Finally, the long anticipated return of Larry Stroman to the X-Factor book is here!! And I couldn’t be… happier? I don’t know, I’m really on the fence here. Stroman has such a unique & wacky style. He was responsible for redesigning X-Factor way back in
X-Factor #71. Stroman and David make a great creative team and they certainly have the history that proves it. It is such a change of scene and pace compared to the work that Ryan Sook, Pablo Raimondi and Valentine De Landro laid down since the beginning of Volume 3 of this title. Although, Stroman’s return really helps solidify the point that it’s a whole new ball game for X-Factor. Layla and Rahne are gone, Siryn is pregnant with Jamie Madrox’s child, the team has relocated to Detroit and they are back to doing Val Cooper’s dirty work (
unbeknownst to most of the team with the exception of Guido and Jamie). So, I think that deep down I’m really liking Stroman’s return, but it will take a few issues to get back into the grove of things. The art is different, but dynamic.
As for the story, well X-Factor holds the first part of a three part story arc “Secret Invasion” Tie-In with a She-Hulk crossover (
well, that was a mouthful). Peter David is doing an excellent job as always. I think he’s thriving on the change of pace. This issue was action packed starting off with the appearance of Longshot and Darwin. I don’t wanna spoil anything for you folks, so I won’t say anymore besides the fact that everything and everyone that is coming together for this arc, makes perfect and total sense, like a perfectly sown decorative patch to the comfortable pair of denims that is Bendis’ Secret Invasion Story. It’s not an essential story to SI, but it’s a welcomed addition that has a bigger importance that just some random side story.
The setup is that Darwin’s father has heard that his son is in town. He went to X-Factor to hire them to find Darwin. X-Factor agrees. We see Longshot and Darwin are being followed by someone else though and shortly thereafter, there is a revelation about one of the duo. The person following Longshot and Darwin is non other than Jazinda, She-Hulk’s bounty hunting partner (
and for those of you who don’t know, Jazinda is a Skrull and she’s also K’lrt’s daughter). Things get into full swing when Monet locates the three characters causing a riot. The rest of the team is on their way and we end with She-Hulk charging the fight in the last panel.
I was floored by this issue. The humor, the action, the new look. Yeah, I dug it and I recommend it as a Secret Invasion Tie-In. Stroman’s art will bring down my mark slightly though as I’m really not used to it and I’m still unsure whether or not I’ll learn to love. I also figure that Stroman is clearing the rust out of his fingers with this first issue.
All in all.. I give it a VERY solid 4 out of 5.