77 comments on “STASH WEDNESDAY – August 19

  1. First!
    .
    Okay, silliness aside, I bought some, but haven’t yet read them. Tiny Titans roolz.

    1. Just read Jack of Fables. 1st chapter in a new storyline featuring Jack’s son. Good stuff.

    2. I have read Zorro #15, from Dynamite. Seems to be the end of this storyline. El Zorro doesn’t appear in this issue except as imagined by other characters. Don Diego doesn’t appear. Yet it is still a good issue of Zorro.

    3. Ex Machina, to me, is suffering in a similar way as 100 Bullets did — it has been going on for so long between the first issue and now that I am somewhat disconnected with it. The first issue came out dated August, 2004, and the latest is issue #44. 5 years, yet less than 4 years worth of issues. When your story is long, you need to keep it monthly, both to retain readers, and to keep it fresh in their minds for better appreciation.
      .
      Yet perhaps the disconnect I am feeling is simply a decreased attention span.
      .
      The latest issue is as good as any before, btw. I’d hate to mention this book without saying if it was good or not.

      1. I’ve recently started collecting the 100 Bullets, Fables trade paperbacks and am finding it a much more enjoyable, not to mention economical, (My local shop had a moving sale last weekend with 40% off all trades. 8 to 10 issues in a singel book for around 12 bucks? Gimme!! But, I digress.) way to read comics. Particularly those with longer arcs (Y the Last Man).

        Liking this way so much I’m seriously considering trying to sell off swaths of individual issue to get the trades instead (my runs of Ex Machina, Strangers in Paradise, etc.). Only downside is having to wait most of a year for the next Fables collection, etc.

  2. So I got X-Factor.

    PAD, please don’t EVER stop writing Darwin!! Seriously, aside from the fact that I liked the see a brother on the team, I has zero interest in him at first. But somehow, you’ve made him into one of my faves, so congrats to you man.

    I also got and enjoyed the Brave and the Bold. I’ve loved all the Milestone crossovers, and this was no exception. XOMBI IS BACK SUCKAZ!!!

  3. I got X-factor today and it was awesome! Lots of action and like every issue something unexpected always happens. I have to say that the issue was very fun and it certainly provided some laughs too. The conversation between Rictor, Shatterstar, Guido, and Padre was just priceless. Keep up the great work Mr. David!

  4. Today I picked up KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #153. While the Gary-Heidi conflict wasn’t as prominent as the cover would suggest, it was a lot of fun. (I especially liked seeing Brian pulling his rules-lawyering, until he got out-Brianed himself!)

    1. Ah, so the issue is out this week? Good, I thought I’d missed it last week. Why is it that, much of the time, Diamond lists KODT issues the week before they actually come out?
      .
      Chuck

  5. Oh my. Oh my. Say it ain’t so. Yet it makes sense — I think??
    .
    Read X-Factor 47. Makes me think of the Grover book telling you not to turn the page, that there is a monster at the end. Well, this time, there is.
    .
    I felt the pacing of the last issue was slower than I preferred. That is not an issue this month. Wow. The ball has been moved forward on a number of fronts. And more clues dropped about things (like Longshot and Shatterstar). Oh my.
    .
    I must say, Darwin, Layla, and Longshot are so well written, I don’t want to see them anywhere else (and, of course, that is a given for Madrox — in all of his various manifestations).
    .
    I must end with saying the art in this one was quite perfect for the story. I was one of the ones who didn’t care for the style of the previous artist. The layouts and the spreads in this issue are like watching a movie. I only have one complaint: I have to wait another month to read the next issue.
    .
    Iowa Jim
    .

  6. Oh my. I got so wrapped up in the roller coaster of X-Factor, I forgot to say I also read Might Avengers #28. It has grown on me. I was glad to see this issue move forward the Scarlet Witch plot point. I like the interaction of the characters. Not as big of a fan of the art, but it was ok.
    .
    Bottom line, this is the one true Avengers book. I have tried and not liked Warmachine (I know, not an Avengers book exactly) or Dark Avengers and will be dropping them soon. New Avengers is hanging by a thread (or a web). The only three must reads right now are Iron Man, Mighty Avengers, and X-Factor.
    .
    Iowa Jim

  7. Hey Peter,

    Been a long time since I dropped you a line on you’re blog (like, back when DC ripped my heart out by canceling Supergirl and Young Justice….)

