

[Michael P]

Either way, it was typical PAD "me me me" writing, in a book that pretty much eliminated it otherwise.
Oh, c'mon. You gotta love a guy who makes his sister and her boyfriend officers on a Federation starship, then throws the boyfriend's character into the warp core after he dumps her.

[fishtaco]

A solid, flawless first issue. Outstanding art, outstanding story and dialogue. Sook's art reminds me a little of Sienkewicz (my favorite artist) on The New Mutants. This book is everything that I wished for.

10/10

[Vicious X Assassin]

Great opener to the series; couldnt help but laugh at the part were Rahne was yelling at Rictor through the megaphone. Course with everyone mentioning it; it would be interesting to see a interaction between Rahne and Siryn - do to both Sean and Moira having such a long relationship.

[Joe Rice]

Oh, c'mon. You gotta love a guy who makes his sister and her boyfriend officers on a Federation starship, then throws the boyfriend's character into the warp core after he dumps her.

I don't have to love anyone that

a) writes Star Trek novels

b) inanely inserts things from his real life into writing.

I really can't stand that "me me me" stuff. Bad writing.

[kalorama]

That's one thing I'd love to see addressed. Sean and Moira were together for a good number of years, so I would think that Rahne and Terry would recognize some kind of connection. A nod to that connection would really impress me.

But the connection between Sean and Moira doesn't necessarily translate to any connection between Rahne and Siryn. For most of her life, Banshee didn't even know he had a daughter. Whatever father/daughter relationship they've forged is really pretty recent and short-lived so far. And Rahne has spent most of the period of time that Sean and Moira were a couple off with the New Mutants/X-Factor/et al. There really hasn't been any significant window where Siryn and Rahne were together long enough to form any kind of bond.

If you found out tomorrow that your step-father had another child from a previous relationship that he just found out about, would you feel an instant kinship with him/her? Probably not. I see the situation with Rahne and Siryn as a parallel thing.

[thik_3rd]

it was pretty good. love sook's art, but i notice on the march solicits they already have a fill-in.
i bet M saves ric next issue, just because she hasn't popped up yet.

[Doom Hammer]

So good, it'll make you resent the other X-books!

[AceOfSpades]

Really good first issue. I'm kinda wondering what Layla is doing there though, she seemed determined to join them.

[Neolucifer]

Sweet christmas !!! it was an awesome issue . i'm quite impressed with the quality of the current X books with the exception of Milligan's xmen !!
i'm so glad the book kept the faux-noir pulp mood of the Madrox mini , and also quite happy with the "team" members so far .
PAD almost had me scared about the "flirting" scene with Syrin (i am after all , one of the fools still wishing for a Deadpool/Syrin romance , and if possible a lasting one) , but i'm loving the new aspect of her power .

Now all i can hope for the books to remain perfect , would be that it doesnt remain secluded into its own little world , and interract once everywhile with other x people , and non mutants heroes and villains .

[cyclops2500]

I don't have to love anyone that

a) writes Star Trek novels

b) inanely inserts things from his real life into writing.

I really can't stand that "me me me" stuff. Bad writing.


WHat do you mean by that "me me me" stuff?"

[stealthwise]

WHat do you mean by that "me me me" stuff?"

Probably means that he likes to take things in his own life, and toss them into his stories without regard for how well they'll fit the surrounding plot context or characters.

I agree too, it reeks of bad fan-fiction to do so.

[Young Avenger]

Is there is a coloring error on the cover of X-Factor #1? In my copy Siryn has blonde hair and when I see the same cover on the internet she has red hair.

[Faded]

Mine does look more blondish than what it looked like online now that you mention it...

[Perry Holley]

couldnt help but laugh at the part were Rahne was yelling at Rictor through the megaphone. Best part of the issue.

[Peter David]

WHat do you mean by that "me me me" stuff?"

He's trying to make it sound as if tossing shout outs to friends in written material is some sort of ego-maniacal indulgence instead of simply a fun thing that writers have been doing for centuries. In SF and fantasy it's such a common practice that it has its own term: Tuckerizing, named after Wilson "Bob" Tucker who used to do it all the time.

PAD

[Turd_Ferguson]

He's trying to make it sound as if tossing shout outs to friends in written material is some sort of ego-maniacal indulgence instead of simply a fun thing that writers have been doing for centuries. In SF and fantasy it's such a common practice that it has its own term: Tuckerizing, named after Wilson "Bob" Tucker who used to do it all the time.

