A lot of the ‘which Jamie is which’ game, but that’s a good thing.
A question though, which Jamie has been branded? I thought that the Messiah CompleX crossovers showed that the urJamie also has the ‘M’, because of the ‘genetic level ink’, or whatever the term was.
So I guess that just means that a Jamie that I thought was the original Jamie earlier on, wasn’t. 😉
Besides that, I actually care whether or not Layla is ok, something I rarely feel about a fictional character. So props to you Mr. David.
I may be in the minority here, but I just couldn’t be bothered to sign on for another endless X-Men crossover just so I could understand what was going on in the one X-book (X-Factor) that I buy. Consequently I found myself still struggling a bit trying to figure out what was going on. I’d be interested to hear how other people who just read the one book felt.
Like Joe N, I only bought X-Factor during the crossover. I didn’t have a lot of trouble following the events of this book though, and I found the synopses at the beginning the issues helpful.
The only part I found confusing was the appearance if the M on one of present-day Jamie’s dupes. I was glad to see that edelso was confused by that, too; this probably means that it’s a mystery that will be revealed later rather than just me being clueless.
What did I think? I enjoyed reading it. I’m sorry to see a departure from the team, but the nature of these books is that the line-up changes. I’m looking forward to more Layla.
I thought that the issue was excellent. Lots of characterization and drama, which PD is so adept at.
And I would have go back and read it, but I recall original Jamie making a crack in the issue about his makeup wearing off which reveals the M. Not sure about how the M appears on dupes, or if it does. I’ll have to go back and check.
Finally, http://www.comicpants.com summed up what I thought of the issue very well in their Wednesday reviews, when they said: “An exceptional issue of X-Factor that will remind regular readers why they’re reading and should draw in the curious “Messiah Complex” followers into the book as well.” All 5 of the writers for the site had it on their Top 5 of the week as well, so there’s a lot of love out there for it! 🙂
In response to some comments above:
If I read it correctly, when Future Jamie died and his memories got sucked back thru time into Jamie Prime (which was the plan after all)Future Jamie’s brand came back with him. And now Jamie Prime sports makeup to cover the Bishop like tattoo.
Unrelated Side Note:
I was at my comic shop and walked in on a discussion about Peter David walking off X-factor. It was only after a moment of panic that I realized they were talking about the his departure years ago.
But this led to an interesting discussion about other books (X-Factor, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing — yes, I meant that twice, West Coast Avengers, etc.), that creators have left because of changes made by editors.
In response to some comments above:
If I read it correctly, when Future Jamie died and his memories got sucked back thru time into Jamie Prime (which was the plan after all)Future Jamie’s brand came back with him. And now Jamie Prime sports makeup to cover the Bishop like tattoo.
Unrelated Side Note:
I was at my comic shop and walked in on a discussion about Peter David walking off X-factor. It was only after a moment of panic that I realized they were talking about the his departure years ago.
But this led to an interesting discussion about other books (X-Factor, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing — yes, I meant that twice, West Coast Avengers, etc.), that creators have left because of changes made by editors.
In response to some comments above:
If I read it correctly, when Future Jamie died and his memories got sucked back thru time into Jamie Prime (which was the plan after all)Future Jamie’s brand came back with him. And now Jamie Prime sports makeup to cover the Bishop like tattoo.
Unrelated Side Note:
I was at my comic shop and walked in on a discussion about Peter David walking off X-factor. It was only after a moment of panic that I realized they were talking about the his departure years ago.
But this led to an interesting discussion about other books (X-Factor, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing — yes, I meant that twice, West Coast Avengers, etc.), that creators have left because of changes made by editors.
In response to some comments above:
If I read it correctly, when Future Jamie died and his memories got sucked back thru time into Jamie Prime (which was the plan after all)Future Jamie’s brand came back with him. And now Jamie Prime sports makeup to cover the Bishop like tattoo.
Unrelated Side Note:
I was at my comic shop and walked in on a discussion about Peter David walking off X-factor. It was only after a moment of panic that I realized they were talking about the his departure years ago.
But this led to an interesting discussion about other books (X-Factor, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing — yes, I meant that twice, West Coast Avengers, etc.), that creators have left because of changes made by editors.
In response to some comments above:
If I read it correctly, when Future Jamie died and his memories got sucked back thru time into Jamie Prime (which was the plan after all)Future Jamie’s brand came back with him. And now Jamie Prime sports makeup to cover the Bishop like tattoo.
Unrelated Side Note:
I was at my comic shop and walked in on a discussion about Peter David walking off X-factor. It was only after a moment of panic that I realized they were talking about the his departure years ago.
But this led to an interesting discussion about other books (X-Factor, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing — yes, I meant that twice, West Coast Avengers, etc.), that creators have left because of changes made by editors.
Rahne’s departure totally threw me off. I had to look through the last issue to see if it was referenced there, since I didn’t remember it, before realizing it was probably established in another book as part of the crossover.
Now I remember why I stopped reading the other X-books, and why crossovers like this piss me off. It’s jarring when it upsets your own storylines.
I also found her reason for leaving to make little sense, since there’s no reason to think that:
A. That what Tryp senior showed her could be trusted, B. That just because she was standing over Jamie and Layla’s bodies that it was she who killed them (as she could’ve just stumbled across the work of any number of other character who could’ve done this, like Sabretooth), or C. That leaving the team somehow would prevent this, since nothing in that vision indicated that it had to have been done by a teammate.
As always, Peter, you did a valiant job of trying to keep your little corner of the X-universe coherent and interesting, and the artwork is the most solid of all the books you’re currently writing, but I’ll be happy when this crossover is over, and I don’t have to work about other writers or editors hijacking your book’s characters into a massive “event” that I’m just not into.