    But, I’m right now just about to finish re-reading all of Supergirl, with issue 80 being the only left to go, and I just want to, years after the fact, thank you for writing the best long run of any comic book I’ve ever seen.

  8. In Scotland, so will get my beloved X-Factor today, was wondering however – there is no issue scheduled for Novemebr in the Marvel sollits.

    Has the book been put on hiatus, or, heaven forbid – cancelled?

  9. Let’s see…I got X-Factor #47. Nothing unusual there. Out-of-the-park as always.

    Got Brave and the Bold #26. I wasn’t familiar with the Xombi character, so that was interesting. Always nice to see Scott Hampton drawing.

    Wednesday Comics #7. As much fun as the experiment is, I’ll be glad when all twelve issues are out so that I can read each story in its complete form.

    I also got the Girl Genius Volume 8 collection. I’ve read these excellent strips online, but it’s nice to have them in one place.

    Good week!

  10. Hmm .. let’s see, Mighty Avengers – good stuff, though I think Slott tends to get a little silly at times (C’mon- GRAMPA?) I do wish someone somewhere would explain why Loki is female, though! I have to agree Iowa Jim on the other Avengers titles; I almost dropped New Avengers just before Secret Invasion because of the bad writing, especially of Spider-Man. Right now the saving grace character in that book is Ronin; I’ve been a Clint Barton fan for a very long time and I think this is the best treatment of him in years.

    Superman. The Codename:Patriot storyline is getting interesting. Lane gives Norman Osborn a run for his money in the “Crazy plotting” department.

    Superman annual. Ummm … why? A backstory on Mon-El that didn’t really tell us much, but did raise the interesting point that humans and Kryptonians can interbreed.

    JLA. Okay, not that interesting. We’ve seen the whole “JLA without the Big Three is a joke” storyline a few times before, haven’t we?

    JLA Cry for Justice. Would probably have been more enjoyable if I HADN’T MISSED THE FIRST ISSUE – grrrrrrr, must remain calm ….

    PAD Sorry to say I gave up on the X-titles long ago, so I have no comment on X-Factor 🙁

    1. You know what’s weird? On the one hand I’ve got X-fans who claim that X-Factor doesn’t read like any of the other X-titles and therefore they don’t read it. And on the other hand, I’ve got people who say they don’t read any of the X-titles and therefore don’t read it. And people wonder why we’re struggling in sales.
      .
      PAD

      1. These are two different sets of people; they can’t reasonably be expected to use the same logic.

        But anyway, PAD, I have a concern. I’ve seen the November solicits at CBR and Marvel, and…there is no X-Factor issue listed anywhere. Why is there no X-Factor solicit for November? Will there not be an issue of X-Factor released in November?

      2. X-Factor is the only X-Book I read. I didn’t read the 1st series, and other than Astonishing, I haven’t regularly read any X-Book since Uncanny was under issue 200.

      3. Well, I hope that this will make you feel better, then. X-Factor is the only X-book I read. I’ve tried to look at other books in the X franchise at times, but they left me absolutely cold. Example: A little while after X-Force stole Rayne, I picked up an issue, but I just couldn’t get into it.

        For me, the book not reading like an X-book is a major plus.

      4. For what it’s worth, I’m the other way around; X-Factor has been my gateway to the other X-titles twice now. I got started on comics with your first X-Factor run, which got me hooked on the X-Universe until the death of Multiple Man. Then I drifted away for a while, but the Madrox mini-series pulled me right back in.

      5. Unlike other x titles?

        Action? Check. Humor? Check. Time travel with that has something to do with the Summer’s clan? Check. New superpowers? Check. I’m not seeing it. What are they not seeing? Creative and uneXpected use of familiar powers and or characters? Check. Wolverine?….. AHHH! I see now. Yes totally unreadable.