PAD

Post of the day, if not week, right there.

[Atomic Mongoose]

Awesome first issue - loved it. Multiple Man's opening monologue set the tone for the character and the story perfectly.

I don't mind Peter David's use of "Tuckerizing" at all. If you hadn't known about the aforementioned Star Trek characters being paralells to real life people, would you have been all up in arms about how "oh, it just doesn't work!!!"??? Seems like just a far-stretch of a reason to nitpick over something completely inconsequential. It's not like he's writing in a Nurse Annie.

[Beast]

It's not like he's writing in a Nurse Annie.
Well, he did get stuck with Brian Bendis' Nurse Annie. ;) :D

[Novaya Havoc]

He's trying to make it sound as if tossing shout outs to friends in written material is some sort of ego-maniacal indulgence instead of simply a fun thing that writers have been doing for centuries. In SF and fantasy it's such a common practice that it has its own term: Tuckerizing, named after Wilson "Bob" Tucker who used to do it all the time.

PAD

Thank you, Mr. David. I agree with you completely. Writers do it all. the. time and in no way did it overshadow the book. I don't see what the beef here is.

Personally, I loved X-Factor 1. For me, the issue lived up to the hype. If only Dazzler were in this book.

-B

[protege]

They have, but I don't remember them ever having any significant interaction.. even when X-Factor helped capture X-Force during X-Cutioner's Song, I don't think they talked or anything. It's a shame, because you're right, with their familial connections, they were almost step-sisters. Maybe PAD will change that.

BTW, for the trivia buffs- the correct answer to Jamie's "Millionaire" question of who played Darren on Bewitched when he was turned into a child -- Billy Mumy -- was a child actor who also played the sociopathic god-child Anthony in the classic Twilight Zone episode "It's A Good Life." This episode was later spoofed in a famous Simpsons Halloween episode where Bart has godlike powers. Also, Mumy returned to reprise his character as an adult on the 2002 Twilight Zone update in the episode "It's Still A Good Life."

And that's one to grow on!

-D
Didn't he play a sociopathic god-child in"Lost in Space?"

[protege]

I don't have to love anyone that

a) writes Star Trek novels

b) inanely inserts things from his real life into writing.

I really can't stand that "me me me" stuff. Bad writing.
Joe, I'm not sure why, but i'm really starting to like you.

[Blackcat]

I'm not really pleasantly supprised by the 1st issue. I hope it get's better. I will give it a change till #6 or so. If it stays like this, I'll probably drop it.

For now I like 1st issue of the new direction of New X-Men and the New Excalibur issues much more.

[Joe Rice]

The "shout outs" didn't overshadow the book. Like I said, I actually liked the book quite a bit. The "shout outs" were the one irritating tic. In a book more full of them, I wouldn't be able to single it out so well. And I don't care how long it's been done, it's still obnoxious to me. It's not going to make me drop the book, but it DID annoy me a bit. Whatever, everyone has different priorities. I don't care for cutesie inside references, but I can see how someone would.

[Turd_Ferguson]

Honestly, I didn't even notice them. I went back and reread them, and I think y'all need to pay attention to the, you know, story.

[Joe Rice]

Honestly, I didn't even notice them. I went back and reread them, and I think y'all need to pay attention to the, you know, story.

Christ, Turd (hee hee, I love your name), I DID. Again, I'll say, I liked the book. This is the first X-Book I've liked since Morrison left and the first David book I've liked since, well, the last time he did X-Factor. I liked it. I really did. I point out the name-dropping because it's the sort of thing that usually drives me away from his books, but here it only happened once. I can live with that just fine.

[Beast]

At least PAD wasn't as surly responding here about his 'Shout Outs' in the book as he was about someone posting spoilers for the issue on another message board. Man, now I get why he has that surly reputation. Guy will bite your head off at the slightest provication. :)

[Fede]

Wow great first issue, i predict this is going to become my favourite book. :D

[Michael P]

And just to coda this whole line of discussion, I don't give that much of a damn if Joe hated that bit or not. I just provided a dissenting opinion because, well, I do that every time he posts. It's a thing we have.

