Why, it just seems like a few weeks ago that X-FACTOR #1 was out. And it just seems like a few months ago that FALLEN ANGEL was consigned to the scrap heap by DC. Yet here are the next issues of both. What were the odds?
Whad’ja think?
PAD
Why, it just seems like a few weeks ago that X-FACTOR #1 was out. And it just seems like a few months ago that FALLEN ANGEL was consigned to the scrap heap by DC. Yet here are the next issues of both. What were the odds?
Whad’ja think?
PAD
• 
Peter,
I’ve followed Fallen Angel from the beginning, and thought that this was the best issue yet. Two questions, though…
1. I would guess that the painted artwork takes a considerably longer time to produce than your standard penciled-and-inked comic, and I did not see any indication as to when the next issue will be available. Is FA a monthly, bi-monthly, or something else?
2. Any chance of another Sachs and Violens appearance?
Arthur
>>1I really enjoyed [b]X-Factor[/b]. I’m enjoying the blend of noir, humour and unpredictability. (I even enjoyed Layla Miller’s “I know things.) My favourite new series, right now.
[b]Fallen Angel[/b] was good, too, but unlike many others, I miss Lopez on the art. I did notice that Woodward was drawing many of the characters in the Lopez style, however, which helps. I’m not sure about the 18-year gap, yet, but I’m willing to see where this is all going.
My only complaint? That two books from the same writer came out the same week. I’d prefer things spaced out a bit more…
–but didn’t it feel like the old days when we had several books by Peter in the same month?
>>I am still thrown by the fact that in the same descriptor paragraph of the results of House of M, which states that there were a few million mutants, a point is stressed that 90% of mutants are gone and only a few hundred are left….. is my math wayyyy off or are they off by a few thousand?
Fred
–nah, you’re right. I noticed it myself with the Decimation one shot.
>>Why, it just seems like a few weeks ago that X-FACTOR #1 was out. And it just seems like a few months ago that FALLEN ANGEL was consigned to the scrap heap by DC. Yet here are the next issues of both. What were the odds?
Whad’ja think?
–I think X-Factor has the potential to be your finest comics work. The level of detail you’ve poured into the characters in just 2 issues is more than most writers do in half a dozen.
I particularly like Siryn more than ever–largely b/c of the change in her powers and how that will affect her.
I came to actually like and feel sorry for Rictor after issue one.
Monet is a character that I think will need a bit of work. She’s always been this snobby rich girl, but rarely has any other facet of her personality been present (of course there has to be other sides or she wouldn’t even be at X-Factor Investigations to begin with; obviously she has a few caring bones in her body…ala Cordy in S2 and S3 of Buffy). That said, you’ve written her to a “T”. I loved the playful banter between her and Rahne.
Guido is probably the only cast member that I don’t care for. It’s not that I have anything against him, he just never appealed to me in any way. That may change given time though.
Layla “plot device” Millar’s “I know things” was amusing throughout the issue, though I found myself wondering why no one asked the simple question “how do you know things?” It will be curious to learn how she survived the destruction of HoM, as IIRC she was created in that world.
Rahne is an interesting character. Her personality is intriguing, but I’ve never really liked her powers. They’re just kinda “blah”. Can you switch her powers with Monet for one issue? That might be really fun!
The one character that I really like is Jamie. He is probably the one that I feel the most like. I know what it’s like to have a dizzying array of ideas floating through your head and the desire to explore all your options. I know too, what it’s like to freeze up b/c your options and interests are so vast that you can’t pinpoint one and work from there. Jamie takes that to the opposite extreme, but that doesn’t readily solve his problems. I’m very curious to see where his character is going.
As for Fallen Angel, the art was fantastic and while I can’t say I was the biggest fan of the book (though I did buy every issue of the DC run), this issue (and the origin story as a whole) interests me quite a bit.
Tony
“None of the three stores in Dublin received any copies. I’d say this is Diamond UK being their usual selves, and hope that it does actually show up at some point…”
Thanks for the reply, Cradok.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for next week.
