X-Factor [Review]

"Epic" is an adjective that could rarely be used to describe X-Factor. The series has always maintained its niche by exploring the quirkier and seedier sides of the X-Men universe, leaving it up to the core X-Men to deal with world-shattering threats. But that's something Peter David has changed in a big way with what we now know is the penultimate story arc in his long run.
It's actually a good thing "Hell on Earth War" isn't David's final storyline. The worst that can be said for the finale in issue #256 is that there's a lot left of material left unresolved. The stakes are as high as they've ever been for this team. A lot of bad things happen, and some of it is frustrating because it isn't clear what the final outcome is. Even so, this is a satisfying finale that delivers more consequences for the series than any three normal event comics combined. Several characters have major watershed moments that capitalize on years of story growth and evolution.
David even delivers a major twist that, if not quite the most shocking we've seen in the series, is still unexpected and hugely significant. The outcome of this storyline could have a significant impact on the wider Marvel Universe, not just this little corner of the X-Men franchise. Whether other writers choose to pick up where David leaves off is another matter. But at least the seeds are there.
Leonard Kirk bids farewell to the series with what is easily one of his best issues. The opening shot alone of Lorna assaulting Mephisto's castle is a feast for the eyes. Kirk delivers a thoroughly action-packed series of pages that are equally fraught with emotion and heartache. It's hard to imagine a better sendoff for the artist who has defined the look of X-Factor in its latter days.
With this story, David delivered all the epic and grandiose elements that used to be foreign to X-Factor. Now his final arc needs to get back to what the series does best -- exploring the characters and their relationships as they pick up the pieces one last time.

by Jesse Schedeen

May 15, 2013