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X-Factor: The Original X-Men Omnibus #1
X-Factor: The Original X-Men Omnibus, Vol. 1
Collects Avengers (1963) #263, Fantastic Four (1961) #286, X-Factor (1986) #1-26 And Annual #1-2, Iron Man Annual #8, Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #282, Thor (1966) #373-374 And #377-378, Power Pack (1984) #27 And #35, Mephisto Vs. #2, Incredible Hulk (1968) #336-337, Secret Wars Ii #5, And Material From Marvel Fanfare (1982) #40 And Classic X-Men #8 And #43.
When Jean Grey returns from a watery grave, the original X-Men reunite - as X-Factor! But for Marvel Girl, Cyclops, Beast, Angel and Iceman, posing as a mutant-hunting organization gets complicated fast! And things get worse when the ageless villain Apocalypse makes the scene! Then, when X-Factor is drawn into the chaos of the Mutant Massacre, Angel suffers a grievous injury and will be changed forever! As X-Factor rescues young mutants - including Leech, Boom-Boom and Rictor - the Beast undergoes a radical metamorphosis, Iceman battles alongside Thor, tragedy pushes Cyclops to the brink of insanity and a traitor stalks the team from within! Will Apocalypse's Four Horsemen put the final nail in X-Factor's coffin?
When Jean Grey returns from a watery grave, the original X-Men reunite - as X-Factor! But for Marvel Girl, Cyclops, Beast, Angel and Iceman, posing as a mutant-hunting organization gets complicated fast! And things get worse when the ageless villain Apocalypse makes the scene! Then, when X-Factor is drawn into the chaos of the Mutant Massacre, Angel suffers a grievous injury and will be changed forever! As X-Factor rescues young mutants - including Leech, Boom-Boom and Rictor - the Beast undergoes a radical metamorphosis, Iceman battles alongside Thor, tragedy pushes Cyclops to the brink of insanity and a traitor stalks the team from within! Will Apocalypse's Four Horsemen put the final nail in X-Factor's coffin?
1241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1988
About the author
Roger Stern
1,590 books113 followersRoger Stern is an American comic book author and novelist.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 13, 2025
(Zero spoiler review) 2.5/5
I didn't think it possible for an 80's X-Men title to be this bland and unappealing. Sure, when your direct comparison is Claremont's seminal run throughout the decade, then it isn't hard to see why this wouldn't quite measure up. But this not only fails to come close, it fails to come within a country mile. And when you look at the lengthy roster of talent who contributed to this book, many albeit quite minimally, it becomes even more puzzling.
I like Jean and Cyclops, but this felt like a dime store copy of said characters. I have less experience with, as well as in built appreciation for the others, but this never, ever came close to the team dynamic in other, better titles. The premise was fine, but at it's best, was competent and nothing more. The X-Factor building couldn't hold a candle to Xavier's mansion. The cast of misfits brought in by the group were all the same shade of who gives a shit and the frequent cross overs and rotating line of creators prevented any sort of momentum from ever building up.
It did at least appear to be a stronger title in the second half of the book, but by that time I had more than checked out, given how long, tedious and wordy the first half is. For completionists only. 2.5/5
OmniBen.
I didn't think it possible for an 80's X-Men title to be this bland and unappealing. Sure, when your direct comparison is Claremont's seminal run throughout the decade, then it isn't hard to see why this wouldn't quite measure up. But this not only fails to come close, it fails to come within a country mile. And when you look at the lengthy roster of talent who contributed to this book, many albeit quite minimally, it becomes even more puzzling.
I like Jean and Cyclops, but this felt like a dime store copy of said characters. I have less experience with, as well as in built appreciation for the others, but this never, ever came close to the team dynamic in other, better titles. The premise was fine, but at it's best, was competent and nothing more. The X-Factor building couldn't hold a candle to Xavier's mansion. The cast of misfits brought in by the group were all the same shade of who gives a shit and the frequent cross overs and rotating line of creators prevented any sort of momentum from ever building up.
It did at least appear to be a stronger title in the second half of the book, but by that time I had more than checked out, given how long, tedious and wordy the first half is. For completionists only. 2.5/5
OmniBen.
January 12, 2026
Interesting book that has some highs but also some significant lows resulting in the overall 4 star rating.