Bottom line, X-Factor 1 is a good comic. I already want issue 2, and not just to see how big a splat Rictor makes on the pavement.

[kalorama]

The "shout outs" didn't overshadow the book. Like I said, I actually liked the book quite a bit. The "shout outs" were the one irritating tic. In a book more full of them, I wouldn't be able to single it out so well. And I don't care how long it's been done, it's still obnoxious to me. It's not going to make me drop the book, but it DID annoy me a bit. Whatever, everyone has different priorities. I don't care for cutesie inside references, but I can see how someone would.

Perhaps the problem isn't David giving "shout outs" to his firends. Maybe the problem is that you know more about David's personal life than is really required to read and enjoy his books.

[dazzler_slave]

Perhaps the problem isn't David giving "shout outs" to his firends. Maybe the problem is thatr you know more about David's personal life than is really required to read and enjoy his books.
That's awesome! You're a funny person K

[dazzler_slave]

What I love about this new X-Factor is all the potential when it comes to character interaction. So many of them are interconnected.

Strong Guy and Madrox are best friends.
Wolfsbane & Madrox have this best friend/pseudo romantic feelings thing going on
Wolfsbane & Rictor used to date
Siryn & Madrox (at least one of him) used to date
Siryn & Wolfsbane have potential issues considering who their parents are

I love it!

[The Lucky One]

At least PAD wasn't as surly responding here about his 'Shout Outs' in the book as he was about someone posting spoilers for the issue on another message board.

Yeah, um... that was me.
;)

-D

[Tre Styles]

I loved this first issue. (Just got it yesterday!) I knew I would. David's been a fave of mine since his ol' Spidey days. Only problem I had? Monet didn't appear ON-PANEL, she was just referred to.....actually I didn't mind that much. ;) But I'm hoping she does a fly-by and catch Ric! I like the premise of this book being an "X-Factor" itself, because there were quite a few surprises going on. And Theresa's being a little "crabby" these days, huh? Solid issue overall. A++

[Beast]

Yeah, um... that was me.
;)

-D
I know, but he mostly went after the person asking. I thought he was going to eat the poor guy's head over it. :)

[Joe Rice]

And just to coda this whole line of discussion, I don't give that much of a damn if Joe hated that bit or not. I just provided a dissenting opinion because, well, I do that every time he posts. It's a thing we have.

Ah, the things we have. Michael, I remember how it all started. It was--uh . . .never mind.

[Doug Strange]

Perhaps the problem isn't David giving "shout outs" to his firends. Maybe the problem is thatr you know more about David's personal life than is really required to read and enjoy his books.Could be, but I didn't know he was friends with them, and I just thought they were pieces of trivia that didn't belong, interrupting narrative flow in typical PAD fashion. I thought the whole Millionaire bit was tired. Why not make a Steve Urkel joke or some other ill-timed pop culture reference? It's these cutesy moments that turn me off of David's work. Joe's right that they're really toned down here, but it's still too much for me. This may be the best PAD book in a long time, but I won't be reading.

My wife likes it, though, so I still have to shell out the dough!

Sook's art is terrific, too. I hope he keeps working for a long time.

[Turd_Ferguson]

When I write a comic book, I'll include shout outs to historical figures as if I actually know them, so I can come on message boards and berate people who don't like me doing it.


"This one goes out to my homie, Zoroaster! I know he's keeping it real upstairs, yo!"

[Novaya Havoc]

Honestly, I didn't even notice them. I went back and reread them, and I think y'all need to pay attention to the, you know, story.

Yeah. The only one I GLARINGLY noticed was "Eric Moreels" in a Tieri issue.

[LoneWolf21]

Yeah. The only one I GLARINGLY noticed was "Eric Moreels" in a Tieri issue.

Well that's his bizarre little thing. He'll often name people who are going to die after people he knows. He used to run contests over on ComiX-Fan where people would compete to get themselves killed in a book he was writing.

[dazzler_slave]

You know what? I totally don't have a problem with PAD or anyone else doing shoutouts as long as it doesn't wreck the story, and so far nothing PAD has ever done has been wrecked by these shoutouts, especially because I never notice them!

[kalorama]

Writers using the names of friends and family for characters in their work is a pretty longstanding and innocuous tradition. Unless (as I mentioned before) you know way too much about the writer's life, most people won't even know they're their. And if they do, they'll generally be interpreted as a meaningless aside.

