The origin (kinda…sorta…maybe) of Layla Miller, the character I resolved from issue #1 to reverse the mostly negative fan opinion about. Whad’ja thnk?
PAD
The origin (kinda…sorta…maybe) of Layla Miller, the character I resolved from issue #1 to reverse the mostly negative fan opinion about. Whad’ja thnk?
PAD
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I just bought it and haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but that is a SWEET LOOKING COVER! I’ll read it today and get back with you! 🙂
I haven’t read this issue yet. But I just had to say that I love Layla. I have since she was introduced, and X-Factor just made me like her more.
Dude, I haven’t enjoyed comics this much since the early 90’s when you were writing Incredible Hulk and X-Factor. Layla is such an intriguing character. It’s kind of like watching the characters on Lost – I just want to know more about her! I mean, the last two panels of the last page – WTF?
I’m really, really glad I chose to get back into reading comics. 🙂
I like her, but the orphanage thing was a bit odd.Do they really track down missing orphans when they’re so desparate to get them out? And isn’t Layla old enough to be out of “foster care”?
Well, I just have to ask: Is she a mutant or not? From the story. . .
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
. . .there are claims that she was a mutant who apparently scared the other children at the home but she lost those mutant abilities, but now she “knows” stuff which seems to indicate some level of probability manipulation (perhaps along the lines of Destiny from Mystique’s Brotherhood?) and she seems able to affect probabilities (along the lines of the Scarlet Witch when Wanda was being written consistently).
I didn’t bother with the main “House of M” series, so Layla’s been pretty much a cipher aside from what you’ve done with her (which may be why I haven’t really had any strong feelings about her). I did enjoy how Rahne sniffed her out at the orphanage–that was well done.
Well, I find her a slightly less annoying now.
But I’m not won over yet.
I like how you are not throwing in hundreds of details about her. That way, there is room for further exploration in the future.
In 5 years, I will be able to write a mini-series called Layla: Origin to explain the missing parts of her history.
Then 5 years later, a different writer will be able to write an ongoing monthly title called Layla: Origins which tells the story through Layla’s viewpoint after she has regained all her past memories.
I always liked Layla and I am still expecting a BIG surprise when we learn more about her. I am a little bothered by the art. In some panels Rahne looked like a guy.
And did the woman from the orphanage have a broken neck? She was always drawn with her head tilted to her right.
SPOILER————————-
Could it be that Layla ‘did’ something to her as well as the butterfly?
I was disappointed in that the story didn’t really tell us anything new, it basically just clarified things we already knew. In a fun and interesting way, granted, but I can’t deny that I got to the end thinking “well, I’ve been waiting half a year for this promised explanation of Layla and I’ve not really learned anything at all”.
My problem with the art was that in several panels, Rahne looked more like a were-akita than a werewolf.
Interesting concept for Layla, though. Reminds me of a character a friend of mine came up with for an RPG a while back. His character relied mostly on gadgets, but had one power – the ability to “feel” the probability level of the future, in broad brushstrokes. That is to say, he couldn’t tell you if a specific person would be dying anytime soon – but he could tell you about how likely it was, if nothing changed, that, say, the government of the state of Minnesota would undergo a massive upheaval in the next election. He had no idea how to affect those possibilities, though, so that puts Layla one up on him… 🙂
I still find Layla a very dull character. It was bad enough when the main plot had to digress in the early issues to show us how quirky it is that she “knows stuff”, but now we get a full issue devoted to her? X-Factor really seems to have lost its direction due to juggling too many characters. I liked it better when it was just Madrox.
I liked it, but I’m not sure how the Layla of X-Factor fits in with the Layla of House of M, who had parents (were they really killed in the short time since House of M?) and the mutant power to make people, I dunno, see the truth. But I’m curious to see where you’re going with this.
But now I won’t be happy until I see Brokeback Mutant.
I have loved this series since issue #1 and this issue did not disappoint. My personal favorite part was the warning Madrox gave Mr. Tryp. Funny and creepy at the same time.
And I like Layla Miller.
Ok, letter page first. Brokeback Mutant. You had to go there. Although I do admit you used it well to make a point.
