X-Factor, Vol. 18: Breaking Points

X-Factor (2005) (Collected Editions)

by Peter David, Leonard Kirk (Illustrator)

The story arc that will change the face of X-Factor forever! As a rejected Strong Guy does the unthinkable, two characters whom you never thought would come face-to-face are finally reunited. Discovering a long-buried secret from the past, one member of X-Factor will be driven insane as, devastated by the recent tragedies befalling the team, another makes a terrible sacrifice in hopes of making things right. And when the smoke clears, X-Factor's roster will be nearly halved...

COLLECTING: X-Factor 241-245

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, X Men, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Fantasy

120 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2013

About the author

aka David Peters

Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

X-Factor 'Disassembled' is bit of a let-down... but the final part is a X-men books must-read! Read it! 7 out of 12.

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

X-factor is almost over here, Peter David's lengthy tale comes to a close.

While this series started amazing it has had some bumpy volumes. None horrible or anything but some just "good". This falls into that good section. Everyone is split up, we get a lot more Alex and Polaris. We learn about the poor girls past while Alex tries her best to help. This also gives Strong guy some time in the spotlight. With everyone's emotions running high and the end almost here, things aren't looking good for the old X-Factor Gang.

I enjoyed parts. I think the best stuff has to do with Polaris and Alex here. The strong guy stuff is okay and I think certain characters are acting annoying. Madox and his soon to be lovely wife subplot is interesting to say the least. Wolf stuff is okay. This volume has a lot of moving factors and some are simply better than others. A 3 out of 5.

[Tomás Sendarrubias García · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puntos de Ruptura es un arco argumental un poco particular, ya que al igual que el anterior (aquí en España salieron juntos en el mismo tomo), no se trata como tal de un arco completo si no de números autoconclusivos o como mucho ligeramente interconectados, pero todos y cada uno de ellos con la genialidad de Peter David. Así, en el arco anterior podíamos ver a Kaos y a Syrin hacer frente a una serie de asesinatos que les lleva a enfrentarse con una Banshee real, una diosa celta llamada Morrigan; vivimos la primera cita entre Guido y Monet (recordando que el primero no tiene alma); Madrox investiga un supuesto suicidio que no es tal; y Polaris y Banshee se llevarán de viaje a Loba Venenosa para que supere la desaparición de su hijo, aunque con consecuencias curiosas, ya que lo que decide finalmente Rahne es buscarle, y lo hará acompañada de Ríctor y Estrella Rota. Y además tenemos un día con Layla Miller y todas sus posibilidades de elección en un cómic absolutamente brillante.

Y Punto de Ruptura nos presenta el cierre de varios de estos argumentos que Peter David había extendido durante años, y así, vamos a encontrarnos con el regreso de Darwin, que persigue al Feri, el hijo de Loba Venenosa y Hrimhari, que se encuentra bajo la tutela de Jack Russell, el Hombre Lobo. El Señor Tryp se involucrará en los llegados desde las dimensiones por las que viajó Madrox, lanzando a Vanora, el Steve Rogers-Deathlok y el Doctor Extraño/Dormammu contra Factor-X y a la caza también del niño; Polaris decide investigar una parte de su pasado que hasta ese momento había permanecido más o menos oculta, y la resolución va a llevar a una compleja historia entre Banshee y la Morrigan.

En los últimos meses, el equipo había ido creciendo, a pesar de la salida de Darwin: Madrox, Fortachón, Banshee, M, Loba Venenosa, Ríctor, Layla, Longshot, Estrella Rota, Pip el Troll, Kaos y Polaris... Y había llegado el momento de hacer ajustes y volver a hacer el equipo algo más manejable, y de eso va Punto de Ruptura sobre todo, de poner a los diversos miembros del equipo en tesituras que les van a llevar a tener que decidir si permanecen en el equipo, o se marchan... aunque bueno, creo que en esto también tuvo que ver bastante el final de Vengadores vs X-Men, ya que algunos de los personajes que estaban en esta colección fueron reclamados por otros autores, así que ya no estaban en manos de David, pero sabemos que este autor es un pedazo de profesional que no iba a dejar esta salida con una simple despedida entre viñetas o algo así...

Tan genial como siempre.

[Alex Sarll]

Long-standing fractures finally reach the point where they tear the group apart, right as the real threat waits in the wings. Some of them feel like they're ascending into a bold new realm, when really they just seem horribly damaged.