It's hardly an egregious sin of hubris.

[Blackcat]

Not really happy with the coloring, or the lack of it actually. They only use green, black, orange, page yellow and grey. A bit depressing to me so far.

[Flight]

Not really happy with the coloring, or the lack of it actually. They only use green, black, orange, page yellow and grey. A bit depressing to me so far. Depressingly fabulous.

[handOFfate]

Awesome first issue, the best X-Men comic i've read in a while. I almost didn't pick this up since i'm cutting down my pull list, but I changed my mind at the last second since I was a fan of David's last X-Factor series. Man, am I glad I did. The art is great, too. What other work has the artist done?

[Twigglet]

Not really happy with the coloring, or the lack of it actually. They only use green, black, orange, page yellow and grey. A bit depressing to me so far.

I know! I thought it would of suited the comic much more if it was bright! To match Rictor's attitude and Siryn's sup-plot!

Damn you Marvel!

[xnef1025]

Noir with mutants. Absolutly awesome.

[CaptainAwesome]

Best first issue ive ever read. I love syrin anf madrox!

[Lee in Limbo]

Looks like I'm missing out on something.

Two thoughts, Drew:

1) Glad to see Siryn is going to be getting some good writing.

2) This 'persona/dupes' thing is intriguing, but it definitely throws me off a little. I'm afraid I never caught that concept before now. I thought he was still just creating perfect dupes. Kinda throws off our old plans, doesn't it?

That last scene... things are gonna get interesting, aren't they?

Oddly, though, this just makes me want to work on some of those old ideas even more, but it would be even harder to sell now. *sigh*

Ah well, at least two of the majors I wanted are getting screen time, and with two others that make for a good team. PAD's off to a great star, it seems. And it's great that he spotted this thread. Personally, I like clever sub-references. Really, I find that it works wonderfully, done by the right writer. It lends the procedings with a touch of literacy and cultural awareness, and makes perfect sense, because what good story is comprised entirely of characters who think and speak about nothing that isn't within the title canon? Ludicrous. People refer to pop culture and books and paintings and musci all of the time in daily life. Fictional characters can afford to do so as well.

Just so long as it doesn't turn into a Britney Spears debate.

[fishtaco]

Rahne screaming at Rictor was hilarious. I actually laughed out loud when she was telling him what happens if he kills himself. I'm glad PAD did something funny with Rahne's religious aspects. Demons with thorny whips, balls of ice, the lake of fire and all. I like the scene shifts. Jamie tells Ric that he might be suprised, then all of a sudden Guido jumps in front of a car saying, "Suprise!!!!". Siryn looked great. Her outfit reminded me of Madelyne Pryor a little bit. I liked how PAD used "X-Factor" at the beginning and the end. I'd be interested in seeing Siryn and Wolfsbane look at each other as pseudo-sisters. It's interesting. I hope Banshee shows up sometime, as well as Warpath. I love what John Francis Moore did with the Warpath/Siryn romance in X-Force. It was brilliant. Plus, Banshee has connections with M, too.

[The Lucky One]

The art is great, too. What other work has the artist done?

He's done a story or two for the Hellboy spinoff B.P.R.D. Think he also worked on The Spectre for DC.

-D

[TheWolfOfAsgard]

He did the Grant Morrison's Seven Soliders; Zantanna mini too.

[Doom Hammer]

Rahne yelling at Rictor was maybe the funniest thing ever. I laughed out loud, and I hardly ever do that.

"Correct! And you know why?! 'Cause we're not in bleeding Japan!"

Heh heh. Priceless.

Anyway, this is comicdom at its best. Great writing, beautiful and unique art, solid cast of characters. I can't believe anyone could not like this book. It is, dare I say, teh awesome.

[DDM]

2) This 'persona/dupes' thing is intriguing, but it definitely throws me off a little. I'm afraid I never caught that concept before now. I thought he was still just creating perfect dupes. Kinda throws off our old plans, doesn't it?

Peter David fleshed out this aspect of Jamie Madrox in X-Factor #71-89. The evil dupe was pivitol in X-Factor #71-75; he worked for Mr. Sinister as one of his Nasty Boys.

[tunasammiches]

I thought the writing, art and color tones for the book were perfect.