Concerning the issue, I was disappointed. I was expecting more in the line of plot development and more understanding of Layla. Don’t get me wrong, it was not a bad issue, but it somehow fell short for me.
One one level, I expected you to not tell everything about Layla. And I felt like you told enough to make her more interesting to those of us who never read a single issue of House of M. But it was somehow a little too predictable. Almost like I temporarily had Layla’s power to see what was coming (but no power to influence it).
If in the background there had been more development of other story lines, I would have been happier. But alas, it was not to be.
In the big picture this may well plant the seeds for something to come. So I did not feel it a waste of time or money. It was just not up to what I expected.
On a side note, the issue did touch on an interesting concept. Is it possible to know the bigger picture and based on it know that a certain amount of suffering is necessary to get there? Is it moral to do so? I think it is. Layla is not necessarily a bad person for not stopping the beating. It depends on the alternatives. The problem is others may never understand the bigger picture. It will be interesting to see this further developed.
Iowa Jim
Hmmm. I enjoyed the issue very much except for one thing, the art. I am looking forward to when the regular artist takes over the title.
It’s ironic that Calero is not considered the regular artist, since he is basically on the book in some form for nine issues out of eleven, and the previous “regular” artist was only on it for four (and only one complete one at that).
Too bad that Ryan Sook had to go as well, I liked his art very much. Calero has a grittier sort of quality, which I don’t think suits the book so well. It’s dark but it seems like the art should instill a dreamier quality.
Peter, my feelings about X-Factor have been somewhat uneven of late, so please keep that in mind when you read the following:
BEST ISSUE YET!
I think one of the reasons is that being part of the huge, mega-crossover storyline, every time to try to go back to the X-Family of titles, you have to get updated on any major changes to characters on the status quo, and that was the case here with the aftermath of “Decimation” and Mutant town. I always found the allegorical premises taken on by the X-books to be problematic.
But now, I’m really liking the swing of things.
And I LOVED the idea of Layla’s origin, because I myself thought after seeing The Butterfly Effect (not that it was my first exposure to the butterfly-tornado concept) that it would be cool to have a character with such powers, maybe named “Butterfly” (guess it’d have to be a female), with maybe a little butterfly manifesting in their eye when using their powers, just for the reader’s coolness benefit. Nice to see great minds think alike. 🙂
As for the art, I’m mostly pleased. I was worred about Ryan Sook leaving, but Dennis Calero has a nice style. He has a very nice, fine line that lends itself well to the detail of faces in the distance, and his rendering of buildings is extremely realistic. Just one thing though: I know it’s supposed to be a “noir” book, but when Maddox and Rahne go to the orphanage, the solid black Calero puts on them and Charnoff is a bit extreme. It makes no sense for anyone inside a building in the middle of the day to have that much solid black shadow on them. Taking a cue from the lighting of desert noir movies might be apt: Calero could’ve simply put them in shadow, but a milder shadow done with hatching rather than solid black.
And the letters page, Peter?
Awesome. We need more letters and answers like that woman who was complaining about a villain’s dialogue.
The issue hit dead-on on all fronts. Reading it today made my work day more tolerable. Thanks, Peter. 🙂
About the disclaimer thing…I fear that given how many countries and court decisions are in play here, that “characters’ dialogue does not always reflect the views of the author, artist(s) and publisher” blurb is going to have to start being de rigeur sooner or later for everyone publishing, filming, and uploading works of fiction.
Not saying that it’s right or proper for this to happen. But I am saying that I suspect that it’s inevitable. Rather like David Brin‘s suspicions that we’re all going to live in a surveillance society and we’d all better have the same tool set for “Little Brothering” each other…
I enjoyed it, Peter, although I was a little confused about the overall explanation of where Layla’s abilities originate. When the Mrs. Charnoff arrives at the office to snatch Layla away, Layla says that she was a mutant with “horns. flame breath.” but that she’s not a mutant anymore. Later, without using the word “mutant” she explains her precognitive powers.
