The last couple of story arcs of “X-Factor” have not quite hit the spot.  They were just not all that emotionally satisfying.  But a sub-par issue of “X-Factor” is generally better than most of the comics on the market, and this issue is back up to the usual standard.  This is a transitional issue, with a lot of character development and clever dialogue.  The threat of Hela has seemingly been neutralized for now, and there are subplots brewing for Darwin and Pip the troll.  I’m enjoying the tension between Terry and Layla (Could this have something to do with jealously over Madrox?).  And Monet is developing into a bitch goddess on a par with Emma Frost.  In one funny moment, Madrox loses his cool over all the pressure he’s feeling as team leader.  He says, “Dump it all on me!  I deserve it!  I was on the grassy knoll!  I framed Roger Rabbit!  I shot the sheriff!”  I do have one suggestion for Peter David.  Since Rahne is going to have a dog baby, and Tigra has already had a cat baby, maybe the two moms can get together for play dates!  Just kidding, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it happen.

            I read lots of grousing about the art on this title, but I don’t have a problem with it.  The faces are appropriately expressive, and Las Vegas more or less looks like Las Vegas.  The lines and shadowing are heavy, but that’s more an observation than a complaint.