I hope the title doesn’t spoil it for anyone, but I think we all assumed that X-Factor would have escaped the warehouse blast that ended the last issue.
So, the issue starts us off as Multiple Man, Longshot, Strong Guy and Monet raid a warehouse where they believed Darwin was being held captive. Turns out the place was empty. You might recall that from last issue as well.
So, some stuff happen and the building explodes. I won’t reveal anything because it’s the main event that happens in this book. But while all of this is happening, we periodically cut to XFI headquarters where Val Cooper and Siryn are having a heated conversation. Rictor is also being restrained in handcuffs while this is going on. He didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat when Val showed up, this is why he’s being restrained.
The issue has a great ending that I don’t want to spoil either, but it definitely has me wanting issue 38.. like, NOW!
Peter David does his usual best work on this title. His plot and subplots are clean and have a solid direction. You know that he won’t be leaving any lose ends and it looks like everything is seamlessly running parallel and headed for one big climax. Guido delivered a line to Longshot in this issue that had me in stitches. Actually, there were quite a few tongue in cheek lines that had me smiling throughout. The Val Cooper/Siryn bits were priceless. These moments offered great balance to Jamie's inner-monologue, questioning his self-control and morals. I suspect this is the seed that is being planted for the next story that is solicited for February, the return of Pastor John Maddox. I have my own theory as to what this is leading up to, but I won't discuss that here. Back to the review...
What about the art? You may ask. Well.. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m really happy that Larry Stroman is nowhere to be found in this issue as well as the next few issues it would seem. Major respect to the guy, but his current “style” was not fitting for the tone that has been set by Pablo Raimondi and Ryan Sook in this X-Factor volume since the beginning way back in the Maddrox limited series.
The art was handled by the up and coming Valentine De Landro. A young artist from Toronto Canada who has been in the business since 2000. He’s mainly worked on inks but has done a fabulous job taking over for Pablo Raimondi on this title. The styles are very similar so the book is not losing that trademark “noir” tone.
With that said, De Landro’s art was not flawless, but it was forgivable. His faces aren’t exactly consistent, but he’s really mastering the subtle story-telling-through-body-language that I loved from Raimondi. Good work Valentine, I see big things for you in the future. Keep it up.
This issue gets a solid
4 out of 5 stars from me. After a short rough patch with this title, I’m right back on the boat and ready to hit the waters.