X-Factor #250 Review

Remember when Rahne had a kid and then quit? Remember when Strong Guy had a fight and then quit? Remember when Darwin strolled in and started trying to ventilate people? Well, all of that comes to a satisfying head in X-Factor #250 in a climax you won’t want to miss!

Peter David’s story isn’t just an exceptionally well-crafted dovetailing of half a dozen or so huge plot threads, it’s an incredibly fun adventure of the sort you might recall from days gone by in the comic world. The tale feels huge, with buildings exploding, mythical forces at play, and a slew of reveals. At the same time though, the story is powerfully and convincingly driven by the characters’ predicaments and emotions. Personally, my favorite aspect was the subtext, with David’s adroit representation of egotistical potentates – reminiscent of America’s warring political parties - and their effects on the innocent and confused everyman (embodied here in Rahne’s son, Tier).

Once again, Leonard Kirk’s efforts form a seamless extension between David’s script and the printed page, but, as is apparent in the clever call-outs in the background of the splash page, the whole art team is deserving of plaudits. There’s great impact in the action panels and great three-dimensionality in Kirk’s angles and blocking. Rising above even these successes, though, is the pacing. The story never languishes (or even rests), and reveals arrive at their moment of maximum efficacy. It comes as no surprise to X-Factor fans, but the pacing also sells character moments well, especially those with levity.

In a week full of absolutely stellar releases, I’m thrilled to say that X-Factor is right up there with the best of them. Everything works in this issue. If there’s one knock I can give this book, it’s that a lot of what goes on may be over newcomers’ heads. I think there’s enough of a foothold for fresh faces to join the bandwagon here, but it would behoove them to rifle through the back issue bin or take advantage of digital sales. Top marks, and a job well done to all involved.

Poet Mase is a regular contributor to IGN who wishes Peter David, one of comics' great talents, a quick and complete recovery. Follow Poet on Twitter @PoetMase, or post a message on his IGN profile PoetMase.

Source : ign[dot]com