Firstly the good. The x-factor issues pick-up in quality as the series goes on with the mutant massacre and fall of the mutants storylines covered in this book. There is a lot going on with the characters here with huge development across them all - iceman with his new found power level thanks to his Thor asgardian adventure (issues included in the book), beast and the effect pestilence has on him, Scott and Jean coming to terms with a whole host of stuff and finally angel dealing with the drastic impact of the mutant massacre. That’s just the main cast as well but the supporting members have equally enough going on with huge developments across leech, caliban, Rictor, boom-boom etc.
The bad now. X-factor starts extremely poorly and takes a long time to warm up. The overall premise of the team is also pretty ridiculous and while it all plays out into the overall plot in the end it’s certainly a low for marvels mutant titles at this time.
The actual mapping and contents though are spot on. The Thor, ff, avengers and Incredible Hulk issues all fit extremely well into the flow of the book - marvel did a great job here in making this a comprehensive volume of the x-factor teams early adventures and connect up the sub plots etc extremely well.
All round, if you can plough through the 1st 10+ issues of x-factor then this is well worth your time
Firstly the good. The x-factor issues pick-up in quality as the series goes on with the mutant massacre and fall of the mutants storylines covered in this book. There is a lot going on with the characters here with huge development across them all - iceman with his new found power level thanks to his Thor asgardian adventure (issues included in the book), beast and the effect pestilence has on him, Scott and Jean coming to terms with a whole host of stuff and finally angel dealing with the drastic impact of the mutant massacre. That’s just the main cast as well but the supporting members have equally enough going on with huge developments across leech, caliban, Rictor, boom-boom etc.
The bad now. X-factor starts extremely poorly and takes a long time to warm up. The overall premise of the team is also pretty ridiculous and while it all plays out into the overall plot in the end it’s certainly a low for marvels mutant titles at this time.
The actual mapping and contents though are spot on. The Thor, ff, avengers and Incredible Hulk issues all fit extremely well into the flow of the book - marvel did a great job here in making this a comprehensive volume of the x-factor teams early adventures and connect up the sub plots etc extremely well.
All round, if you can plough through the 1st 10+ issues of x-factor then this is well worth your time
August 28, 2026
Claremont wilde niet dat deze strip bestond en dat is te merken. Jean keert (veel te makkelijk) terug uit de dood, maar dan zonder de emotionele ontwikkeling die Phoenix had doorgemaakt. Scott laat zijn vrouw en kind in de steek… juist… juist. Het hoogtepunt was de ontwikkeling van Angel. Oh en Beast en Iceman zijn er ook nog.
August 19, 2025
This collects the okay start, awkward middle, and the big first appearance of Apocalypse, which is where the series finds its feet. It’s okay, but there are better options for getting the good issues. This omnibus isn’t really worth getting if you already own the X-Men: Mutant Massacre Omnibus like I do. Get the first X-Factor Epic Collection and then you’ll only be missing one story, the one from Marvel Fanfare, which isn’t very good and doesn’t really make sense anyway.
Secret Wars II #5 ⧫ 2 Stars “Despair!”
I had forgotten that Boom Boom gets her start in one of the worst events in Marvel history. This is actually one of the better issues, primarily because of Boom Boom’s backstory. The X-Men and Avengers are completely out of character, pretty on par for this event. Also, the Beyonder constantly moans. I can feel Jim Shooter going for an 80s indie flair, but it just feels cliche.
Avengers #263 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "What Lurks Below?"
I love the Roger Stern Avengers, and this issue is fine, but mostly relevant for the Jean reveal. I know this issue is on the average size, but I’d recommend checking out the “Under Siege” arc.
Fantastic Four #286 ⧫ 4 Stars "Like a Phoenix!"
And now some Byrne FF! This issue is great. Jean’s turmoil anchors the issue and provides a good show for Sue’s ingenuity and compassion. Reed gets to be clever and shows that he can take other people’s feelings into account. Also, some fun Shulkie! This is another run I’d recommend.
X-Factor #1 ⧫ 3 Stars “Third Genesis”
I like much of this: Jean and Warren stand out in particular, and Rusty’s plight is rough. Beast and Iceman exist, mostly in the context of The New Defenders , which is part of the problem. This has to deal with Jean’s return, the dissolution of The New Defenders, getting Scott back, and actually forming the team and going on a mission. It’s too much, even for a long issue. This should have been more spread out. Also, Scott really gets done dirty, like I dislike him, but he’s a real piece of work in this series. On a better note, I was sad about Angel seeming to be a shit in Dazzler , but based on Candy’s reaction here, they might have an open relationship? Cool.