        Snark aside loved this issue. Not quite as shattering as the “baby” issue but best line this week in comics. ( “If X-Factor Personel…”)

        Only other comics this week for me:

        Blackest Night Superman and DC’s “Wednesday Comics” Good stuff.

      6. PAD, I only “seriously” got into comics a few years ago, and it shocked me how bland many fans’ tastes are.

        I’ve recomended X-Factor to a number of people who’ve said stuff to the effect of “Why aren’t Siryn and Multiple Man wearing costumes? Wait, they AREN’T superheroes? Why would I read an X-Men book where they’re just detectives?”

        I’ve had similar experiences when I’ve tried to get people to read books like 7 Soldiers, Manhunter, Static, Alias, or even the FREAKIN Sandman (which I’ve heard refereed to as “snobby”. It seems like if the book isn’t brightly colored Ivan Reiss artwork of Superman or Wolverine punching someone, a lot of people aren’t interested.

      7. Well, it’s the only X-title I read at this point (not that there’s anything wrong with the others, I’m just getting pickier about my comics and this is the one that hooked me). But I’m feeling like it’s been a bit too X-centric of late. I really enjoyed the Madrox series, with the noir investigations, and everything you’ve developed along those lines in the series proper (and particularly the many facets of Jamie Madrox). I’m not so concerned about 20-year continuity convolutions and pre-existing characters I’ve never heard of. I can still put up with the book despite this, but I suspect there’s a less tolerant audience that will be put off.

      8. I’d say that’s kinda to be expected. Varying tastes and all. X-factor for me is my anti-X-Force, which bores me to tears. It’s inevitable that there’s people who think the reverse, favoring mindless violence and hack regurgitated storylines from the 90s. But I think X-Factor definitely fills a hole that needs to exist in the X-line, and I think without it, there’d be no book left to fill that niche except maybe X-Men Legacy.

      9. I read X-Factor precisely because it doesn’t seem to suffer from the same level of crap that caused me to stop reading the other X-books years ago. You focus on character and theme, and your plots are rife with twists and surprises (as with all your other work), and that’s why it’s the only one I’ll read. I used to buy according to character, but gradually I shifted to buying by creator. I bought X-Men and Uncanncy X-Men years ago for the same reason: because Alan Davis was briefly writing and/or drawing them, and I love him. I bought the first issue of Joss Whedon’s run for the same reason, but it didn’t impress me.

      10. X-Factor is the only X title I buy regularly.
        It’s not the only good one but it seems the least intertwined with other books.

      1. No X-Factor in November? Are you allowed to tell us why?

        Really liked the issue that came out yesterday. The reveal of BadGuy!Jamie was interesting. Wonder if that’s a time-displaced main Jamie or a dupe? It’s always so hard to tell…

        Doctor Doom’s delusional world view continues to amuse.

        And I loved, loved, loved Rev. Maddox’ assessment of his recent difficulties.

        I also picked up Brave & Bold. I asked for it on my sub list ’cause Stracynski is taking over next issue. But I always liked Milestone, so I didn’t object to this. Nice little issue. Never read Xombi before, but I always meant to.

        Justice League was ok, but I’m dropping it after the Royal Flush Gang storyline. I severely dislike Robinson. Wish McDuffie was still on JLA.

        And I also picked up two Red Circle one-shots. (I missed Inferno last week.) I think The Web might be unique… I can’t recall anyone else becoming a super-hero out of jealousy before. Becoming a super-VILLAIN, sure… but a super-hero?

      2. As I recall, Cortex!Jamie had no tattoo. Am I recalling correctly? If he has no tattoo, then I am assuming that he is the forgotten dupe who went into the other future timeline–the one that Layla didn’t follow.

    1. But it will continue in December, right??

      (Ease my heart here, PAD–I had a scary dream the title was canceled and would instead live on as a backup story.)

      1. There’s really nothing to say, except that I assume Marvel will make some official announcement.
        .
        PAD

      2. Uh-oh…why no issue?

        And, I had to check here to figure out who the reveal was on the last page… I mean, I was pretty sure, with the design style of the circuitry and all. But still!

        Awesome issue.

        X-Men Legacy & Might Avengers were pretty good this week too.

