From the very first issue, the members of X-Factor have been in immediate danger, and that continues this week in X-Factor #5. The danger is not from any silly mission they’re forced to take on but a mutant threat. That makes things all the more reluctant for our heroes who feel like they’re on the team because they don’t have anything better to do. It’s a comedic element of a series with a few comedy gems, with a couple more in the latest issue.
X-Factor #5 opens with X-Term attacking America, as reported by smart refrigerators. It’s as ridiculous as it sounds and a good opening clue as to how things play out as the story unfolds. Due to X-Factor being a mutant team that helps everyone, the conflict arises that a mutant villain needs to be denigrated by the team or else. This leads the team to a secret base, and surprises unfold from there.
Writer Mark Russell and artist Bob Quinn do a good job establishing the conflict the team is under from their superiors with the comedy of over-the-top violence and danger. X-Term is a very real threat, a terrorist one that may fight for reasonable reasons but with extreme prejudice. Meanwhile, X-Factor is like the foil to X-Term, as the team stands for nothing and takes orders.
The fridge is key!
Credit: Marvel
Thrown into the mix is the smart fridge, a cool new mutant, and a major death, and there’s a good deal to enjoy and surprise you in this issue.
Quinn’s art is a strong point, from the loud facial expressions that sell comedic elements to the impactful action. A full-page splash of an attack is dynamic and has the right amount of violence. McCloud’s general look is also top-notch, making him instantly recognizable and fun.
Is the team mostly standing around, complaining, and getting nowhere? Sure, and does the fridge joke not quite work till the end? Yeah, but it’s still a nice romp in an interesting new mutant-driven story. The running joke of Frenzy and Xyber making out doesn’t work, either, and the issue doesn’t get much done.
X-Factor #5 delivers an entertaining blend of humor and action with some intriguing twists, but its reliance on uneven gags and lack of significant progress leaves the issue feeling somewhat underwhelming.
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