All-New X-Factor #1

All-New X-Factor #1

New team so far features Gambit,
Polaris, and Quicksilver

This was one that Deanpool had high expectations for. For a first issue, it did quite solid in his eyes. The art and the colors are the first thing that really captures your attention. Deanpool isn’t much of a seasoned X-Factor reader, but he is aware that Peter David did a lot for the title in its earlier runs. Criticism has been quite fair for this issue and the start for this series, but most are holding it to the standard created from its previous volumes. So here’s Deanpool’s opinions and review with fresh eyes and fresh perspective. X-Factor readerss shouldn’t expect the A-list Marvel mutants, those ones are reserved for X-Men titles. This particular issue introduces readers to Gambit, Polaris, and Quiksilver (and also a cameo from Wolverine pulling Gambit out of trouble, classic). Not a bad cast to start with, Gambit is a fan favorite of a lot of X-Men fans and Quicksilver is rumored to appear in a future Marvel film. For those who are unfamiliar with X-Factor, in their first comic run they were a government-sponsored corporation. In their second run, they were a private detective agency. Now, they are a branch of a corporation called Serval. This change is even addressed within the issue as it explains that the X-Factor name was bought off and Serval is legally allowed to use the name as part of its corporation.

Does Harrison Snow have a hidden agenda?
Or is Serval really intended to serve as a way of helping people?

Overall, it sets up the series for a refresh for the franchise and doesn’t quite hold on to connections to its previous volumes. As a typical first issue of a series featuring a team, this issue goes through the typical recruitment type of story to give background on the main players. Since these characters have been around for some time now, the character interaction makes for interesting banter and back-and-forths between team members. And by the end of the issue they’re off on their first mission. Not sure how many more characters will fill out this new X-Factor roster, early we saw someone being experimented on in some sort of lab. And if it follows typical storylines, it’ll lead to this the current team going out and saving this person and this person reluctantly joining the team. Pretty sure Teen Titans #1 did something like that with Superboy. Nonetheless, Gambit makes for an interesting protagonist that may be the voice of reason (and possible leader?) for this team. Gambit has definitely been a fan favorite for some time now, Deanpool was especially fond of him during the animated show, so it’s nice seeing him in a lead role as a compelling hero. As mentioned before, Deanpool likes the coloring and interesting lighting choices. It gives the feeling of a very modern, fresh perspective. The angular lines and clean lighting seems fitting for a corporation-based team.

Overall, the issue shows a lot of promise for the series and the art itself helps separate it from other comics on the shelves. Hopefully, it does lead to a start of a great comic with a fun team to follow. 7.5/10 from M. Deanpool.

Team chemistry starting with Gambit and Quicksilver?