    2. I hope that the book is not gone. I have bought every Xfactor book you hav edone since the first run. I will continue to do so as long as its around.
      My hope is that you are simply being clever. It has been pointed out on a few websites that if you add up all the Xfactor runs you would hit an anniversary issue. Are plans to renumber?

      Yeah, I know that you won’t say so here if it is, but I had to ask anyway.

      1. Well, I suggest you watch for the December solicits online around the 14th of September. 😉

  11. X-Factor was great as usual. Was I the only one who was confused by the reveal at the end? It took me a while to figure out who that was.

  12. X Factor #47 is by far one of the best books I have ever read. That is not to say that any of your other books were awful; no way! You have managed to “shock and amaze” me with the other books, but this one was non-stop action! It was such a sensory overload that it was hard to take it all in. I kept flipping back and forth thinking I had missed something…and I had…every time!

    Part of me was hoping that there would have been more RicStar in this issue, but I am fine that there wasn’t, because you managed to touch on everyone else to a grand degree.

    One thing I must really applaud is that you do something that other writers have major problems with: tying up dangling plot lines. I had been wondering about the “Second dupe” for MONTHS now, and …boom…ya got it. I had been wondering about Longshot and Shatterstar (because that ball has been dropped ten billion times by other writers) and…kaplow. After #46, I was thinking “Wait, Ruby is like 80 and her dad is like 130 and they BOTH have to know about Fitzroy” and thought…did PAD miss something…and guess what…YOU GOT IT!

    Totally awesome.

    This next statement might seem like fawning, but it ain’t. I’ve been collecting comics for…20 years now, and in those two decades, I have only, ONLY subscribed to three. The first was Young Avengers, because I thought it had a strong story. The second was Dark Wolverine (just last month) because I like to see the evolution of characters from jerks to…less jerks (which I think is going to happen to Daken). The last is X-Factor, because this is a TRUE ensemble story (not like the current Uncanny ‘everybody and the kitchen sink’ cast of characters over ther).

    I would say “keep up the good work”, but I am now panicked that I’ve heard there’s no X-Factor in November! Is it because X-Factor has no part in the Necrosha storyline (which might make a little sense) or what??? Please tell us!

  13. Awww… no mention of Shadow Complex. It just became available on Xbox live.

    Oh well, I should probably start doing more comic reading.

  14. Well Peter, I sure hope the official announcement isn’t what I think it will be. I’ve recently canceled many comics due to a paycut, though anything written by you is still and always will be on my pull list. You’ve had me since the Death of Jean DeWolff.

  15. X-Factor #27 was excellent. My favorite part, however, was how you handled that homophobic tirade in the letters column. Well said. Very well said.

  16. I loved issue #47 of X-factor. Especially the conversation between Padre and Shatterstar, Guido and Rictor. As well as Jaime asking Doctor Doom for the defintion of Whinging. It’s novelity alone would have been worth buying the book.
    Like Frank though, I believe that my favorite part is how you handled ‘Sad Shelly’s’ commentary in the letter’s page. I’m somebody who really doesn’t care what a person’s sexuality is as long as the relationship is well portrayed. That being said I cannot wait until you expanded the relationship between Rictor and Shatterstar.

    On a completely different note; I have been wondering something from the first time that he appeared in issue #45. Where did you get the idea to make Doctor Doom senile?

  17. Mr. David,
    I just read your most recent article in CBG #1658 in regards to the stir a simple kiss caused in one of your stories. Generally I find your opinions to be very well presented and typically I agree. The same goes with this article but I found myself lingering on what may have been a passing thought in your article. Like a kernel of corn stuck in my front teeth I found myself irritated by this one point you presented in the article.
    “…but I honestly didn’t see it coming, either.” Of course, like Fox News this line could be taken out of context, but I cannot help but opinion that you had to know that this kiss was of significant importance and potentially a firestarter simply from when the scene is placed in context with the story. If this had occurred oh say half way through then perhaps it would not have been seen as a revelation. The placement toward the end of the book gives the scene even more gravitus. I can not help but think that intentional and thus gives the story weight, segnificance and a wow factor to get people talking. You did a good job in that, and again not only do I respect your opinion I also agree with it, but I find this one tid-bit a point of contention and possibly grounds for losing your argument with the folks on the fence.

