Review: ALL-NEW X-FACTOR #1

Writer:  Peter David
Artist:  Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colorist:  Lee Loughridge
Letterer:  VC’s Cory Petit
Production Design:  Manny Mederos
Publisher:  Marvel Comics

Fans were disappointed when it was announced that Peter David would be ending his long run on X-Factor.  The book had found a cult following among fans who enjoyed reading X-Men stories outside of crossover events.  But thankfully Marvel listened to fans and decided to keep X-Factor going, but this time with a new name, new number one, new team, and new mission statement.

The name “X-Factor” was bought from Jamie Madrox by Harrison Snow, CEO and President of Serval Industries.  Serval Industries is a search company not unlike Google.  Snow has decided to employ a superhero team to do good in the world.  At least thats what he claims.  But is everything as good as it seems?

All-New X-Factor #1 interior art

What I Liked

I’ve heard many good things regarding David’s run on X-Factor.  I only read a few issues here and there.  What makes All-New X-Factor appealing to me is the group dynamic (Polaris as team leader, Gambit, Quicksilver, and three more members set to be revealed in later issues) and the cause they’re fighting for.  We’ve seen government funded teams before.  But never have we seen a team run from a corporate account.

David keeps the dialogue light and witty, while Carmine Di Giandomenico gets a chance to be featured on a new number one comic.  I’ve enjoyed him on Ultimate Comics The Ultimates.  With the future of that comic and universe up in the air, I’m glad he got moved onto another ongoing project.  I also need to add that the colors by Lee Loughridge are vibrant to the eye and add even more to Giandomenico’s line work.

What I Didn’t Like

Polaris never states why she chose Gambit for her team.  Does she just happen to come across Gambit after he’s had an argument with Wolverine?  Or was she already out looking for him?  Quicksilver makes vague references for not being allowed back at Avengers Academy, but never says what happened.  And what makes Gambit question Quicksilver?  Gambit doesn’t have the cleanest record himself.

All-New X-Factor #1 cover

Summary

I welcome the addition of All-New X-Factor with welcomed arms.  This looks to be a fun team dynamic with a unique direction that opens the door to all sorts of story possibilities.  With an up-and-coming artist in Giandomenico and a veteran writer in David, this book has a bright future in front of itself.

Rating:  4 out of 5

This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network.  They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE