X-Factor 48 Review

[justinkos91]

It really seems that in spite of a slow start, this X-Factor arc seems to be getting better. This issue though had a nice mixture of action and dialogue, a lot of the dialogue taking place in the future surprisingly, with all that's happening to them, and all the action taking place in the present. it was a great balance. it wasn't boring and it wasn't just action. I really enjoy seeing DeLandro full-time on art as well. It's not that I did not like Santucci, but the art feels consistent, and to be honest, there were moments where many of the characters looked awkward, almost pointy, but past is past. Delandro, I'm liking, though the inker, well I'm not feeling him, there are moments of blotch, but overall, it hasn't affected anything in a negative way. Though there are some weird facial expressions, overall, I'm enjoying his work on the book, and it's good to know X-Factor finally has stuck with an artist. Let's hope it stays this way after the arc is done.

Back to the story... I am finding it's moving at a faster pace in comparison to the previous issues in the arc. The last 2-3 issues, so much has happened, though the issues before that, minus 40, could have easily been condensed. With the reveal at the end, I am anticipating next issue and I like how each team, divided, ge's their own moment in the spotlight. The return of 3 certain characters spoilers:

(Shatterstar, Guido, and Rictor)

end of spoilers, though one page was what we saw of them, it has me wanting to read the next issue. I would like to see how characters like Siryn react to Shatterstar returning to the ranks, seeing the two have been buddies back in the X-Force days. Layla, I am growing to like as an adult more and more, and this issue has done that for me. We see her go one on one with Cyclops and learn about another role she will play in the story. Also glad to see the Damin Tryp Junior and Senior return as well, it's about time. Future Cyclops seems more amusing, seeing he is still uptight and grouchy, but has a reason, him being an old man.

To me though, the best part of the book was the present, though that may be my inner action-junkie speaking.We saw it last issue, and we saw it again, Siryn and M kicked ass, though my one question is why does Lenore have a pair of Red pants with an X belt when M asked Lenore to get her some clothes? Did she fit them in her giant purse? Though that is my only little minor nitpick, it was great to see Siryn spoilers:

kick Madrox/Cortex's butt without it being the real Madrox.

end of spoilers Win-win for everyone I suppose. We got a look into how losing the baby has affected her psychologically and here we see that in spite of dwelling and thinking about what would happen if she saw Madrox again, she's glad that spoilers:

it's a dupe's butt she gets to kick.

end of spoilers M also got her share in the action. Darwin, well he didn't really do much besides be Lenore's bodyguard, but I liked the reveal at the end.

I am seeing the future and the present tie together and I greatly anticipate the final battle. It's not too often we have a story arc lasting so long all within one book. The story had a nice mix of both action and dialogue, and I really like the interaction between Layla and Madrox and Cyclops. It's too bad we didn't get to see any interactions involving Fitzroy and Ruby, but there's still 2 more issues to go. My only question though is where's Longshot? Not that I'm complaining...

Overall, I really enjoyed this issue and most of the characters played a role, not many major players were left out.

B+

[justinkos91]

What did you all think of the issue?

[coconutphone]

Longshot's still recovering from his fight with Cortex. The present stuff takes place over the span of maybe 10 minutes which makes the ending all the funnier/surprising.

LOVED Future Doom and how he handled Scott. Jamie stood up to him really well too.

I assumed Lenore got Monet's clothes not her own for her.

[worstblogever]

Originally Posted by justinkos91

What did you all think of the issue?

My LCS was given a small order, again, and I left the store an hour after it opened... it had sold out again, but I got a copy.

I'm wondering if that's a conspiracy to try and push graphic novel sales later, but whatevah.

Seeing Old Man Tryp again was heavy. Tying together a plot hook that hasn't been touched on since... what X-Factor (vol. 3) #25? Intriguing.

Also glad to see Cyke isn't taking the "my daughter hangs with Fitzroy" thing lightly. Good to see Geriatric Doom still have some fight in him, though.

"So feisty. Practically dripping with feist" is a line I must use on someone special to me sometime. I'll let everyone know later if it gets me slapped.

Shatterstar also gets to remove someone's limbs. That brought back fond memories of Reaper from X-Force, back in the day.

Now, all that being said, I enjoyed it. Fun stuff. Despite the darkness in the Monet/Siryn/Cortex scenes, there is so much humor in watching Cortex's increasing frustration in X-Factor being a complete pain in his ass.

I'd give it 8.5/10.

[coconutphone]

I loved Cortex's narration. It's refreshingly human and none mustache-twirling villainy we normally get from a baddy. He was annoyed. I like that. LOVED seeing the ladies drive the majority of the action in some kick ass scenes. Monet vs Cortex... nice :D

and yes 'dripping with feist' is definitely a line I'll be using.

[The Lucky One]

Originally Posted by justinkos91

My only question though is where's Longshot? Not that I'm complaining...

Oh, Justin. So young. Someday you'll learn that that's something you really should complain about, young padawan.

You're right, though- I'm okay with characters not appearing in every issue, especially when the cast is as large as X-Factor's presently is, but it was a little odd that he was featured prominently on the cover and then not in the issue at all. Then again, there did seem to be some artistic miscommunication... not just the cover, but how both times Cortex was injured we saw blood spraying, but Monet's dialogue says he had no blood in him. Buh? No-Prize time.

Extremely minor stuff like that notwithstanding, I really enjoyed the issue. Doom's response to Cyclops was terrific, and Terry getting so mad she lapsed into Irish was a great touch. Cortex's teasing of Banshee's return was the perfect touch to, er, get her Irish up.

-D

[worstblogever]

Originally Posted by The Lucky One

Oh, Justin. So young. Someday you'll learn that that's something you really should complain about, young padawan.

You're right, though- I'm okay with characters not appearing in every issue, especially when the cast is as large as X-Factor's presently is, but it was a little odd that he was featured prominently on the cover and then not in the issue at all. Then again, there did seem to be some artistic miscommunication... not just the cover, but how both times Cortex was injured we saw blood spraying, but Monet's dialogue says he had no blood in him. Buh? No-Prize time.

Raspberry jelly. Just like a donut.

[claimtosubclaim]

I think that was the purple techno-organic(?) stuff that he was comprised of.

[justinkos91]

When Siryn got mad at Cortex, she said a word that's unfamiliar to me.
What's a "Chollach"?

[worstblogever]

Originally Posted by justinkos91

When Siryn got mad at Cortex, she said a word that's unfamiliar to me.
What's a "Chollach"?

Irish Gaelic word. It means, "ghost boar" I believe. Let me check. I have a friend who speaks it. I'll text him to get a translation.

[coconutphone]

I interpreted as fat ass/f**k.

Good ol' Terry.

[worstblogever]

Originally Posted by coconutphone

I interpreted as fat ass/f**k.

Good ol' Terry.

That was the other meaning I found online.

http://www.dil.ie/results-list.asp?m...page=10&bhcp=1


Sorta, anyway.

[uncanny_mark]

Great stuff going on in this issue. It is certainly my favourite issue of this story arc. And yes Shatterstar, Guido, and Rictor totally steal the show. Can't wait for the next 2 issues!

[jarrod]

Originally Posted by justinkos91

I would like to see how characters like Siryn react to Shatterstar returning to the ranks, seeing the two have been buddies back in the X-Force days.

More than that, Sy had the hots for him. So did Feral, which probably played a role in their rivalry (and Feral eventually ripping her throat out).

[Puunk]

Great review Justin!

A lot of progress this issue! Easily my favourite read this week.