    Thanks again for your time,

    Glen Richardson

    1. Glen, it is common to put a significant scene on the last page of a comic book. Sets the excitement level on high. Keeps the geeks coming back for more.

    2. I put it at the end of the story because that’s where it made dramatic sense in relation to the rest of the plot. The whole point of that dramatic beat was that a mind-controlled Shatterstar was trying to kill Rictor. They kiss when Shatterstar has shaken loose of the control. If I had it resolve in the middle of the story, that’s bad pacing.
      .
      The reason I didn’t see it coming (out of context insinuations aside) was because there have been other gay couples and other gay kisses in comics. Plus we had two decades worth of subtext for Rictor and Shatterstar. I honestly didn’t realize that Marvel had never depicted two male superheroes kissing before, or that simply confirming something that had been so much a part of their past relations would be seen by some as shocking.
      .
      PAD

  18. I loved issue #47 of X-factor for several reasons. Especially the conversation between Padre and Shatterstar, Guido and Rictor. As well as Jaime asking Doctor Doom for the defintion of Whinging. It’s novelity alone would have been worth buying the book.
    Like Frank though, I believe that my favorite part is how you handled ‘Sad Shelly’s’ commentary in the letter’s page. I’m somebody who really doesn’t care what a person’s sexuality is as long as the relationship is well portrayed. That being said I cannot wait until you expanded the relationship between Rictor and Shatterstar.

    On a completely different note; I have been wondering something from the first time that he appeared in issue #45. Where did you get the idea to make Doctor Doom senile?

  19. Great issue of X-Factor, Mr. David- just one little question- back on April 1st, you made a blog post about upcoming developments in the magazine that were all pretty unbelievable, but all ended up being true (Monet getting naked with Darwin, Layla going toe to toe with Dr. Doom). You also mentioned Dr. Doom quoting the band Queen, but I haven’t picked up on it. Would you (or anyone who noticed it) enlighten me?

    1. Well, he misquotes it, actually. He kind of mangles a line from “Bohemian Rhapsody.” He says, “Miss Miller, I will not let you go” as opposed to “Bismillah, we will not let you go.”
      .
      PAD

  20. X-Factor was great, as usual. But I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for my favorite part of the issue…the letters page.

    That sounds a little weird, I realize. But I’m actually quite serious. You’re responses to the reactions to the Rictor/Shatterstar kiss have been great across the board, but your response to “Sad Shelly”‘s letter really touched me. It probably sounds dumb, but I actually got a little choked up reading it. Your dream of a ‘better comic book world’ brought a huge smile to my face. Here’s hoping that it comes true. As long as we have writers like you on comics I think we’ve got a fighting chance. Thank you.

  21. Ðámņ it Peter– first you make me go all they way down town to the Smithsonian (a whole Metro ride away) to find out if Oscar wears pants… and then after all that effort I’m still missing over a 100 socks. The Oscar thing is no biggie really. I mean he does only help those who help themselves.

  22. Loved X-Factor #47 – felt like the plot was shot out of a cannon. Really propulsive along with nice character moments (have to echo Mark Nevada’s comment on the conversation between Rictor, Shatterstar, Guido, and Padre – that was awesome). I came here to drop this compliment and hate to see that there’s no X-Factor in Nov. It’s one of the books I know I’ll enjoy month after month … hope it stays around for a long time.

    Along those lines, it’s sad to see Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark go, but absolutely loved Daredevil #500. Really can’t gush enough about the run from start to finish. What stories, what characters, what drama … and Brubaker created a great challenge for Matt Murdock to rise up to at the end. It’ll be interesting to see where it goes from here. Also, it was truly awesome to have Ann Nocenti back writing DD. Very cool. Only disappointment was that Stan Lee didn’t write a short tale for this book.

    Anyone read Archie 600? Archie’s getting married! Thought that’s pretty historic.

