The Main Event Comic Book Reviews 6.21.08: X-Factor #32

Posted by Dennis Twigg on 06.21.2008

Its a slow week as The Main Event heads to Mutant Town!

X-Factor #32
General: With old Mutant Town blown up by the villainous Arcade and two of their number having left, X-Factor's self-imposed duty to safeguard the former mutants of the former Mutant Town has become irrelevant. Into that void comes X-Factor's old boss from their government days, Val Cooper.
Writing: Peter David keeps his pop culture wits about him, making a few good references without seeming forced. Moreover, the aimlessness felt by the team does a good job of reflecting the logical readers concerns about the direction of the book. Secondly, Jamie Madrox, the Multiple Man, doesn't disappoint with his back to the wall. He manages to make some clever moves, true to his character, have some interesting introspection with an imaginary friend, and some great interactions with his teammates.
Art: If there's one place this book has suffered, it had been its art. The art never been terrible, but its also never really seemed to stick with an artist. That lack of consistency in rendering has made some stories that were otherwise spotless seem a little less fluid. To be fair, De Lando actually does some pretty good stuff, but this book could really benefit from someone drawing about six-twelve issues in a row.
Overall Score: B+. X-Factor is one of the single most consistently enjoyable books that Marvel publishes because Peter David has a group of characters that he's mastered and has been given (relatively) free reign to develop and change. Editors take note: let your great writers write free of meddling.