As I read through the thread, I notice people with little money for Fallen Angel, but plenty for X-Factor. What are you doing? WHy are you even posting on here?
Don’t you listen to what Peter said about FA being the best work he’s ever done? Drop Infinite Crisis, Son Of M, or any of that bull thats keeping you from an intense and incredible story.
SAM-EL
Geez, Sam, lighten up. Just because someone is a fan of Peter’s work, it doesn’t mean they have to read everything he writes. I read Fallen Angel, but I don’t read FNSM, since I don’t give a rat’s ášš about Spider-Man. I certainly can’t blame someone for not buying FA, especially with the price tag it comes with. Nobody likes to be told what to read or what not to read (especially since Infinite Crisis is quite good, as is, from what I’ve heard, Son of M).
Was a little let down by X-FACTORS second issue. I guess I was hoping for more of a follow up as to Madroxs dups actions. It just felt like; “Ho-hum, back to biz.”. I did love Monets appearance but why is she baggin on Rahne so much? I know M has some kind of childish attitude locked away inside her but she already had this attitude towards Jubilee in Gen X. Is her attitude going to be this way towards all woman? Is it a competitive thing for her?
As for the letters comment about the anti-rep. shirt? Waaah. Who cares? As tired as these fans are of “having left wing views infiltrate thier comics” Im as tired of hearing them bìŧçh about it. Get over it. You arent the only people on Earth. And if the artist had drawn an anit-Dems shirt? You’d be sure these same fans would be slappin thier happy lil knees in appreciation over it.
PAD, I dig your work in general. Regardless of the comments I or others make about your political views, please, as a fellow artist, don’t stop voicing your opinion. That’s what art is truely based in.
The nay sayers would realize that if they took the time to think about it.
Please bounce Layla Miller from X-Factor ASAP. She’s dragging down what is otherwise the best X-title going right now.
X-Factor: This is fast becoming one of my favorite titles.
Fallen Angel: Loved it, LOVED it, LOVE-ED IT! My only question is whether the short story in the back of the book has something to do with the series, or just an extra to help promote the author?
I don’t much care for the price, but it’s one of the few books for which I’m willing to pay over $3–for now. Fair warning to any DC or MARVEL price-setters. As soon as a book breaks the $3 point as a regular price, I’m letting the story arc run it’s course and bailing. As much as I love your books, this hobby is becoming waaaaay too expensive. I’ll probably limit myself to two books a month at that point.
Happy New Year,
Daniel 8^)
X-Factor #2: Another enjoyable issue. I like what we’re seeing from the non-powered Rictor … and I like the schtick with the rogue Madrox dupe.
Nicely done.
“Please bounce Layla Miller from X-Factor ASAP. She’s dragging down what is otherwise the best X-title going right now.”
No, she’s making it even better!
Just one question, I’m pretty sure Monet supposed to be black. Was this just a colorist’s mistake?
“Just one question, I’m pretty sure Monet supposed to be black. Was this just a colorist’s mistake?”
I think she’s North African, like Moroccan or something.
Layla is a Macguffin. Bounce her.
“I think she’s North African, like Moroccan or something.”
Albanian, to my knowledge.
Yeah, apologies for that. It’s a great book. I just wish people would take the risk with it.
Just tore through X-Factor, and found them both to be very good. I’ll add it to the list of X-books that are great…
since it took Iceman all of one issue to get his powers back
For all the people out there that are completely not paying attention to what’s going on with Iceman (and there are many of you), while I don’t trust Marvel to “stick to their guns” on this in the long run, I don’t see Iceman’s situation as backpeddling.
It’s explained just fine as to what happened with Iceman.
The basic fact? He never lost his powers due to Decimation.
Fallen Angel: Love it! Can’t wait for more!
Michael
So Lee is not Supergirl after all.
Rats.
I want my money back.
JC
“The basic fact? [Iceman] never lost his powers due to Decimation.”