But enough about Britain's new and entirely illusory freedom; this X-Factor volume is a real downer, enlivened chiefly by jokes about how Havok's costume makes him look like an extra from Tron. Still, bless that proposal scene. And Polaris versus Deathlok was gorgeous - 'why are you hitting yourself?' taken to the next level. Coincidentally, there's also a plot strand here in which a woman with a variable place on the superhero/supervillain axis learns she has repressed memories of her origin, for which she turns out to be much more responsible than she'd assumed - just like the episode of the new Harley Quinn cartoon which I watched the same day. And it's not as if that's a terribly common trope or anything.

[Emmett Spain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid entry in the X-Factor run - here the sense of building to conclusion is amplified, as Peter David expertly moves the pieces around the board and hints at what's to come. Characters are changing, alliances are shifting, and key players are moving away from X-Factor headquarters. It will soon spell disaster, this much is sure... only 3 more trades to go. The only thing more certain? I'll sure miss this run when it's gone.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing the great x-read of 2017/18...

So very close to a five-star volume. Everything comes together in this volume as everything falls apart for the characters. A lot of resolution of dangling plotlines, endings and beginnings. In particular, the resolution of something from Polaris' past makes a lot of her history make a lot more sense. Sure, there were some comic-clichés here, but they are done well enough that I just don't find myself able to get too upset about it.

I didn't love Darwin's return and the first issue of the trade was a bit weak but everything else was great.

I continue to love this series and hate that I am coming so close to its end.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again Peter David just throws a hodgepodge of ideas at the wall. I understand that his style harkens back to era not built around story arcs designs to sell collections versus issues but reading the collections like this can be a letdown. The antagonists here are weak and I feel some of the team's actions were odd (Alex, Jamie, Theresa). It wasn't bad, the dialogue alone is a treat. The art was good but there were standout pages. The story is building towards something and hopefully its worth it. Overall, an average book that doesn't read well collected.

[Rob Marney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter David is one of the only people who can give Polaris a personality. That's the good half of this arc, which makes smart use of the X-Factor cast to enhance the drama. The other half is another by-the-numbers "bad guys show up out of nowhere to kill Rahne's baby" story, which is made more fun by these being recurring bad guys, but not THAT much more fun.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other than the first issue collected here (#241), in which alternate-reality characters from the X-Factor: They Keep Killing Madrox trade finally re-surface and try to kill Madrox (for good, ostensibly), this is a very strong collection of stories that see the X-Factor franchise move forward and in [sometimes] unexpected directions:

- Rahne (Wolfsbane) is re-united with her son and vows to never leave him again. I guess her leave of absence from X-Factor was indefinitely extended.

- Polaris, in a character-defining issue, finds out that she inadvertently killed her parents (that is, her biological mother and her mother's husband - because it's no secret by now that Polaris is Magneto's daughter, and if you didn't know that and I just spoiled it for you... well, sorry!) and has a mental breakdown.

- Teresa Cassidy, also known as Banshee, makes a sacrifice to help Polaris' sanity and becomes the new Morrigan (a Celtic goddess, from my understanding) and leaves the team.

- Last but not least, Havok realises that the team was doing fine before he took over, so he decides to leave (he had to, considering he's part of the Marvel Now! Avengers team). Surprisingly, Polaris does NOT go with him and decides to remain with X-Factor (with a new costume - finally! She had more or less the same outfit since she made her first appearance in, um... well, before I was even born!)

Polaris staying with X-Factor is not a bad thing, as their roster (okay, which was admittedly slightly bloated) lost a few members recently. That includes Strong Guy, who presumably joined "the Dark Side" at the end of #241.

Peter David is still writing one of the best books right now, and even though the artists change from trade to trade (heck, sometimes issue to issue), "X-Factor" remains a series to be read, and long-time readers such as myself are getting rewarded by seeing the cast evolve, change, and develop (moreso than in any other book from the big 2, I'd say).

