X-Men comics are starting to get in on the One World Under Doom event fun this week, with X-Factor kicking things off. If the cover is any indication, Angel seems to be joining forces with Doctor Doom, but based on the story itself, it’s more about a crypto bro dream that’s actually a nightmare. That’s right, writer Mark Russell continues to infuse this series with compelling social commentary in a strong seventh issue.
X-Factor #7 opens with a fun advertisement for X-Factor exclusives on Clik Clok, a premier social media platform. It’s a nice way to get a few jokes in concerning specific characters while also lightening the mood. The story picks up with only four members of the team remaining. They’re getting the next mission brief, which comes with Angel returning to the team since the first issue.
Their mission involves destroying a supercomputer that runs a city built on the ashes of Genosha. Dubbed “Gigosha,” an algorithm controls this island, making it easier to manage its people with chips put in the heads of its citizens. If this sounds vaguely similar to Elon Musk’s Neuralink, you’re not the only one. The results of this tech are revealed by the end of the issue, giving it a nice commentary on the lunacy of governing via A.I. algorithms.
Angel returns!
Credit: Marvel
However, spending time explaining how the A.I. algorithm runs the city is limited, as it distracts the team members. Sure, there are small moments, but mostly, this is an action comic with social commentary. The characters are a distant third as far as focus.
Outside of commentary, this issue delivers another done-in-one mission with surprises left and right. That includes the mutant Forgetmenot popping up and a rival Chechen mutant group. Each of the team members gets something to do, and there is some nice development regarding Xyber and his use of powers.
Artist Bob Quinn and color artist Jesus Aburtov continue to deliver eye-catching art. The bright colors pop, elevating the humor. Angel comes off as particularly heroic in this issue, especially in a great double-page layout, as laser blasts rush around him. Quinn also designs the new Chechen mutants like Strych9, who have deadly powers. Facial expressions are where Quinn really shines, leaning into the stupidity of the team as needed for comic relief.
X-Factor #7 continues to balance satire, action, and character moments effectively, offering a fun yet thought-provoking story. The art enhances both the humor and tension, while the plot delivers an exciting, self-contained mission with relevant social commentary.
You must be logged in to post a comment.