I remember from House of M when Rogue touched Layla she had this horrific reaction, claiming that Layla was something far stranger than human or mutant. With my confusion over the explanation, I wasn’t sure if you were weaving something with Rogue’s reaction in mind.
I would guess, though, that Layla’s comment that she wasn’t a mutant anymore, was just her trying to be accepted by the other kids. Perhaps a way for her to deny what happened with her parents and whatever guilt she feels about not stopping it. I’m just not sure.
JIm, it seemed fairly obvious to me when Layla mentioned the “horns” and “flame” bit that she was lying. She stated it just a bit too prosaicly, and when it was revealed afterwards what her real power was, it was clear that she mentioned the horns and flame as a cover.
I wonder how many years PAD has been waiting to use the “This army” retort.
Okay, let me apologize for my snarkiness yesterday. I’m in a much better mood today.
As a general rule, I don’t read X-books because there are just too many characters and too much back-story to try to remember. I read the Madrox mini-series solely because it was written by Peter David. I am reading X-Factor because the Madrox series was so good.
I have enjoyed every issue of this incarnation of X-Factor and will continue to buy it.
Issue 6 rocked hard. I love the story but the surprise is I LOVE the art. Callero has really made me come around, love the shadows, the bleakness, the everything! I was worried when you guys were going back and forth with art styles but if Callero’s on this book perm. I’m in it for the long haul!
I miss Ryan Sook. Anyone know yet who is scheduled to take over the reigns when Calero finally leaves?
About Layla:
Before House of M, she was a horned mutant?
During House of M, she changed to a different kind of mutant, being able to see the true reality or she was not a mutant at all but with that power?
After Decimation, is she a mutant with the same power that during House of M but wider? or her mutation changed again? Or she is not a mutant anymore but with that power?
Mutant or not mutant. That’s the question. Or maybe not.
Dr. Strange said that Wanda created Laila to help the heroes…
Rogue felt an uncanny power into her…
Did she have horns?
Is she a laiar?
Hmmm, knowing about some of the Mr. PAD’s preferences I think I have the answer:
She died and now she is an angel. That explains everything :p
gee ronnani, raaaawr, saucer of milk, table two!
The letters column was the best part!
The cover was a close second.
I like the Layla mystery, but I agree with those comments that have said not much has really been revealed (‘kinda sorta maybe’). Still, nothing you’ve written yet has disappointed. And beyond her ‘foresight’ I wonder if Layla actually ‘killed’ and ‘resurrected’ that butterfly…and whether that was an intentional religious reference in an issue you knew would be released in April.
I’m not a big fan of the art change, but I don’t buy your comic books for the art. (Still, when I like the art, I appreciate it all the more.)
I need to say that I think Dennis Calero is completely amazing. I think he’s getting better and better. I’m interested to see how he handles the humor in the series.
And, oh yeah, I loved this issue. Rictor is becoming one of my favorite (imaginary) people.
The whole butterfly effect thing bugs the hëll out of me. I don’t think it has anything to do with reality, only with the limitations and fragility of computer models. It is a fun idea through and seems to have become as intractable a part of popular culture as that 10% of your brain crap.
David Van Domelen,
I can’t specifically remember where, but I know PAD’s used the “You and what army” gag back in the 90’s. (It may have been another writer, I’ll let you know when I remember).
Yes, this issue worked for me. I’ve been so-so about the series, but its starting to work on me. Too bad others find the character “annoying” because I think she’s one of the most interesting, with a lot of potential. But then I’m not a Marvel fan by default, and I don’t have a lot of history with any of these characters.
Loved it!
I’m definitely going to try to get the word out more on this title. Between this and Fallen Angel, I’m in PAD-provided heaven.
I love how you took a character no one liked (Layla Miller) and made her so exceptionally cool. If it weren’t for Astonishing, this’d be the only X-book I ‘m reading (though I’m going to give Brubaker’s X-men a look because he made me care about Captain America for the first time ever).
I also really liked Rictor’s suspcion of Layla.
Anyone else think this is TV show material? I’d watch.
“I need to say that I think Dennis Calero is completely amazing. I think he’s getting better and better. I’m interested to see how he handles the humor in the series.”