    Other books I’ve read so far this week – Wed. Comics (love it for the most part week after week – and, huh, who knew Atlantis was so advanced, huh?) and Poe (pretty cool mystery).

    Haven’t read other books mentioned here this week – have stopped picking up Mighty Avengers on a regular basis. Like the old-time Avengers concept, but it just didn’t grab me for many reasons.

    Before I go Mr. David, I also want to add that I recently read the Aquaman: Time and Tide trade and enjoyed it. I think it was the first complete Aquaman story I’ve read – like many people probably I really only knew him from the Superfriends and JLA – and I thought you did a great job with the character. I think it’s Alan Moore who said there’s truly no bad characters and you prove it pretty often with your writing.

  23. My comic book store still hasn’t gotten Halo: Helljumper. It’s causing me some rage, here, because a friend of mine who lives far off HAS gotten his and he says it’s magnificent, especially because the ODST guys have retained some of their self-assured characterization from the books (the sole thing I remember liking about at least one novel in the series). Only thing I wonder is how much it ties into the game? Because I’m definitely going to buy that, but if the comics are a prequel I’ll want to read the whole mini before playing.

  24. I know this is not the actual week of its release, but considering I just read it, please bear with me.

    RE: FANTASTIC FOUR #569

    Now, on one hand, the outcome of the current Fantastic Four storyline “Doom’s Master”, had a couple of predictable conclusions.
    1. The person believed dead in the title turned out to still be alive.
    2. The big event (the wedding of Ben Grimm, aka The Thing) that the subplot had been building towards in the last few issues didn’t happen after all.

    I am not surprised by these results, for this was Mark Millar’s last issue as writer and the one thing he could not do was shake up the series’ status quo for too long.
    However, there were a couple of surprises along the way.
    1. How the presumed deceased actually survived.
    2. Why the big event in the subplot never happened.

    Yet while overall this issue was an enjoyable read, I do have one major quibble:
    WHERE WAS FRANKLIN RICHARDS?
    If Millar wanted to focus on Valeria and develop the character during his tenure, no problem. But Franklin was absent without leave (or story explanation) for most of the last two issues, and NOBODY either within the story or on the editorial side of the page seemed to have noticed! Despite everything going on, don’t you think his parents would have noticed the absence of their oldest child?
    Hopefully the new creative team that takes over with issue 570 will be more alert about their cast.

    The above is just my opinion folks.

  25. “There’s really nothing to say, except that I assume Marvel will make some official announcement.”

    This non-denial denial has me MAJORLY bummed me out to end the week.

    I’m a glass is half-empty kind of guy, so I hope because of that I’m misinterpreting this comment.

  26. The bad announcement had better be something like: we’re going to let the story wrap up, close out the book, wait a month or two, launch a Layla miniseries and followed by X-Factor volume four which picks up with Sean not being a dupe and returned to the present and having a big crazy love triangle/orgy between Layla/Madrox/Siryn/Rictor/Shatterstar.

    And Mister David, I’m sorry in advance for any spoilers.

      1. I majored in PR. Official announcement (in publishing) almost always means cancellation of publication or massive creative changes. (IE: new creative team.)

  27. Hmmm. Peter, you have me pretty worried about the fate of X FACTOR. Alongside your run on WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS, it is the only X book I buy regularly. I did try some of the issues of the recent crossover between the X titles and DARK AVENGERS and they did not grab my interest

    The latest issue of X FACTOR was very enjoyable. The highlight of the week alongside SUPERMAN:DARKEST NIGHT.

  28. Wow I am really bummed! X-Factor is an awesome book.
    It takes what the X-Men could have become. I read them and they are rehashing old story lines again and again. Wait lets move them to San Fansisco! Lets keep the spandex and bight colors!!?? Unstable molecules and what not.
    X-Factor had a real world quality to itself. It has drama, comedy, and heart. With Hulk, Cap and, Spidey going back to their original numbering. X-Factor should be at number 200!
    Peter David’s run on X-Factor is great. Who knew Madrox had such potential?!! If this book is canceled I will be very sadden. Not because an X-Book is gone. But because a Great book with livid story and characters will be gone.