1Peter David,
I am a big fan and monthly buyer of your
X-Factor comic book. I enjoy your writing.
You reflect each characters’ personality well and show linkage to previous mutant X-book stories and continuity. I know you are hinting a possible relationship and future marriage between Jaime and Layla Miller. Where does that leave poor Theresa “Siryn”? Will she become a single, unmarried mother with a mutant child or will
she turn to someone else, like her close friend and possible romantic former teammate Jimmy Proudstar “Warpath”. I know he is in X-Force
written by Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost
with a vengeful personality for revenge again
and has a thing with Corsair’s ex Hepzibah,which I don’t approve at all especially so soon after Corsair’s death. If you aren’t going to get Jaime and Theresa together, please think about Jimmy
“Warpath” as Theresa possible love interest because he was her best friend and unrequiented love in X-Force who supported and helped her with her alcoholism problem. Now that Rahne “Wolfbane” is working with Jimmy “Warpath” in X-Force, maybe
Rahne can help get Jimmy and Theresa together.
Luigi, thank you for explicating exactly how I felt, but in a much more cogent fashion. I think it’s fine that long-term readers should be rewarded in terms of serialized storylines that unfold over a number of issues, but it’s unfair to have those elements unfold in other books, forcing us to buy a score of other books just to keep track of what’s happening. I think from now on I’ll choose option C) which is to skim through those books at my local Barnes & Noble to keep track of those events, and continue to buy the books with which I’m emotionally invested.
Wow, complexity and depth and stuff…Great read, but kind of a downer. I’m sorrier to see Rahne go than I thought I’d be. Just getting her out of the building was like pulling teeth, but in a good way. Hopefully we’ll see her come back for iPhone in the not too distant future.
A good issue. I can’t help but feel like some of your plots got derailed by the Messiah Complex storyline. Poof, no more Rahne? Sorry if it did. In regards to Jamie I am somewhat mindful of Captain Marvel. A generally friendly and good natured person being driven to violent extremes by odd consequences. Will there be similar themes?
Well good issue.
Its intresting how not only the team seems to fall apart but Mutant Town with them.
Still funny to see that some depowered mutants see something in X-factor which the X-factor members don’t see in themself.
Since X-factor is a private investigation company and not how they claim the sheriffs of Mutant Town (well except Guido).
Talking about bad repuation, eh?
Also with nearly everyone (except Jamie and Monet) having a reason to leave or having already left, it seems like X-factor is open for some new faces.
I heared you consider taking Darwin in (if he looks good in a trenchcoat). But i don’t think he will fit as a tracker which leaves the question open if more than one addition to the cast will be made?
I’m seeing forward to see Rictors further reaction to Rhane leaving.
Also some hints towards Arcade are made in this issue, but i wonder which reasons he has, for buying large parts of the former mutant town?
Great issue!
I’m going to miss Rahne in this book though.
I just finished the last issue. I couldn’t follow the Messiah CompleX stuff at ALL. Very disconcerting. I look forward to seeing #28 if it’s got nothing to do with that nonsense.
X-Factor has always been somewhat dark. But there was a fun that kind of tempered that darkness. This issue that fun is gone. It makes sense. Layla is gone. Jamie’s reaction is in character. I just would find it too much if it stays this dark.
Faith is gone. Hope is gone. What is left? Interesting use of terms. Since it is PAD, I can’t help but assume he is playing off of the biblical trilogy of faith, hope, and love. Compassion comes close (if not the same), and Jamie said it is the only thing he had left.
The short abortion debate was intriguing. The calloused way it was suggested (my take) fit but was disturbing. No matter what ones view, it should not be such an easy out. I was glad to see there was an actual discussion (at least as long as a comic book allows!).
A dark chapter. I hope there is light at the end of the tunnel (real light, not a train!), but knowing PAD, nothing is for sure.
I do look forward to the resolution of Layla. I am glad PAD treats his fans with intelligence that some resolution is needed.
Side note: For those not interested in buying the missing issues of Messiah Complex, quit complaining and buy the issues or do some research. I went to Wikipedia and got a decent summary. It is not the same as reading the issues, but it helped me to stay up to speed. I think PAD did an impressive job of making my only reading X-Factor something I could understand and enjoy.
Iowa Jim
I am aching over Jamie’s mental upheaval. Poor baby. I will miss Rahne, specifically your Rahne, deeesperately, but I’m still excited for the direction the book is going in. Also, could someone please pass X-Factor around the office so as to provide a model for appropriate and meaningful emotional fallout? Jamie’s internal converstaion with God > jungle sex. Just saying.
Oh, PAD, oh, PAD oh Pad oh PAD. When will we see the return of Layla? My friend Matt has his money on 10 issues.
That will kill me.
I also worry over her showing up in Cable. Bendis may have thrown her into the mix, but you’ve made her a whole ad complete character and her evolution in this book is just my favorite thing in comics. Possibly ever.
Any chance of seeing that second deposed-to-the-future dupe soon? Inquiring minds, etc.
You’re the swellest.
About Layla, Amanda said:
“I also worry over her showing up in Cable. Bendis …”
I need read no more. Within 3 issues she will get a beat-down from thugs wimpy enough they couldn’t mug Aunt May.
Was the ‘Vote Saxon’ throw-away image a nod to Doctor Who?…
I stopped buying X-FACTOR at the start of the x-over because I’ve grown to hate those things over the years. I flicked through the new issue in the store, was confused by what was going on (presumably fallout from the x-over), and put it back on the shelf. So I guess you’ve lost a reader. Sorry. Comics companies talk about ‘jumping on points’, but I’m finding more and more of these events jumping-off points lately.
