X-FACTOR #8 – Clash of the Teams

Creative Team – Mark Russell(writer). Bob Quinn(artist). Jesus Aburtov(color artist). VC’s Joe Caramagna(letterer). Greg Land & Frank D’Armata(cover artists).

Published by Marvel Entertainment

Catch up with X-Factor #7 here!

The Story

The great X-Manhunt is continuing and this time, X-Factor is involved! After Alex’s breakup with Polaris and X-Factor, he’s feeling all his emotions alone in his room when there’s a knock at the door. It’s Frenzy, and she says there’s an assignment from the Mutant Underground and Alex’s help is needed.

Meanwhile, picking up right where X-Men #13 ended, X-Factor has joined the big search for Professor Xavier on behalf of the federal government. The X-Men refuse to hand Charles over as they won’t allow him to go back to Greymalkin, the mutant-hating prison ran by Corina Ellis. Warren, AKA Angel, won’t take no for an answer, which leads Beast to attempt to stop the fight before it happens. Of course, Beast’s attempts fall short when Angel reveals some new powers he’s acquired.

The fight between the mutants is happening fast and furiously, until Psylocke interrupts with the shocking question of where is Charles Xavier? It seems he’s just disappeared. That’s when we find out what Alex and Frenzy’s mission really was; to help Xavier at his own request. Professor Xavier is the one that sent out a call for help to Frenzy, and per his instructions, they snuck him away from the battling teams to take him to an undisclosed area. Before Frenzy and Alex are able to find out why, they’re interrupted by Cyclops, who’s prepared to take his brother down before letting Xavier get away.

The Writing

I found X-Factor #8 to be an exciting read with a lot of parts that I didn’t see coming. With so many characters playing their parts, Mark Russell does a fantastic job making each character shine without watering down the others. Also, X-Factor #8 ends on a huge cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to see where that goes. All in all, this was an X-cellent addition to the X-Manhunt event.

My personal favorite part of X-Factor #8 has to be the fight between Scott and Alex. It showed there’s so much emotion between the two and so many unresolved issues. I’d be really interested to see where that goes after the two exchanged huge blows to each other.

The Art

Bob Quinn and Jesus Aburtov really brought so much more depth to the story by bringing it to life with their artwork throughout X-Factor #8. I think the artists really showcase their talent the most in the panels that involved Angel showing his new powers. You could feel the exhilaration in each picture that the characters were experiencing. From the details of each punch to the brightly colored characters juxtaposing the more muted backgrounds, it all came together so well.

Overall Grade – 8.7/10

Let me know in the comments below what you thought of X-Factor #8!

This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of X-Factor #8, 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!