  29. This cone of silence from all parties about the future of the book sucks. I *loathe* it when people on the internet automatically assume the worst, because nothing aggravates me more than unfounded pessimism. So it’s annoying that it’s now rubbing off on me, because I’m very much a glass half full guy, 24/7. I want to believe that there’s something positive coming from this lack of news, but sometimes to do that I have to suspend from my mind that the world can be full of misguided idiots.
    X-Factor brought me back into comics and has inspired me as an artist and untested writer to try my own stab at a form of visual storytelling in the future (that and Scott Pilgrim, heh). It’d be a travesty if it didn’t continue to be a fixture of the line for at least the next 5 years, and I’d hope the bigwigs would sense that and try and nurture it more.

    Of course I loved issue #47. Here’s to issue #51 or #201.
    All the best PAD.

    1. I’m guessing either A) relaunch B) just a month off anyway for the creative teams or, I think much less likey C) series ends at issue #50 with Jaime and Layla getting married and on their wedding night, Wolfsbane busts down the door and tears them to pieces. End of X-Factor. Can’t say we weren’t warned well in advance.

      1. I would kind of like to see a combination of C) and A) actually. That would make the relaunch interesting.

      2. Both bleedingcool.com and Cup O Joe pointed out that, if you toss all of the X-Factor issues together, then you hit #300 rather quickly. I’m assuming the month off is to set up for a relaunch of X-Factor at that #300. Bring back Ryan Sook!

  30. I’m just a regular X-fiend all around, but X-Factor is my favorite. I have a bad feeling that this whole “Utopia” thing will somehow draw X-Factor cast back in and *poof* goes X-Factor. Which is a shame, because I’d hate to see these characters get lost in Matt Fractions menagerie. Maybe they’re just gonna rename it; here’s hoping.

  31. X-Factor was great, but unless it was clearly laid out in the previous issue, or I just forgot, I did find it odd that the revelation of Monet’s assination mission was revealed in the recap page (yes, I read those. Or skim.) But my favourite part in the whole issue were the stuff with Doom – those two splash pages side by side were great and I love how Doom had enough of his brain there that he did some word defintion for Madrox. I also picked up Ash Saves Obama, and while paints a rather rosy picture of Obama being a comic-con going geek (and you don’t even see his face on screen) and Ash doesn’t squash a single deadite in the first issue, it was pretty funny and it seems to be leading somewhere.

  32. Greetings from a fan in the Philippines! Been rather shy about posting to your blog, but only got the nerve up.

    Needless to say, I was so thrilled about the Rictor/Shatterstar development in X-Factor #45. It’s about time. But then, I was expecting some kind of progression (even a minor reaction of sorts) in #47, given the way Marvel has been hyping about Rictor and Shatterstar “having a lot to sort out.” Sadly, nothing was sorted out. My disappointment would have been total if it were not for those two pages wherein the poor Reverend Madrox blew his stack. Just couldn’t stop laughing at Star’s line.

    But now you say there won’t be an issue of X-Factor in November? Sigh. Why can’t I shake the feeling that there is still some apprehension from Marvel about developing gay characters in their comic books? Admittedly, that’s why I prefer to read manga more. The Japanese don’t have any inhibitions at all with their shounen-ai and yaoi manga.

    Anyway, I sincerely hope Marvel gives you the chance to develop the Rictor/Shatty relationship. I’m a writer myself (of slash and shounen-ai) and I know just how important character development is, especially with gay characters.

    On a final note, here’s a suggestion for you. Maybe Marvel should think about doing a oneshot featuring their gay characters, like Rictor, Shatterstar, Northstar, and Mystique. Wouldn’t that be something. But then again, I think Marvel would be too chicken to even consider it.

    Good health to you and your family! 😀

  33. Hello!
    .
    Picked up X-Factor, and I wanted to say I thought it was a great read. The Longshot scene and the boys in Vermont were definitely my favourite parts. I’d love to see more great Longshot spots like that!
    .
    Though I do have to ask, who the hëll is writing the solicits? They got me way overexcited for the Ric/Star stuff to unfold, but I’d say they were a little off? Not that I’m disappointed in what I *did* get, but why market that way?

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