Essex:
1) PAD’s said we will. He’s also said we won’t see Layla this arc. Joining the dots, I expect that next arc will be the “Search for Layla” (in act if not in title), and we’ll see that Madrox then.
2) That’s 20-25 years in the future, if it even IS the exact same timeline. That Bishop might get killed, or Fitzroy might get killed, or any number of events might happen to stop it that Layla wouldn’t get the chance to change.
I loved the issue, but have two questions about recent events.
1). Two Jamie dupes were sent into possible future timelines. We know what happened to one, but will we find out what happened to the other?
2). Since Layla is presumably in the future that Bishop came from, wouldn’t it be a simple matter for somebody who “knows stuff” to hitch a ride back in time with the eventual massive prison breakout that Bishop and his fellow XSE members followed into the past, and then to hide out until she catches up to the present?
Somebody said:
And, for ten points, explain how my post ended up ABOVE the post I was replying to…
I blame Superboy Prime.
Good first steps. Nice drama. Hopefully the book can stay out of a crossover for a while and develop its own story some more.
Great issue, and awesome character moments.
Now, this is going to be a random question for PAD, but how much control do you have over who you can add to the book? Because with Layla gone (for the time being) and Rahne in X-Force, the team is in serious need of blondes and chicks with funny accents. I was thinking about who could join the team and even things out, and I was wondering what you thought of Paige Guthrie. I’m pretty sure she’s doing nothing right now, and she already has links to Monet and Jamie from X-Corps. I don’t know if you can actually request to snatch up unused characters (I wouldn’t see why not, though), but I think if you had an interest in her, Paige would be an interesting addition to the team.
I’m all for more chicks in my comics. 🙂
Hello David, first I would like to start off that I’ve really enjoyed your work on the book. I read alot of comics especially the X-titles and Xfactor has always delivered what I wanted out of a comic.
As for last issue, I enjoyed seeing the mental states of every character and how they are dealing with their lives. It shows that not every comic has to be be about fighting bad guys to be interesting.
With the X-men disbanding I was hoping to see more of that with the other titles. The X-men has always been a comic about factions of mutants fighting over the fate of mutants. Now that war seems to be over and they’ve lost. Now it should just really be mutants and how they’re coping in society and being an endangered species.
I think that the team roster for the Xfactor is great very dynamic and they interact well. Jamie/Guido old Xfactor buddies; Jamie/Theresa, Rahne/Rictor being old flames back in the day; Theresa/M being Sean Cassidy’s Daughter/Former student; Theresa/Rahne both Irish and probably with the same religious background. Speaking of which I really like how alot of your stories include faith and religion. (The issue where Jamie finds his dupe his a minister and of course any dialogue with Rahne)I think the Purifyers are a great antagonist for the team.
Ever thought about cameoing Rictor’s old buddies from Cable’s X-force? You know Domino,Shatterstar or Meltdown. You could definitely see you writing great dialogue with Tabitha.I also noticed others mentioning Warpath but he’s in Xforce
Will we be seeing more of Layla in the Bishops future or the other timeline? I remember you mentioning that Jamie is something more then the usual Homo Superior, what was it called again? Could you explain? IT seems like an interesting state of evolution. I know that there are theories in which evolution happens gradually picking up traits from others like how mutants inherit the x-gene or a macroevolution where change happens instantly to adapt to some big life threatening event to survive. Could this be what Jamie and Tryp are? Could this be how mutants come back, not as homo superior but the other thing?
anywways thanks for writing Xfactor and reading my rant.
whoops i forgot to add the peter to your name, well im chinese so chalk it up to me using your last name first to address you.
A question though, which Jamie has been branded? I thought that the Messiah CompleX crossovers showed that the urJamie also has the ‘M’, because of the ‘genetic level ink’, or whatever the term was.
I think all dupes have been branded, but Jamie was wearing makeup over the ‘M’ when he duped so then the dupes have makeup covering it too.
Loved this issue, any issue that has Pablo on the art is extra-better, and this one very sad and very emotional, which was needed after the pedal to the metal vibe of MC. (and it played out alot better than the similarily themed “Uncanny” issue. That one just felt kind of trite.)
bluexdemon, it’s been my observation that if there is one term that defines PAD as a writer, it is “professional.” And in the past, he’s been extremely reluctant to discuss the details of his professional relationships while they are ongoing — he seems to believe that they should be addressed privately, between him and his employer, and not discussed publicly while they are ongoing.
That being said, I’m going to speculate like mad…
PAD has a history of having his plans get screwed over by editorial fiat. In one case, he stood his ground and walked (Hulk); in other, more recent cases, he simply sucked it up and made it work.
I suspect in this case he fought like hëll to keep Rahne, but (as PAD has always been a “work” horse, not a “show” horse, and his habit of being reliable and solid and professional, but never “teh hot” commodity that others tend to be — never mind that such hot stars burn out faster, while steady ones like PAD last for decades, But I Digress) lost, in the end. And where other writers would simply say “screw it” and do a half-assed job or quit, PAD will simply suck it up, bust his ášš to make it work, and — in the end — come up with a great way to deal with it that the unititiated would never know that Rahne’s departure was not part of his plan all along.
Layla Miller, though… that one, I’m still confused over. I still think she’ll be back.
Somehow.
That could be just wishing, though. He had SO much fun with her.
J.
I haven’t yet actually seen the issue, but I know approximately what happens. (What? I’m on a Peace Corps assignment in Albania; comic books are tough to come by!) I’m so far intrigued and eager to see what happens next, but there’s one word I can think of for two situations. One is that Theresa hasn’t yet told Jamie (or anyone else) about her pregnancy, and the other is that Rahne can’t tell X-Factor about her post in X-Force. The word is “unsustainable.” Just as Jamie and the others are sure to figure out Terry’s news sooner or later, I can’t imagine that Rahne will be able to keep her new job a secret forever. Something’s got to give eventually.
