Share this
Creative Team – Mark Russell(writer). Bob Quinn(artist). Jesus Aburtov(color artist). VC’s Joe Caramagna(letterer). Greg Land, Jay Leisten, Frank D’Armata(cover artists). Justin Mason & Frederico Blee, Joshua “Sway” Swaby, Marcus To, Alex Sinclair(variant cover artists).
Published by Marvel Entertainment
With the X-Factor being in the public eye, Angel in the hospital, and Rodger Broderick desperate for fame and fortune, it looks like the team is in need of a new leader. Broderick makes the obvious choice and promotes Havok to team lead with Pyro as his second-in-command. Despite becoming the new leader of the X-Factor, Havok isn’t too pleased. Havok joined the team to make a difference, but it seems like this is more for clout than it is about helping. Broderick isn’t helping by admitting that the team’s safety isn’t his top priority, but what can you expect from a guy on a corn dog diet?
Havok’s girlfriend, Polaris, isn’t thrilled about him being apart of X-Factor, and asks him to join her at a discussion group for the Mutant Underground. The Mutant Underground is a support group for mutants who are lost after the fall of Krakoa, but Havok’s bosses see them more as a threat. His bosses suspect Polaris is a spy for the Mutant Underground and feeding them all of X-Factor’s secrets. It makes sense since it was already known that the team was going to raid the X-Term. But Havok refuses to entertain the thought that Polaris is a snake in the grass.
The Art
The artists on the creative team do a great job at keeping the pages eye-catching with its bright colors and realistic drawings. I particularly like how detailed each character is, all the way down to their facial expressions. It works really well given there’s so many contrasting emotions throughout X-Factor #2. One part I really think the artists showcased their talents is a panel of Havok angrilly using his plasma blasts at the discussion group. What was a brightly colored scene with tension growing turned into a dark and expressive abstract work of art.
The Writing
I enjoyed X-Factor #2 more than I did its predecessor as it felt it added more depth to the story. I really like the tension it created between Havok and Polaris, with them being the face of their respective organizations. It was interesting to see the other mutant’s perspective on working with humans, which wasn’t a surprising stance. I would love to see more depth play out between the deep cut members of X-Factor.
I give this an 7.8 out of 10
This review was written by Megan from Vigilante Vibes: A Marvel Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of X-Factor #2, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!
