X-Factor is one of those comic books that are consistently good when it doesn’t have to cope with the stress of crossover fatigue. People debate over whether readers can suffer from this condition, but honestly, this book is an example that a book can suffer from it, too. When mired in crossovers this is one of the worst books being published, when it flies solo, it’s one of the most amazing. This issue serves as half-epilogue, half-prologue, wrapping up the previous storyline while leading into the next; the first half of the issue focuses on Darwin, the departing team member, while the second focuses on Rictor, the arriving team member. It’s got a nice rhythm going for it, and Peter David reminds us why he was once one of the big names in the industry by writing the characters in their own unique blend of styles; it’s a perfect presentation and it works best in these quieter moments between pained tie-ins. The art by Valentine De Landro is accessible and easy on the eye, working well to draw in potential new readers with a combination of slick pencil work and smooth layouts. It’s great to see X-Factor flourishing again, let’s just hope this time it lasts.