Broken Frontier

X-Factor Investigations has a new assignment: to track down a group of ex-mutant terrorists called X-Cell. Too bad there may be a catch-22 looming on the horizon.

Writer Peter David has consistently made X-Factor one of the best reads among Marvel’s X-Men titles. This issue is no exception as he brings the whole team together physically and emphasizes how far apart they really are. This is sure to have long-lasting repercussions...

With a little help from old ally Val Cooper, Madrox manages to spring Rictor from FBI custody after Rictor and Rahne mistakenly saved an X-Cell member from two agents. Just at this time Monet and Siryn arrive back from their adventures in Paris... with a young former mutant in their custody. In order to prevent an all-out war X-Factor Investigations must find the X-Cell terrorists who believe the government responsible for M-Day. The X-Factor members, though, may find some familiar faces when they do track down X-Cell. And what will happen if X-Cell learns that Madrox and his team know the truth about M-Day? Meanwhile, Quicksilver is still free and still offering "gifts" of power to those deemed "worthy." Only now he is hatching a new plan...one that may spell trouble for X-Factor.

David truly excels at bringing a (dysfunctional) family atmosphere to this title. He has granted each character a unique outlook on life and gleefully brings those outlooks into conflict with one another throughout the story. He also continues to grow Layla Miller into a strong, intriguing, breakout character. Here readers are treated to more of Layla’s Machiavellian machinations regarding the hunt for X-Cell and, at the same time, one of the few instances of Layla being taken by surprise! Is it a bad sign when the girl who "knows stuff" doesn’t know something? Fans will just have to wait and see. Which brings up another fine aspect of this title – David’s ability to always keep the plots twisting and turning in unexpected directions. There is always something to surprise, delight, or even shock readers and that is a very valuable commodity.

The art this issue was handled by Khoi Pham. While I am not familiar with his previous work what appears here is smooth and occasionally nicely detailed in a style that looks very modern. Some slightly uneven inking by Sandu Florea, however, hampers Pham’s work. For the most part Florea manages to keep Pham’s smooth lines but several panels abruptly delve into a rougher ink style and the effect is jarring.

Despite some problems with the art, and the fact that Pham marks at least the fourth penciler on this title in 18 issues, X-Factor continues going strong thanks to the clear and steady vision of Peter David at the helm. For a story with bite and humor and human drama you cannot go wrong this issue.