As for the writing it's people like PAD and Joss, who inject a little realism, mystery, a little witty humor and some social commentary as well as their own perspectives on them that make the read much more dimensional than: good guy vs bad guy cause bad guy's taking over the world...again. And as long as they don't have any of those in-team battle royale fights happen, then the book stays away from being a comic-cliche.

The artwork is awesome. Hands down. It's so delicate, from the way he does subtle facial expressions, to the way he draws hand gestures and even how he depicts hair. I can't wait to see more of this guy's stuff. And the inker he's got doing his stuff is a perfect match of him i think.

And I noticed someone commented on the coloring scheme too. I think it's perfect for the noir feel they're doing. Color stylization is a huge part of the story. It provides mood and ambiance. That's why green was the predominant color in The Matrix, and the black and white duo-tone effect worked so well for stories like Sim City. If you use local color on everything, then you have no such thing as lighting, nothing is dramatic and the look loses a quality of style. This book is supposed to be a little dark, no? The team lives in Mutant Town and takes place after M-Day, so it's bound to be a little on the darker side and I think the coloring reflects that. I lived in NYC for 5 years and that city's lighting and color of the buildings and architecture is what lends itself to the city's personality...especially after 9/11, the city colors were similar to what's depicted on this book. I guess this was 9/11 for the mutant population of mutant town as well. I love the idea of the book having it's own personality. And if writing, and art and color style all mesh, then it's kind of like, it's own character in itself.

[Doom Hammer]

Not really happy with the coloring, or the lack of it actually. They only use green, black, orange, page yellow and grey. A bit depressing to me so far.

PAD and co. are going for the noir angle, which is very difficult to acheive in vibrant booming pink and purple.

[TimGunn]

I loved this issue. Very excited about the series. Great parts:

Rahne's rant
Siryn's new (to me) power
Rictor's explanation of what is like w/out powers
Layla Miller - she could be very cool, she was at the center of M-Day, I'm interested to see where that is going
Singuilarity Investigations - the bad guy to the Multiple Man is Singuilarity - HA!

Can anyone recap what happened w/ Maddrox and the legacy virus? I thought he died in X-Factor 100 but then came back or something, but I couldn't keep up.

[Lee in Limbo]

Peter David fleshed out this aspect of Jamie Madrox in X-Factor #71-89. The evil dupe was pivitol in X-Factor #71-75; he worked for Mr. Sinister as one of his Nasty Boys.I own copies of all of those issues. I just never got the notion that every dupe was going to be completely unique, with different personality traits. It's an interesting notion, but I don't believe I've ever seen it applied so obviously before, Evil Dupe notwithstanding. I considered him to be an aberration.

[tangentman]

Siryn's sonic hypnotism isn't a new power--she displayed this power in Spider-Woman #38, which was the 2nd part of the 2 issue X-Men crossover. Theresa hypnotized Angel into hallucinating and briefly mind-controlled him into attacking Spider-Woman and Storm. She also used that same power to temporarily paralyze Jessica. Seducing people with her mutant vocals seems like a natural extension of this old facet of her powers.

[Dennis K]

I didn't have enough cash to pick this book up this week, but my comic shop is holding one for me, it looks awfully good.

[The Lucky One]

Oddly, though, this just makes me want to work on some of those old ideas even more, but it would be even harder to sell now. *sigh*

Enh... our idea was similar, sure, but not entirely identical. It'd still be possible to pull off, it'd just have more impact if Madrox faded back into obscurity. Which would in itself annoy me... real catch-22, innit?
:D

-D

[streator]

I own copies of all of those issues. I just never got the notion that every dupe was going to be completely unique, with different personality traits. It's an interesting notion, but I don't believe I've ever seen it applied so obviously before, Evil Dupe notwithstanding. I considered him to be an aberration.
i'd guess it's pad building off of himself from the madrox mini in which jamie sent dupes all around the world to learn different things/experience different lifestyles. with all of those various philosophies running around in his head, jamie could/and would produce dupes that might not agree with him and/or possess different personality traits.

[Gnarl]

But the connection between Sean and Moira doesn't necessarily translate to any connection between Rahne and Siryn. For most of her life, Banshee didn't even know he had a daughter. Whatever father/daughter relationship they've forged is really pretty recent and short-lived so far. And Rahne has spent most of the period of time that Sean and Moira were a couple off with the New Mutants/X-Factor/et al. There really hasn't been any significant window where Siryn and Rahne were together long enough to form any kind of bond.