Yeah, but you can see where they’re coming from. Of the current three X-Teams, Iceman and Polaris were the only ones who seemed to be affected, and that’s down to just Lorna now. And it would have been good to see Bobby having to cope with not having even the flimsy reason of his powers as an excuse for being an áššhølë.
Got my copies of X-Factor’s #1 & 2, as well as Fallen Angel #1 over the weekend, and I was thrilled by all of them.
X-Factor is Peter doing superheroes they way he does them best. I find it funny that some people complain about the dark noir feel, when Peter infuses it with such humor. A neat blend of his dry wit and the look and feel of noir. The choice of cast is interesting; I’ve always been a fan of Rhane’s, and Siryn was handled well, I like where she has headed. I think it’s great that Monet is still a self-important snob, but hopefully we’ll see a little more to her at some point. I have never really been all that interested in Jamie Madrox until the miniseries; now I find him to be pretty fascinating. What great fun.
And it’s so wonderful to see that Fallen Angel has returned. The artwork is gorgeous, and I’m really enjoying finding out a little more about Lee’s origins. I’ve always been a sucker for “angel” stories.
Michael C.
http://www.chlotrudis.org/colford
I’m completely loving X-Factor (well, not completely, still not totally sold on Layla) so far, and I can’t wait for the next issue. One quick question, though, is Rictor’s state-of-mind in any way an homage to the original X-Factor run when Angel lost his wings and considered killing himself? And really, the connections to the original series don’t stop there. That was a character-driven series where former X-Men were trying to find a new way to help mutants as well. (In case you were wondering, I recently picked up the excellent Essential X-Factor collection and couldn’t help but compare it to the new series.) Oh, and is there any chance we’ll see the breathtaking return of TOWER? (j/k)
How can Layla Miller be dragging the book down? She hasn’t done anything yet other then some filing. It’s not like there’s been a 8 issue story line that’s based around her knowing things for mysterious reasons that is never explained. It’s only issue #2.
Can someone tell me what M’s powers are?
What about having a story where they )-xXx- Investigations)are held hostage by Emplate or something? I think Emplate is one of the most original X-Villains ever, and could use a bit of spotlight. And I get all goose bumps thinking about what PAD could do with him (But please don’t touch on the mess that is M and Penance and M-Plate and Emplate and the twins and all that crap. Still trying to forget all THAT rubbish) 🙂
X-Factor #2 is coming out with a 2nd printing variant cover. Great news!!! Sales must be Liptonian Brisk? 🙂
I am a big fan of your work, and Fallen Angel and X-Factor are both examples of you at the top of your game.
Bravo!
Thanks for giving me a reason to look forward to Wednesdays. I look forward to reading both series for a long time.
To Rahne, religion is that from which she draws comfort and security and has a fundamental sense of morality. She doesn’t use it to bludgeon people over the head…unless, y’know, they’re about to jump off a building, but she was trying to save both a life and a soul under extreme duress, so it was understandable.
Hmm. So if you are trying to save a soul, it is understandable that you would at least “forcefully” try to make your beliefs heard? Nah, won’t go there.
Unfortunately (for my wallet), I am already hooked on X-Factor (2nd Edition). I find the story engaging and the characters — well, just that, characters. They have depth. They have texture. And things happen. While the ending was a little disturbing, I choose to wait to see “why” before going there.
On a somewhat related note, PAD, your issues of “The Other” storyline have been by far the best. Now that it is almost over it is safe to say that, while it was not a contest, you write the most interesting Spidey story. I will still get JMS Amazing, but Friendly will probably be higher on my list.
I was surprised (but should not have been) to see you responding on the letters page and appreciated it. I had forgotten about the t-shirt, probably because I really didn’t care. It just made sense for his character and didn’t come across as you pushing an agenda (even if you had been the origin of its contents).
Iowa Jim
On a random whim I picked up the first 2 issues of X-Factor with a bunch of other X stuff the other week (ain’t shelled out for comics in years).
