Review: X-Factor #251

X-Factor is currently in the middle of a story line that has been building for years. So many previous threads are coming into play – from Jamie and Layla’s wedding (predicted in one of the first issues of the series), to Rahne’s pregnancy, to Darwin’s brush with Hela, to Guido losing his soul. It’s also weaving together a vast swath of Marvel Universe lore: Hela, Pluto, Mephisto, Dormammu, and many others. Peter David has carefully crafted a story that put his team in as precarious a position as possible – losing Guido and Darwin, as well as Banshee and Havok, all in quick succession. Not to mention the fact that X-Factor has never been a team of heavy-hitters. How they intend to take on the Lords of Hell will certainly be interesting.

For now, David is content to mostly answer some lingering questions, such as: “Why is everyone trying to kill Tier?”, “Whose side is Jezebel really on?”, and “Why does Pluto look so much like The Monitor?” OK, he doesn’t really answer that last one. But those other two answers are certainly welcome. The team escapes the clutches of the Hell Lords while M works out some anger on Darwin. Jezebel provides some back story, and the team ends up in a worse position than when they started.

One strong point of the issue is the art. X-Factor has never been blessed with a consistent artist, which is unfortunate. But Leonard Kirk has been doing a steady job. Matt Milla’s colors pop as well, helping to distinguish the various enemies and factions. Particularly impressive is a flashback to the Lords of Hell fighting for dominance:

While not much happens in this issue to further the larger story, this is still worth reading. For one, it provides a clear motivation for the Lords of Hell. While the justification is both a little silly and unexpected, it works. Besides, any motivation is better than none. X-Factor is rarely better than when the team is at each other’s throats. The banter sparkles and the insults fly. It’s just fun. And finally, a revelation concerning M comes to light, which is surprising, heartbreaking, and intriguing all at once.

Ultimately, X-Factor is a fun series for fans of X-continuity. It may not be the most accessible book at first, but the characters are diverse, consistent, and engaging. Furthermore, it really rewards long-term reading, providing pay-offs to plots from years and years ago. This current arc promises to further shake up the status quo for the team, and it’s anyone’s guess as to how.