If you found out tomorrow that your step-father had another child from a previous relationship that he just found out about, would you feel an instant kinship with him/her? Probably not. I see the situation with Rahne and Siryn as a parallel thing.

That is perfectly true.

However, I always saw Rahne as both deeply shy, and terribly lonely. I imagined she'd want any family connection desperatly, but possibly be too shy to say so.

I heard Moria died, did Rahne and Banshee have any talk at the funeral? Did she inherit Morias considerable wealth?
Kevins father was a politican, possibly an MP. Did she end up with any of his skeletons?

I don't know much about Siryn, or her attitude to family. I don't think I've evr read an issue where she had any character development. I know she was raised by Black Tom Cassidy. And has a driniking problem. Was she at a boarding school?

[Doom Hammer]

I was kinda shocked at Rahne's new look. I mean, it works for her and all, but in the Madrox mini she was...different. I wonder what made her change? I'm sure this'll be addressed.

[fishtaco]

I loved this issue. Very excited about the series. Great parts:

Rahne's rant
Siryn's new (to me) power
Rictor's explanation of what is like w/out powers
Layla Miller - she could be very cool, she was at the center of M-Day, I'm interested to see where that is going
Singuilarity Investigations - the bad guy to the Multiple Man is Singuilarity - HA!

Can anyone recap what happened w/ Maddrox and the legacy virus? I thought he died in X-Factor 100 but then came back or something, but I couldn't keep up.Yeah. Freakin' Lobdell killed him off with the stupid Legacy Virus in X-Factor (1st Series) 100. He returned in X-Factor (1st Series) 128. Check out his spotlight at www.uncannyxmen.net :)

[thik_3rd]

Yeah. Freakin' Lobdell killed him off with the stupid Legacy Virus in X-Factor (1st Series) 100. He returned in X-Factor (1st Series) 128. Check out his spotlight at www.uncannyxmen.net :)
first off demateiss wrote that issue. second, never sully lobdell's name.

[Turd_Ferguson]

first off demateiss wrote that issue. second, never sully lobdell's name.

Third of all, Jamie reappeared for the first time in issue #102. I don't think anyone ever expected him to stay dead. He was gone a whole two issues. (although he didn't appear again for two and a half years after his first appearance back, in which he didn't say anything).

[Will.S]

This is another great book tied to Decimation and I'm excited to see this new X-Factor team. Including Layla Miller is kind of gutsy since everyone pretty much saw her as "little miss plot device" in House of M but I'm interested to see how Peter David is going to use her.

Every character showed off a good deal of personality along with some really cool action such as Siryn, Strong Guy, Rictor, Multiple Man, and Rahn's great megaphone scene. That evil duplicant angle (even though I see it's been used before) is a natural extension of how they were used in Peter's Madrox mini series. I still love that whole lifeline thing and winning the million dollars, that's a priceless concept. We all know Rictor isn't going to die so it's just a matter of who's going to save him.

Ryan Sook's art is fantastic, it's smooth, expressive, and moody at the same time. He has a great eye for design just looking at their costumes and the action scenes were exciting. If there were Marvel Legends figs of X-Factor I would be very happy.

Anyway, it's off to a really good start already and I'm interested in their investigation of M-Day and how it came to be as well as their future adventures and other sub-plots shown here.

[Doom Hammer]

Did anyone notice that Sook's Strong Guy is a bit top-heavy? I think it's adorable.

[Will.S]

Did anyone notice that Sook's Strong Guy is a bit top-heavy? I think it's adorable.
It's certainly better than that huge glob of sacked meat he's always being drawn as.

[Doom Hammer]

It's certainly better than that huge glob of sacked meat he's always being drawn as.

...I was being sincere. I like the way he looks.

I'm not sure if you took it in another way, but I definitely agree with you. Strong Guy looks cooler than ever.

[tunasammiches]

Isn't that what Strong Guy's look is though? To be top heavy? When they gave the origins of his power's catalist, it showed that his upper body was deformed by the trauma he experienced. And it constantly keeps Guido in pain so he has to meditate. So it's not just Sook's character design that makes him look like that, it's his deformation.