The pregnancy storyline is fascinating first because, while we see plenty of romance and even some marriage in comic books, we don’t see very much childbearing and parenting. So this will be a challenge, but I’m sure PAD will do it justice. I just dearly hope it doesn’t mean she’ll have to quit the team. Hasn’t X-Factor lost enough people already?
I really look forward to seeing Layla again, and am I the only person who suspects she’ll be considerably older when they find her?
I should probably, also, see the new X-Force before I say this, but Rahne can only hide from X-Factor for so long. X-Force can only stay secret from so many people for so long. Since when did X-Factor ever need the X-Men’s permission, anyway? I think an encounter between X-Factor and X-Force would be not only helpful but very plausible. (michael, I also like the idea of seeing Theresa interact with Warpath, if only because they were the best of friends for a long time, if not for any romantic potential.)
[b]I really look forward to seeing Layla again, and am I the only person who suspects she’ll be considerably older when they find her?[/b]
Nope. It’s pretty much the only way that Layla’s prediction of her and Maddrox gettting married could come true. The amount of real-world time it would take her to grow up in Marvel time would be prohibitive unless Caroline grew up to write comic books and decided that she was going to finish some of her dad’s old storylines before she retired…
😉
No mention of the other future Jaime. Why must you torment me so!
Small point of fact, Weston – Siryn is Irish, Rahne is Scottish. Most of Scots and Irish I know would probably take issue with that point (hehe, I’ll stop nitpicking, now)…
But otherwise, yeah, very insightful…I never really thought so much about all of the dynamics between each of the characters, but I think you kind of hit the nail on the head. A lot of what I really enjoy about X-Factor (above and beyond PAD being PAD) – is how carefully these interactions are handled, and how “real” everything feels. Well, maybe that is PAD being PAD. But it really comes through in this ensemble book. Sure, Hulk, Supergirl, Captain Marvel had rich supporting casts, but we haven’t seen much of a team focus since YJ – and with a largely adult cast, a lot more fun kinds of doors are opened up.
> Small point of fact, Weston – Siryn is Irish, Rahne is Scottish. Most of Scots and Irish I know would probably take issue with that point (hehe, I’ll stop nitpicking, now)…
Well… yeah.
Less than if you call us English though :p
I have to say the “Vote Saxon” teaser got me thinking about just how well Madrox/Tryp fit into the Doctor/Master dynamic. Both have lived far too much and responded to it in different ways.
I have been reading since issue one, so far so good. Would like to see a return of Quicksilver by the way and learn more about his new powers.
Jamie, used to be in my view a completely useless character but I have certainly enjoyed the changes to his character, a rarity nowadays without over night pseudo powers.
Please keep up the good work.
I’m fairly sure Rahne is Protestant, too, rather than Catholic. Am I right? Not quite the same religion as Siryn.
What Rahne and Theresa really have in common is that Theresa’s father, Banshee, was in love with Rahne’s adoptive mother, Moira MacTaggert, for such a long time.
Anyway, I finally procured the issue on Friday (and there was much rejoicing in the land!), and I absolutely love it. I’m fascinated by how all the guys are so pìššëd øff that they need to go out and pick fights, and they’re willing to describe it as such in so many words.
It was kind of ominous, though, how it went straight from Jamie asking “What will be the thing that destroys everything I am?” to Monet and Siryn in the bar. Scary timing, that.
I can’t wait to see more! Can I have someone just wake me up when it’s March?
It was kind of ominous, though, how it went straight from Jamie asking “What will be the thing that destroys everything I am?” to Monet and Siryn in the bar. Scary timing, that.
Deliberate, actually. You’re the first person–well, the first monster–to pick up on that.
PAD
To Red Monster (and, oh dear, PAD), I noticed that too. It makes me afraid for the baby more than anything. Especially with Arcade in their near future. I’m not saying I think she’ll fall down a set of stairs in an evil funhouse, but Big Bads are never good news for pregnancies. I just generally fear for Jamie’s psyche in the coming months.
I know it’s a bit late, but I didn’t get my copy. Did diamond screw up for anyone else? Or does my LCS just suck? It’s been on my pull list since issue one so I dunno why I wouldn’t get it.
Joe Nazzaro, you can always go to the X-book forums at Comicbookresources.com to read reviews and summeries of x-books you don’t regularly purchase- especially if you just plan to follow up on certain characters. Like Rahne in X-Force, for example.
Joe Nazzaro, you can always go to the X-book forums at Comicbookresources.com to read reviews and summeries of x-books you don’t regularly purchase- especially if you just plan to follow up on certain characters. Like Rahne in X-Force, for example.
Shawn Backs,
Your LCS may indeed suck, but don’t be too quick to blame them every time a book isn’t pulled for you. Sometimes there are damaged books, so they have to wait a week to get better copies in. And sometimes Diamond doesn’t ship the same books to all accounts during the same week.
This happened to me several weeks ago. A book in which I was interested was on a shipping list for Midtown Comics in New York, but it didn’t ship to Toledo, Ohio, where I shop. It came in the next week.
“I remember you mentioning that Jamie is something more then the usual Homo Superior, what was it called again? Could you explain? IT seems like an interesting state of evolution.”
This was covered briefly in an early arc for this series of X-Factor, but it really hasn’t been brought up since.
And it seems relevant once again: during Messiah Complex, it’s outright stated that it’s rare for a mutant to exhibit their powers before puberty (like Cable and Jamie Madrox did). So, it’d be interested for somebody (like PAD) to delve into this once again. 🙂
• 
A lot of the ‘which Jamie is which’ game, but that’s a good thing.