Next up: X-Factor - Volume 19: Short Stories

[Christina Nightengale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel bad for Monet and Guido, but mostly Monet. You can't make yourself feel something you don't. Whatever you do, don't mess with Polaris! Jamie really is the best leader for X-Factor. I don't care much for Rahne's son. I like Venora better. I wish even more was done with her character! Tier and her interaction was better than his interactions with Rahne. Rictor was already badass without his powers and now that he has them back he is AMAZINGLY badass! Darwin has also really upped his badassery! I LOVE the reveals about Polaris' past! It really helped her character make sooo much more sense! Layla is so observant, insightful and just really understands people. The small ways she did displayed that in this arc where really good. The history of the Morrigan was cool. I love Longshot catching all his knives, That was a great moment. Terry's character development was great in this. It's felt like a long time coming. I like how Layla helped her with that. Terry's new outfit is AMAZING! You'll know what I mean when you see it! Havok feels like he's just there to be Polaris' boyfriend. He feels unnecessary. I do like his Tron outfit though. It's the only outfit of Havok's I like. I LOVE Polaris' new outfit! It looks so good! The ice cream scene between Layla and Jamie was great! I love Monet, Longshot, Rictor and Shatterstar on the roof with water balloons and buckets full of water! That was PERFECT!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vol. 18 manages to balance character development with an action packed story-line (which not all previous issues have been able to do). It was an exhilarating read, and I look forward to the next X-Factor. It was especially nice to see some character development for Havok and Polaris, who I've thought for a while seemed stuck in a rut. They had yet to adjust from their return from space, and I look forward to seeing them develop on Earth. It's especially nice that Polaris gets a new costume-I hated the outdated one she'd been wearing.

One of the things I love about X-Factor is that the character's are all so unique. Sure they have superhero problems, but they also have problems that come from dealing with each other. Madrox and Havok have had a lot of problems working on a team together because of their leadership styles, which adds depth to their characters.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A TPB that exhibits some of Peter David's strengths as a writer. The underlying humor remains with the character's banter. What David does (as this series ran well over 200 issues) is tie up some plot threads, even some from the time before he began his career at Marvel, and introduce new ones that will take us to the end of the series.

Spoilers:


Rahne is reunited with her son Tier, who is being hunted by former X-Factor member Darwin. The why is something that will be revealed in a later TPB. We find out what really led to the death of Lorna Dane's mother and step-father, and Teresa makes what amounts to a bargain for her soul to help a friend.

Overall, good solid character pieces with hints of more to come.

[Adam Stone · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is where the series begins to completely fall apart from me. The soap opera factor intensifies a thousand fold, and POLARIS IS CRAZY ERMAGAHD CRAZY AAAARGGGGHHH CRAZY for the fiftieth time.

Long, dangling plot threads start to be gathered up, as we approach the ending of the series, but it seems to take itself more seriously than it should.

It's not a necessary part of the X-Factor run nor is it a particularly fun volume but it's not so bad that, if you've been reading the whole X-Factor series, you should skip it.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first couple of issues are nice for providing closure on some plots, slightly reducing the number of balls that David is juggling. However, it’s the last three issues, with their focus on Polaris, that really make the volume. They’re emotional and great continuity and they result in some nice changes for the book (because, let’s be honest, a certain character who leaves is pretty much annoying). The last three issues are also enough to push a good book toward great.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. Down to earth stories with adult, human interactions and a lot of humor. Polaris sums it up well: "Being a mutant isn't the be-all, end-all of who they are. It's nice, they're nice. They're what I need right now." Truer words... In a world overrun with mutant bashing and mutant vs. mutant story lines, it's a pleasure to have X-Factor to turn to.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is all about change. People leaving X-Factor or finding out more about themselves. Lorna finds out the truth about her parents death, and cannot deal with it. There's some nice conclusions to characters storylines. The Lorna one explains an awful lot about her character. There are some surprises especially what happens to characters to make them leave X-Factor. A very good read.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume was really nice because each comic focused on a different character and showing what they were going through. It also managed to cut the team's numbers almost in half.

[Ross Alon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the fabels of superheroes.
PAD has managed to create the x-men meets HIMYM meets Fables.
I lauged I almost cried and I ca't wait for the next volume.
Get well soon

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Individual issues on marvel unlimited

[Frans Kempe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like when a writer manages to totally change the team and bring closure and new beginnings while still doing a good story. Many changes and surprises in this one.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't bad, it just wasn't.... much of anything? Even though a lot happened with Terry, Havok, and Guida (separately) I still didn't feel like much happened that got me emotionally invested in this volume.