Havok is having real issues as the team leader of a corporate X-Factor. Mutants have died, other mutants are terrorist enemies of his team, and Havok even joined the team when Polaris told him not to. Things are not looking up, but in X-Factor #3, a mission must be handled on the moon. Who else is going to do it? Cyclops?
X-Factor #3 is another fun mix of action and commentary poking fun at our society. The big target of this issue is ClikClok, a popular social media app that happens to have a lunar base. Writer Mark Russell and artist Bob Quinn gel well together with a cartoony and lighthearted visual style mixed with some pointed social commentary.
This issue feels much more focused than in previous chapters. Havok and his ragtag team of mutants must go to the moon to protect it at all costs. Frenzy, Pyro, Cecilia Reyes, Xyber, and Granny Smite are by his side. Aside from not wanting a teammate to die or get injured, Havok is also wrestling with the bad feeling this team is doing things for the wrong reason. Everything in the issue seems to be building towards Havok getting pushed to the point of action against his superiors. Let’s hope he does.
Can we make “powerdog’ing” a thing?
Credit: Marvel
On the reverse side, Havok keeps getting ample pressure to do something, anything, but he doesn’t explicitly change or seem to be changing just yet. That makes his characterization a bit one note in this chapter. It’s likely building to something, but as far as development goes, every character will be the same by the end, and the team’s status quo will remain unchanged.
The best character in this issue is Granny Smite. She gets a full backstory and multiple moments to shine. Her power is invulnerability, and she wants to die. Joining the team allows her to see how much it’ll take to end her for good. She’s a bit of a loose cannon but means no ill will to anyone aside from herself.
While Granny Smite is the punchline, Havok is the straight man of the narrative. He’s deadly serious and even breaking down into tears over Polaris. His sad-sack behavior further cements the rather ill-intentioned nature of the team. At the same time, it makes sense he’d join them to do some good (if possible) and be a leader when he’s often not even second fiddle.
Quinn crushes on art, from the character acting to the lunar battle. At one point, asteroids are flung, and you’ll feel their speed. Granny Smite’s always-grinning attitude is a fun juxtaposition to the near-death situations. Quinn continues to do well with the convention scenes, capturing the soullessness of specific moments.
X-Factor #3 continues to offer comedic social commentary with a strong focus on Havok. Come for a few giggles, stay for the complete mission and action.
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