A question though, which Jamie has been branded? I thought that the Messiah CompleX crossovers showed that the urJamie also has the ‘M’, because of the ‘genetic level ink’, or whatever the term was.
So I guess that just means that a Jamie that I thought was the original Jamie earlier on, wasn’t. 😉
Besides that, I actually care whether or not Layla is ok, something I rarely feel about a fictional character. So props to you Mr. David.
I may be in the minority here, but I just couldn’t be bothered to sign on for another endless X-Men crossover just so I could understand what was going on in the one X-book (X-Factor) that I buy. Consequently I found myself still struggling a bit trying to figure out what was going on. I’d be interested to hear how other people who just read the one book felt.
Like Joe N, I only bought X-Factor during the crossover. I didn’t have a lot of trouble following the events of this book though, and I found the synopses at the beginning the issues helpful.
The only part I found confusing was the appearance if the M on one of present-day Jamie’s dupes. I was glad to see that edelso was confused by that, too; this probably means that it’s a mystery that will be revealed later rather than just me being clueless.
What did I think? I enjoyed reading it. I’m sorry to see a departure from the team, but the nature of these books is that the line-up changes. I’m looking forward to more Layla.
I thought that the issue was excellent. Lots of characterization and drama, which PD is so adept at.
And I would have go back and read it, but I recall original Jamie making a crack in the issue about his makeup wearing off which reveals the M. Not sure about how the M appears on dupes, or if it does. I’ll have to go back and check.
Finally, http://www.comicpants.com summed up what I thought of the issue very well in their Wednesday reviews, when they said: “An exceptional issue of X-Factor that will remind regular readers why they’re reading and should draw in the curious “Messiah Complex” followers into the book as well.” All 5 of the writers for the site had it on their Top 5 of the week as well, so there’s a lot of love out there for it! 🙂
In response to some comments above:
If I read it correctly, when Future Jamie died and his memories got sucked back thru time into Jamie Prime (which was the plan after all)Future Jamie’s brand came back with him. And now Jamie Prime sports makeup to cover the Bishop like tattoo.
Unrelated Side Note:
I was at my comic shop and walked in on a discussion about Peter David walking off X-factor. It was only after a moment of panic that I realized they were talking about the his departure years ago.
But this led to an interesting discussion about other books (X-Factor, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing — yes, I meant that twice, West Coast Avengers, etc.), that creators have left because of changes made by editors.
In response to some comments above:
If I read it correctly, when Future Jamie died and his memories got sucked back thru time into Jamie Prime (which was the plan after all)Future Jamie’s brand came back with him. And now Jamie Prime sports makeup to cover the Bishop like tattoo.
Unrelated Side Note:
I was at my comic shop and walked in on a discussion about Peter David walking off X-factor. It was only after a moment of panic that I realized they were talking about the his departure years ago.
But this led to an interesting discussion about other books (X-Factor, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing — yes, I meant that twice, West Coast Avengers, etc.), that creators have left because of changes made by editors.
In response to some comments above:
If I read it correctly, when Future Jamie died and his memories got sucked back thru time into Jamie Prime (which was the plan after all)Future Jamie’s brand came back with him. And now Jamie Prime sports makeup to cover the Bishop like tattoo.
Unrelated Side Note:
I was at my comic shop and walked in on a discussion about Peter David walking off X-factor. It was only after a moment of panic that I realized they were talking about the his departure years ago.
But this led to an interesting discussion about other books (X-Factor, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing — yes, I meant that twice, West Coast Avengers, etc.), that creators have left because of changes made by editors.
In response to some comments above:
If I read it correctly, when Future Jamie died and his memories got sucked back thru time into Jamie Prime (which was the plan after all)Future Jamie’s brand came back with him. And now Jamie Prime sports makeup to cover the Bishop like tattoo.
Unrelated Side Note:
I was at my comic shop and walked in on a discussion about Peter David walking off X-factor. It was only after a moment of panic that I realized they were talking about the his departure years ago.
But this led to an interesting discussion about other books (X-Factor, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing — yes, I meant that twice, West Coast Avengers, etc.), that creators have left because of changes made by editors.
In response to some comments above:
If I read it correctly, when Future Jamie died and his memories got sucked back thru time into Jamie Prime (which was the plan after all)Future Jamie’s brand came back with him. And now Jamie Prime sports makeup to cover the Bishop like tattoo.
Unrelated Side Note:
I was at my comic shop and walked in on a discussion about Peter David walking off X-factor. It was only after a moment of panic that I realized they were talking about the his departure years ago.
But this led to an interesting discussion about other books (X-Factor, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing — yes, I meant that twice, West Coast Avengers, etc.), that creators have left because of changes made by editors.
Rahne’s departure totally threw me off. I had to look through the last issue to see if it was referenced there, since I didn’t remember it, before realizing it was probably established in another book as part of the crossover.
Now I remember why I stopped reading the other X-books, and why crossovers like this piss me off. It’s jarring when it upsets your own storylines.
I also found her reason for leaving to make little sense, since there’s no reason to think that:
A. That what Tryp senior showed her could be trusted,
B. That just because she was standing over Jamie and Layla’s bodies that it was she who killed them (as she could’ve just stumbled across the work of any number of other character who could’ve done this, like Sabretooth), or
C. That leaving the team somehow would prevent this, since nothing in that vision indicated that it had to have been done by a teammate.
As always, Peter, you did a valiant job of trying to keep your little corner of the X-universe coherent and interesting, and the artwork is the most solid of all the books you’re currently writing, but I’ll be happy when this crossover is over, and I don’t have to work about other writers or editors hijacking your book’s characters into a massive “event” that I’m just not into.