I honestly didn’t think it would be my thing, but turns out I loved it to bits. Don’t ever recall laughing out loud like that from a comic before.
The characterisation is great, each one is distinctive and I even kinda like Layla – looking forward to see how she unravels. It’s particularly refreshing to see characters have honest reactions that ring true to the overall narative. With the exception of M (who I think you got spot on), the rest of the cast I’ve never really been interested in before, especially Madrox – now I can’t wait to see a bit more of them. Most of all I love the sarcasm and humour that threads throughout.
Artwork is a definite plus too, best ‘costumes’ in a long while – they really can pass on the street, they look good and they make sense. A lot of attention is given to ensuring each character looks different too, right down to the facial features. Not so keen on Rahne’s werewolf but I can more than live with it.
Yeah, I think I may be hooked…
> Can someone tell me what M’s powers are?
Telepathic Supergirl (less the vision powers)
Finally got to read Fallen Angel #1. Finally some insight into Lee’s character. Looks like she actually is a fallen angel.
Oh, and I just had to point something out:
LIaNDrA
Now that both issues have reached the UK, I’ve enjoyed them.
Fallen Angel: I was a bit disappointed to see the Supergirl connection go away (although I suppose it could still be worked in somehow), but I liked the story as a whole. Is it just me, or does Xia look a lot like Lucy Liu?
X-Factor: Thank you for that line about decimation! Now we just need to enlighten the rest of the masses… Personally, I found Layla really annoying, but I remember reading a BID column that said people had the same reaction Wolverine when he turned up, so maybe she’ll grow on me (or just grow up).
I’ve noticed that both comics keep being described as “noir”. That’s not the impression that I get, but then again I’ve never really been a fan of the genre. Anyway, I like them, and it doesn’t really matter much what label gets applied to them.
So, I read Fallen Angel Volume 2 # 1.
Words CANNOT express how much I loved it. Literally. Each word on the page, each stroke of pen and ink…
I’m dying for issue number two out here!
I forgot to pick up X-Factor (!) – must add to my pull list and hope to find a copy of what I’ve missed. But – like Brian Geers above, I save the issues I expect to enjoy most for last – I have finally read Fallen Angel (series two) #1.
Great issue! (Spoilers ensuing, if one hasn’t read the issue yet.)
I was initially thrown by Juris’ son – “How’d Juris find him?? And why is Lee back with Juris?? And ‘in the bottle’?” – but did soon figure out what had happened – certainly before Juris did :). And it’s not just you, John C. Kirk – Xia does (often) look a LOT like Lucy Liu …. And we learned Lee’s real name (and interesting point ABOUT that name, Brian Douglas 🙂 ), and more of her history – QUITE a bit was revealed in this issue, actually. Including why Lee has her day job – does being the father of several daughters, PAD, have anything to do with this evaluation of teenage girls or is that purely coincidental? 🙂 And at the end, realizing who Slade was talking to, and having that realization confirmed – very nice. And what is Lee going to do when her son shows up in Bete Noire, right when Juris has figured out that he exists?
Very glad that FA is back – and that it’s doing so well for IDW that they’ve already “unlimited” it. This is a significant part of the best crop of comic reading I remember having in years. Congratulations on the successful return, and thank you, PAD!
Hi there,
I wasn’t sure where to ask this, but I thought this was a good a place as any. Issue 5 Ryan Sook provides the cover but none of the interior artwork 🙁 and I just saw the solicits for April (issue 6) and it says that Ryan Sook will not be the artist (neither cover or interior art) 🙁 what happened? Is he coming back? Or is that his lot for X-factor?
fresh ink on attack of the show on G4TV, you’re x-factor is a BUY. She loved you abilty to write, said #1 is a sold out second printing…
cool, i really can’t wait for you how to write comic book novel…
Also wondering if Ryan Sook is off the title for good.
I miss him already.
Is Calero the new penciler?