X-factor vol. 4: Heart of Ice

by Peter David, Pablo Raimondi and Khoi Pham

collects X-Factor 18-24

The LowDown: X-factor continues to deal with the fate of mutant-kind and human/mutant relations as they stop Mutant terrorists, and become confronted with a new approach to the mutant species.

Review: Happy New Year!

In this fourth volume, David continues chugging along with his meta-plot dealing with the fallout of House of M, Decimation, M-day, "no more mutants," and whatever tag-line or nickname the writers can come up with.

There are two major arcs in this volume. The first arc deals with a mutant terrorist group X-cell who believe the government is responsible for their loss of mutant powers. This arc is the culmination of the storyline they've built up with Quicksilver and his abilities to restore powers. It also brings back the differing ways these ex-mutants deal with their loss of powers.

The second arc is a bit more interesting and deals with the Isolationist and his plotting against mutants. The isolationist is an interesting plot device and character and analyzes the mutant issues in a rational way. There is a bit of retconning as this Isolationist character has monologues that make his influence seem to be throughout the first 24 issues, but yet he just decides to put his plot into motion now. It kind of doesn't come together as cohesively as David wants it to and some of the ret-cons are kind of dropped in. It still makes for a great adversary of the piece, one where the audience can feel his plight and understand the motivatiosn and reasons behind the motivations.

This is a very plot heavy trade as David wraps up plots that he's been teasing for a long time. But it's not like there's any small character moments. Layla Miller and Quicksilver have some great interactions. Rictor really gets some "heroic" moments at the climax of both arcs. Madrox has a great heroic moment at the end of the X-cell arc. Speaking of heroic, Peter David has fully made the transition from noir book to superhero book, and really it's better off especially when dealing with this large meta plot about the future of mutantkind. The small-time noir book wouldn't cut it with these large big superhero team plots.

Although this is a plot heavy trade, there are a ton of themes sprinkled throughout and the character relationships continue to be strong. David definitely plays with the theme of power, what it is, what does it mean to have it, how it should be used, and how it relates to knowledge. Quicksilver had power, but it was twisted, and he used it in a devious manner for selfish (or as he would say, selfless) motivations. Yet X-factor has the knowledge, and thus have power over Quicksilver, yet still have to make a choice of who to divulge this information to and the consequences and the cost of that knowledge. Again, the Isolationist has all the powers, but no peace of mind, leaving him broken and somewhat mad. Also the consequences of Jamie's trysts with both M and Siryn continue to have consequences as his relationship is forever changed with the two women and a pregnancy test is found (although it could also be Rahne's technically).

Review: The X-factor volumes continue to be very good, Peter David continues to balance large meta scale plots, with small B-plots, and never lets his characterization fall through the cracks. If you've been following X-factor up to this point than you deserve to continue. If you haven't than this volume isn't really the one to start with, you should either start with Madrox of the first volume, the Longest Night. If you don't you're missing out on the best series to come out of the modern Marvel Mutant line.

P.S. Be on the lookout for a cameo by someone from the Madrox miniseries.