1Peter David,
I am a big fan and monthly buyer of your
X-Factor comic book. I enjoy your writing.
You reflect each characters’ personality well and show linkage to previous mutant X-book stories and continuity. I know you are hinting a possible relationship and future marriage between Jaime and Layla Miller. Where does that leave poor Theresa “Siryn”? Will she become a single, unmarried mother with a mutant child or will
she turn to someone else, like her close friend and possible romantic former teammate Jimmy Proudstar “Warpath”. I know he is in X-Force
written by Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost
with a vengeful personality for revenge again
and has a thing with Corsair’s ex Hepzibah,which I don’t approve at all especially so soon after Corsair’s death. If you aren’t going to get Jaime and Theresa together, please think about Jimmy
“Warpath” as Theresa possible love interest because he was her best friend and unrequiented love in X-Force who supported and helped her with her alcoholism problem. Now that Rahne “Wolfbane” is working with Jimmy “Warpath” in X-Force, maybe
Rahne can help get Jimmy and Theresa together.
Luigi, thank you for explicating exactly how I felt, but in a much more cogent fashion. I think it’s fine that long-term readers should be rewarded in terms of serialized storylines that unfold over a number of issues, but it’s unfair to have those elements unfold in other books, forcing us to buy a score of other books just to keep track of what’s happening. I think from now on I’ll choose option C) which is to skim through those books at my local Barnes & Noble to keep track of those events, and continue to buy the books with which I’m emotionally invested.
Wow, complexity and depth and stuff…Great read, but kind of a downer. I’m sorrier to see Rahne go than I thought I’d be. Just getting her out of the building was like pulling teeth, but in a good way. Hopefully we’ll see her come back for iPhone in the not too distant future.
A good issue. I can’t help but feel like some of your plots got derailed by the Messiah Complex storyline. Poof, no more Rahne? Sorry if it did. In regards to Jamie I am somewhat mindful of Captain Marvel. A generally friendly and good natured person being driven to violent extremes by odd consequences. Will there be similar themes?
Well good issue.
Its intresting how not only the team seems to fall apart but Mutant Town with them.
Still funny to see that some depowered mutants see something in X-factor which the X-factor members don’t see in themself.
Since X-factor is a private investigation company and not how they claim the sheriffs of Mutant Town (well except Guido).
Talking about bad repuation, eh?
Also with nearly everyone (except Jamie and Monet) having a reason to leave or having already left, it seems like X-factor is open for some new faces.
I heared you consider taking Darwin in (if he looks good in a trenchcoat). But i don’t think he will fit as a tracker which leaves the question open if more than one addition to the cast will be made?
I’m seeing forward to see Rictors further reaction to Rhane leaving.
Also some hints towards Arcade are made in this issue, but i wonder which reasons he has, for buying large parts of the former mutant town?
Great issue!
I’m going to miss Rahne in this book though.
I just finished the last issue. I couldn’t follow the Messiah CompleX stuff at ALL. Very disconcerting. I look forward to seeing #28 if it’s got nothing to do with that nonsense.
X-Factor has always been somewhat dark. But there was a fun that kind of tempered that darkness. This issue that fun is gone. It makes sense. Layla is gone. Jamie’s reaction is in character. I just would find it too much if it stays this dark.
Faith is gone. Hope is gone. What is left? Interesting use of terms. Since it is PAD, I can’t help but assume he is playing off of the biblical trilogy of faith, hope, and love. Compassion comes close (if not the same), and Jamie said it is the only thing he had left.
The short abortion debate was intriguing. The calloused way it was suggested (my take) fit but was disturbing. No matter what ones view, it should not be such an easy out. I was glad to see there was an actual discussion (at least as long as a comic book allows!).
A dark chapter. I hope there is light at the end of the tunnel (real light, not a train!), but knowing PAD, nothing is for sure.
I do look forward to the resolution of Layla. I am glad PAD treats his fans with intelligence that some resolution is needed.
Side note: For those not interested in buying the missing issues of Messiah Complex, quit complaining and buy the issues or do some research. I went to Wikipedia and got a decent summary. It is not the same as reading the issues, but it helped me to stay up to speed. I think PAD did an impressive job of making my only reading X-Factor something I could understand and enjoy.
Iowa Jim
I am aching over Jamie’s mental upheaval. Poor baby. I will miss Rahne, specifically your Rahne, deeesperately, but I’m still excited for the direction the book is going in. Also, could someone please pass X-Factor around the office so as to provide a model for appropriate and meaningful emotional fallout? Jamie’s internal converstaion with God > jungle sex. Just saying.
Oh, PAD, oh, PAD oh Pad oh PAD. When will we see the return of Layla? My friend Matt has his money on 10 issues.
That will kill me.
I also worry over her showing up in Cable. Bendis may have thrown her into the mix, but you’ve made her a whole ad complete character and her evolution in this book is just my favorite thing in comics. Possibly ever.
Any chance of seeing that second deposed-to-the-future dupe soon? Inquiring minds, etc.
You’re the swellest.
About Layla, Amanda said:
“I also worry over her showing up in Cable. Bendis …”
I need read no more. Within 3 issues she will get a beat-down from thugs wimpy enough they couldn’t mug Aunt May.
Was the ‘Vote Saxon’ throw-away image a nod to Doctor Who?…
I stopped buying X-FACTOR at the start of the x-over because I’ve grown to hate those things over the years. I flicked through the new issue in the store, was confused by what was going on (presumably fallout from the x-over), and put it back on the shelf. So I guess you’ve lost a reader. Sorry. Comics companies talk about ‘jumping on points’, but I’m finding more and more of these events jumping-off points lately.