[Doom Hammer]

Isn't that what Strong Guy's look is though? To be top heavy? When they gave the origins of his power's catalist, it showed that his upper body was deformed by the trauma he experienced. And it constantly keeps Guido in pain so he has to meditate. So it's not just Sook's character design that makes him look like that, it's his deformation.

That's cool and all, I've just never noticed it so emphasized.

But like I said, I'm not criticizing it...I love it!

[kloudsurfer]

Dammit Marvel!!! This sounds great! I definetly have to pick this up. And here I was tryin to spend less money on comics...

[Doom Hammer]

Dammit Marvel!!! This sounds great! I definetly have to pick this up. And here I was tryin to spend less money on comics...

The never-ending struggle of the excessive comic book fan...

[The Lucky One]

The discussion about Strong Guy's look brings to mind an interesting question- how many people who're reading this book have read the original X-Factor... and how many, after enjoying this, are now planning to?

-D

[streator]

The discussion about Strong Guy's look brings to mind an interesting question- how many people who're reading this book have read the original X-Factor... and how many, after enjoying this, are now planning to?

-D
i am reading this book and have read the original x-factor.
i have a near complete run (of the original), but plan on picking up the missing issues at some point.

[Will.S]

The discussion about Strong Guy's look brings to mind an interesting question- how many people who're reading this book have read the original X-Factor... and how many, after enjoying this, are now planning to?

-D
I've only read a bit of PAD X-Factor but I've always wanted to check out the collected editions such as the Visonaries book out now.

It's too expensive for 5 issues but that might be my only way barring essentials.

[The Lucky One]

It's just too expensive for 5 issues but that might be my only way barring essentials.

Try eBay or quarter bins. They're not very expensive issues, you could probably pick up the full run (70-89) for 20 bucks or less.

-D

[Will.S]

Try eBay or quarter bins. They're not very expensive issues, you could probably pick up the full run (70-89) for 20 bucks or less.

-D
If I can find all of them I'll definitely go that route.

[kalorama]

I've only read a bit of PAD X-Factor but I've always wanted to check out the collected editions such as the Visonaries book out now.

It's too expensive for 5 issues but that might be my only way barring essentials.

Yeah, that $16.00 retail price tag was bit steep for 5 issues of reprints. I ordered it from Amazon for $10.90.

[Crimson]

I just got this issue today.

It was good. The writing was solid and the art was was grim and gritty to suit the mood of the book... but I'm not sure how long it'll stay on my already too large pull list.

I'll give it 6 issues as PAD is a great writer but so far there is nothing that is compelling me to read the book. I know that they are trying to find out about M-Day but I already know that so thats not enough.

[The Fury]

'Who wants to be a millionaire?'!?!?!??!?!!1?!?!//!??!?!

Brilliant. :D

No more comments needed.

[The Xenos]

I gotta say, I haven't been that into X-Men in years. Only been into a few side books. I freaking love X-Factor here. I loved the Maddox mini too of course. I totally skipped House of M and have no interest in the fallout, but here it's a nice setting. I have no interest in following all the X-Books, but I am enjoying the hell out of this one (and a couple others like Cable Deadpool).

Oh and I got a OMGWTFBBQ?!!1 for the end of the issue. Nice.

-Xenos

[Jessica Drew]

Loved it. The book's got the same sly wit and deadpan tone from the Madrox mini. This--along with Exiles--is already the best X-book out there.

[Sanagi]

The discussion about Strong Guy's look brings to mind an interesting question- how many people who're reading this book have read the original X-Factor... and how many, after enjoying this, are now planning to?

-D
I glanced through the new X-Factor at my local comic shop and it just felt strange to see the characters again. Instead of reminding me of how much I enjoyed the old comic, it mostly brought back my feelings of disappointment with what happened to the characters a few years down the road. I think I'm still too jaded by the superhero comics industry to go back.

[Affinity]

The discussion about Strong Guy's look brings to mind an interesting question- how many people who're reading this book have read the original X-Factor... and how many, after enjoying this, are now planning to?

-D

I won't be reading the original, original X-Factor, but I have picked up the first trade of PAD's X-Factor run. It was really good, and I am thoroughly enjoying both stories from back then and now. PAD truly is a wonderful writer, and I'm happy to see his take on this characters reunited, acting as they should be. I mean, Rahne in Academy X was terrible...this is what I've been wanting from her for ages now.