Review: ‘X-Factor’ #3

This series continues to carve its own path, for better or for worse, standing out as one of the most thematically isolated titles in the From the Ashes lineup. While this distinctiveness isn’t inherently bad, the story’s execution falls short.

Mark Russell’s usual satirical social commentary feels forced so far & his characters feel removed from their established histories. Frenzy, Cecilia Reyes, and Pyro exhibit no semblance of their recent character developments, making it challenging to invest in their actions. However, Granny Smite does shine as a delightful, scene-stealing presence, providing much-needed comic relief. I don’t think her gimmick has a long shelf life, but at least she’s a bright spot here.

Bob Quinn’s artwork is more fun than actual story, with some great facial designs helping to convey emotions. For a book with the actual Greg Land doing covers, Quinn’s style makes me think he’s satirizing Land to complement the hollow plot.

I’ll be giving this series a couple more issues to find its center, but this has been one of the biggest fallers for me. It’s now towards the bottom of my favorite books in this new era and with so many X-Men books out right now, I don’t feel the need to stay on all of them.

Rating: 6/10