Essex:
1) PAD’s said we will. He’s also said we won’t see Layla this arc. Joining the dots, I expect that next arc will be the “Search for Layla” (in act if not in title), and we’ll see that Madrox then.
2) That’s 20-25 years in the future, if it even IS the exact same timeline. That Bishop might get killed, or Fitzroy might get killed, or any number of events might happen to stop it that Layla wouldn’t get the chance to change.
And, for ten points, explain how my post ended up ABOVE the post I was replying to…
I loved the issue, but have two questions about recent events.
1). Two Jamie dupes were sent into possible future timelines. We know what happened to one, but will we find out what happened to the other?
2). Since Layla is presumably in the future that Bishop came from, wouldn’t it be a simple matter for somebody who “knows stuff” to hitch a ride back in time with the eventual massive prison breakout that Bishop and his fellow XSE members followed into the past, and then to hide out until she catches up to the present?
Somebody said:
And, for ten points, explain how my post ended up ABOVE the post I was replying to…
I blame Superboy Prime.
Good first steps. Nice drama. Hopefully the book can stay out of a crossover for a while and develop its own story some more.
Great issue, and awesome character moments.
Now, this is going to be a random question for PAD, but how much control do you have over who you can add to the book? Because with Layla gone (for the time being) and Rahne in X-Force, the team is in serious need of blondes and chicks with funny accents. I was thinking about who could join the team and even things out, and I was wondering what you thought of Paige Guthrie. I’m pretty sure she’s doing nothing right now, and she already has links to Monet and Jamie from X-Corps. I don’t know if you can actually request to snatch up unused characters (I wouldn’t see why not, though), but I think if you had an interest in her, Paige would be an interesting addition to the team.
I’m all for more chicks in my comics. 🙂
Hello David, first I would like to start off that I’ve really enjoyed your work on the book. I read alot of comics especially the X-titles and Xfactor has always delivered what I wanted out of a comic.
As for last issue, I enjoyed seeing the mental states of every character and how they are dealing with their lives. It shows that not every comic has to be be about fighting bad guys to be interesting.
With the X-men disbanding I was hoping to see more of that with the other titles. The X-men has always been a comic about factions of mutants fighting over the fate of mutants. Now that war seems to be over and they’ve lost. Now it should just really be mutants and how they’re coping in society and being an endangered species.
I think that the team roster for the Xfactor is great very dynamic and they interact well. Jamie/Guido old Xfactor buddies; Jamie/Theresa, Rahne/Rictor being old flames back in the day; Theresa/M being Sean Cassidy’s Daughter/Former student; Theresa/Rahne both Irish and probably with the same religious background. Speaking of which I really like how alot of your stories include faith and religion. (The issue where Jamie finds his dupe his a minister and of course any dialogue with Rahne)I think the Purifyers are a great antagonist for the team.
Ever thought about cameoing Rictor’s old buddies from Cable’s X-force? You know Domino,Shatterstar or Meltdown. You could definitely see you writing great dialogue with Tabitha.I also noticed others mentioning Warpath but he’s in Xforce
Will we be seeing more of Layla in the Bishops future or the other timeline? I remember you mentioning that Jamie is something more then the usual Homo Superior, what was it called again? Could you explain? IT seems like an interesting state of evolution. I know that there are theories in which evolution happens gradually picking up traits from others like how mutants inherit the x-gene or a macroevolution where change happens instantly to adapt to some big life threatening event to survive. Could this be what Jamie and Tryp are? Could this be how mutants come back, not as homo superior but the other thing?
anywways thanks for writing Xfactor and reading my rant.
whoops i forgot to add the peter to your name, well im chinese so chalk it up to me using your last name first to address you.
A question though, which Jamie has been branded? I thought that the Messiah CompleX crossovers showed that the urJamie also has the ‘M’, because of the ‘genetic level ink’, or whatever the term was.
I think all dupes have been branded, but Jamie was wearing makeup over the ‘M’ when he duped so then the dupes have makeup covering it too.
Loved this issue, any issue that has Pablo on the art is extra-better, and this one very sad and very emotional, which was needed after the pedal to the metal vibe of MC. (and it played out alot better than the similarily themed “Uncanny” issue. That one just felt kind of trite.)
bluexdemon, it’s been my observation that if there is one term that defines PAD as a writer, it is “professional.” And in the past, he’s been extremely reluctant to discuss the details of his professional relationships while they are ongoing — he seems to believe that they should be addressed privately, between him and his employer, and not discussed publicly while they are ongoing.
That being said, I’m going to speculate like mad…
PAD has a history of having his plans get screwed over by editorial fiat. In one case, he stood his ground and walked (Hulk); in other, more recent cases, he simply sucked it up and made it work.
I suspect in this case he fought like hëll to keep Rahne, but (as PAD has always been a “work” horse, not a “show” horse, and his habit of being reliable and solid and professional, but never “teh hot” commodity that others tend to be — never mind that such hot stars burn out faster, while steady ones like PAD last for decades, But I Digress) lost, in the end. And where other writers would simply say “screw it” and do a half-assed job or quit, PAD will simply suck it up, bust his ášš to make it work, and — in the end — come up with a great way to deal with it that the unititiated would never know that Rahne’s departure was not part of his plan all along.
Layla Miller, though… that one, I’m still confused over. I still think she’ll be back.
Somehow.
That could be just wishing, though. He had SO much fun with her.
J.
I haven’t yet actually seen the issue, but I know approximately what happens. (What? I’m on a Peace Corps assignment in Albania; comic books are tough to come by!) I’m so far intrigued and eager to see what happens next, but there’s one word I can think of for two situations. One is that Theresa hasn’t yet told Jamie (or anyone else) about her pregnancy, and the other is that Rahne can’t tell X-Factor about her post in X-Force. The word is “unsustainable.” Just as Jamie and the others are sure to figure out Terry’s news sooner or later, I can’t imagine that Rahne will be able to keep her new job a secret forever. Something’s got to give eventually.