I agree. I’m actually kind of shocked to still see people pining for Ryan Sook. He was GREAT but come on, he hasn’t done a full issue since #1, maybe it’s time to move on.
This, CA and DD are the only books worth reading.
Layla Miller is my favorite character in the book and right now the only reason I am reading the title. Wolfsbane is my favorite mutant but so far all of the artists have drawn her in a way as to make her unappealing, at least to me. After reeading the 1st issue I almost dropped the title due to the art, Layla was the only reason I stayed.
When I heard about the members of the team (whiney Richtor, annoying M and split personality Madrox as the leader)it made me wonder why anybody would want to be on this team. If I were a mutant I wouldn’t want to. The only reason I picked it up was Wolfsbane. But then I saw her look and wondered why I should keep reading. Again Layla Miller was the only thing that made me come back.
I know we all pick up PAD’s books for the writing, but comics are a visual medium and if they artwork is not to my liking it’s really hard to stay with a book.
If it bothers you so much, then you should move on, what do you want?
You know, that’s probably a good idea. So that one less sale for Peter to worry about.
Thanks for setting me straight.
I didn;t mean to sound fescitous (sic?) but really, I mean what is it you expect people to do? Should Marvel oust the artist on your say so? You’re stating a feeling, and I’ll say to you what i would love to have the round ones to say to my wife, so what? What is it that you’re hoping will happen? what is the reaction you’re trying to illicit?
I’m not trying to illicit a reaction. PAD asked for opinions and I gave mine. That’s all.
If I were in charge of Marvel I wouldn’t fire the artist just because I don’t like the art. It sounds like there were mostly positive reactions to the artwork from what I have seen. But that doesn’t change the fact that I don’t care for how Rahne is drawn.
When someone writes “Whad’ja think?” I take them at their word and tell them what I think. If that’s not allowed let me know.
Hey hey don’t worry about, I don;t have a job and I don’t have the balls to yell at my wife, so who am I to cast asperisions? Go have some johnny cakes on me!
Hey hey don’t worry about, I don;t have a job and I don’t have the stuff to yell at my wife, so who am I to cast asperisions? Go have some johnny cakes on me!
1I know knew there was a reason I got out of bed this morning. It was to read the latest issue of X-Factor. I really liked the page where Jamie makes a small army with his doubles. Making copies of yourself does have advantages.
I really felt for Layla; anyone who know’s what it’s like to feel serparate and hated by the rest of the pack would feel for her.
All and all, I like the team’s line up. Their not the sexiest of the x-books, but they are interesting. Also, Mr. Callero’s and Mr. Villarrubia’s art is very good and works with this type of book. Very noir. Keep up the good work.
The whole butterfly effect thing bugs the hëll out of me. I don’t think it has anything to do with reality, only with the limitations and fragility of computer models. It is a fun idea through and seems to have become as intractable a part of popular culture as that 10% of your brain crap.
Interesting. Ray Bradbury’s Sound of Thunder was first published in 1952. I had no idea it was about computer models.
Well, coming from someone who has been training in and practicing psychological testing for thelast couple of years, I will argue the buttterfly effect has far more to do with reality than just the limitations and fragility of computer models.
All science is based on the premise that we can predict what will happen in a larger system by studying a small component of that system isolated from the larger system. Rarely does this work precisely. Physics are pretty predictable, but there are usually some unaccounted for variables in a real world. In psychology there are far more. “Butterflies” have a much greater effect on psychological systems than they do on physical systems, but they still have their effects.
That “10% of your brain” crap also bugs the hëll out of me. I can’t imagine where it came from.
My fruit posts aside, I thought that the whole idea of a butterfly effect was debunked years ago, as, as Alex Sanchez put it, larger systems often control smaller systems much more than vice versa, no?
I’ve always liked Layla. Now I think Rictor is kind of a jerk.
I assume we shouldn’t take Layla’s word that she’s not a mutant anymore. I mean how else would she “know stuff?” Although her comment about not being able to tell them sounds like its tied into House of M somehow, although I can’t imagine how at the moment.