The pregnancy storyline is fascinating first because, while we see plenty of romance and even some marriage in comic books, we don’t see very much childbearing and parenting. So this will be a challenge, but I’m sure PAD will do it justice. I just dearly hope it doesn’t mean she’ll have to quit the team. Hasn’t X-Factor lost enough people already?
I really look forward to seeing Layla again, and am I the only person who suspects she’ll be considerably older when they find her?
I should probably, also, see the new X-Force before I say this, but Rahne can only hide from X-Factor for so long. X-Force can only stay secret from so many people for so long. Since when did X-Factor ever need the X-Men’s permission, anyway? I think an encounter between X-Factor and X-Force would be not only helpful but very plausible. (michael, I also like the idea of seeing Theresa interact with Warpath, if only because they were the best of friends for a long time, if not for any romantic potential.)
[b]I really look forward to seeing Layla again, and am I the only person who suspects she’ll be considerably older when they find her?[/b]
Nope. It’s pretty much the only way that Layla’s prediction of her and Maddrox gettting married could come true. The amount of real-world time it would take her to grow up in Marvel time would be prohibitive unless Caroline grew up to write comic books and decided that she was going to finish some of her dad’s old storylines before she retired…
😉
No mention of the other future Jaime. Why must you torment me so!
Small point of fact, Weston – Siryn is Irish, Rahne is Scottish. Most of Scots and Irish I know would probably take issue with that point (hehe, I’ll stop nitpicking, now)…
But otherwise, yeah, very insightful…I never really thought so much about all of the dynamics between each of the characters, but I think you kind of hit the nail on the head. A lot of what I really enjoy about X-Factor (above and beyond PAD being PAD) – is how carefully these interactions are handled, and how “real” everything feels. Well, maybe that is PAD being PAD. But it really comes through in this ensemble book. Sure, Hulk, Supergirl, Captain Marvel had rich supporting casts, but we haven’t seen much of a team focus since YJ – and with a largely adult cast, a lot more fun kinds of doors are opened up.
> Small point of fact, Weston – Siryn is Irish, Rahne is Scottish. Most of Scots and Irish I know would probably take issue with that point (hehe, I’ll stop nitpicking, now)…
Well… yeah.
Less than if you call us English though :p
I have to say the “Vote Saxon” teaser got me thinking about just how well Madrox/Tryp fit into the Doctor/Master dynamic. Both have lived far too much and responded to it in different ways.
I have been reading since issue one, so far so good. Would like to see a return of Quicksilver by the way and learn more about his new powers.
Jamie, used to be in my view a completely useless character but I have certainly enjoyed the changes to his character, a rarity nowadays without over night pseudo powers.
Please keep up the good work.
I’m fairly sure Rahne is Protestant, too, rather than Catholic. Am I right? Not quite the same religion as Siryn.
What Rahne and Theresa really have in common is that Theresa’s father, Banshee, was in love with Rahne’s adoptive mother, Moira MacTaggert, for such a long time.
Anyway, I finally procured the issue on Friday (and there was much rejoicing in the land!), and I absolutely love it. I’m fascinated by how all the guys are so pìššëd øff that they need to go out and pick fights, and they’re willing to describe it as such in so many words.
It was kind of ominous, though, how it went straight from Jamie asking “What will be the thing that destroys everything I am?” to Monet and Siryn in the bar. Scary timing, that.
I can’t wait to see more! Can I have someone just wake me up when it’s March?
It was kind of ominous, though, how it went straight from Jamie asking “What will be the thing that destroys everything I am?” to Monet and Siryn in the bar. Scary timing, that.
Deliberate, actually. You’re the first person–well, the first monster–to pick up on that.
PAD
To Red Monster (and, oh dear, PAD), I noticed that too. It makes me afraid for the baby more than anything. Especially with Arcade in their near future. I’m not saying I think she’ll fall down a set of stairs in an evil funhouse, but Big Bads are never good news for pregnancies. I just generally fear for Jamie’s psyche in the coming months.
I know it’s a bit late, but I didn’t get my copy. Did diamond screw up for anyone else? Or does my LCS just suck? It’s been on my pull list since issue one so I dunno why I wouldn’t get it.
Joe Nazzaro, you can always go to the X-book forums at Comicbookresources.com to read reviews and summeries of x-books you don’t regularly purchase- especially if you just plan to follow up on certain characters. Like Rahne in X-Force, for example.
Joe Nazzaro, you can always go to the X-book forums at Comicbookresources.com to read reviews and summeries of x-books you don’t regularly purchase- especially if you just plan to follow up on certain characters. Like Rahne in X-Force, for example.
Shawn Backs,
Your LCS may indeed suck, but don’t be too quick to blame them every time a book isn’t pulled for you. Sometimes there are damaged books, so they have to wait a week to get better copies in. And sometimes Diamond doesn’t ship the same books to all accounts during the same week.
This happened to me several weeks ago. A book in which I was interested was on a shipping list for Midtown Comics in New York, but it didn’t ship to Toledo, Ohio, where I shop. It came in the next week.
“I remember you mentioning that Jamie is something more then the usual Homo Superior, what was it called again? Could you explain? IT seems like an interesting state of evolution.”
This was covered briefly in an early arc for this series of X-Factor, but it really hasn’t been brought up since.
And it seems relevant once again: during Messiah Complex, it’s outright stated that it’s rare for a mutant to exhibit their powers before puberty (like Cable and Jamie Madrox did). So, it’d be interested for somebody (like PAD) to delve into this once again. 🙂