X-Factor #2 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Bless the Beasts and Children”
I really like that this does a recap, but it gets in Jean’s headspace, something I was missing from the last issue. That’s good, but Vera’s return is less good. Feels pretty judgy and weird from Layton. Tower is actually kind of cool.
X-Factor #3 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Regression Obsession”
Hey, there’s Artie! I love Artie! This has some strong mutant action and closes the first arc by officially turning Hank back to his original X-Men form. There’s also some setup with Jean, Scott, and that Cameron guy…
X-Factor #4 ⧫ 3 Stars “Trials and Errors”
Here’s where the series spins its wheels a little. Layton has written some great stuff, particularly for Iron Man, but he spins his wheels a little, especially with the secret organization stuff. Apparently, he wanted to use the Owl as the secret boss, which definitely wouldn’t have helped. Frenzy is just a bigger, badder henchperson.
Iron Man Annual #8 ⧫ 3 Stars “When Innocence Dies”
This arc will be done better in Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men, but without the dumb frog thing. It’s a tragic arc, especially for a returning character, but it didn’t connect with me as much as it should have.
X-Factor Annual #1 ⧫ 3 Stars “Grand Design”
Cool idea, having the Soviets try to learn X-Factor’s mutant hunting secrets, but the execution is mostly more of the same. The dual identity team just really didn’t work. Doppelganger is kind of cool, but overall, it’s either too short or too long, depending on what you want cut or expanded.
X-Factor #5 ⧫ 3 Stars “Tapped Out”
Layton’s last issue has X-Factor face and get beaten by the new team for little reason. It’s the first appearance of Apocalypse, but he’s not fully there yet.
X-Factor #6 ⧫ 3 Stars “Apocalypse Now!”
Louise Simonson takes over, introduces Apocalypse, has X-Factor beat his minions; then, he peaces out like a chump. It’s a little embarrassing for such a major villain. Good thing people remember Simonson’s better, later Apocalypse arc.
X-Factor #7 ⧫ 4 Stars “Fall Out!”
Simonson gets going and reminds me why I love her, bringing the crucial interpersonal drama to the front. I can feel one of the first big crossovers on the horizon, and I’m not mad.
Amazing Spider-Man #282 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “The Fury of X-Factor!”
A filler issue in a much more interesting Spider-Man story. X-Factor don’t do much, and while it references issue 7 directly, I think it’s better read before that issue. It makes the relationships make more sense.
X-Factor #8 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Lost and Found!”
The series moves into the big event as the team faces the problem they made, and the series hints at more mysteries.
X-Factor #9 ⧫ 4 Stars “Spots!”
Mutant Massacre starts here for this team as they move into the sewers, and Destiny makes some big predictions. There is also a significant crossover with Uncanny X-Men #210.
X-Factor #9 ⧫ 4 Stars “Spots!”
The original X-Men join the event here as they introduce the weird double identity thing that will resolve in this event. They move into the sewers, and Destiny makes some big predictions.
Uncanny X-Men #211 ⧫ 4.5 Stars "Massacre"
This is a really dark comic with it being all the more grim given the normality at the start. It lives up to its title with the team being pushed to the limits and absolutely raging at the end.
X-Factor #10 ⧫ 4 Stars “Falling Angel”
Some pivotal moments for Angel, mixed with a bunch of running around… I’d like to give it more, but the action is a little hard to follow. I have no idea how exactly to fit this into the events prior or after or where anything is in relation to anything else. This is also Sabretooth’s first appearance in an X-Book, and he’s appropriately brutal, though weirdly understated.
Thor #373 ⧫ 4 Stars "The Gift of Death"
A wholesome Thor adventure until the start of his part in the Mutant Massacre event. It’s Simonson Thor, so I love it.
Power Pack #27 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Going Home”
Kids really need to learn about mass murder! What a different time the 80s were…
Thor #374 ⧫ 5 Stars "Fires of the Night!"
An absolutely brutal, but brilliant, issue. It apparently only takes two issues from this run to make me want to read it again, but I will stay focused, goal oriented. However, Simonson’s Thor is highly recommended.
X-Factor #11 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Redemption!”
Many cool pieces, but I wish the series had more of a throughline. Louise Simonson is still reforming the book, and with the event, things get a little chaotic.
X-Factor #12 ⧫ 3 Stars “Boom Boom Boom!”
It’s fine. Apocalypse gets another Horseperson. The team collects Boom Boom who was busy doing her usual thing. It feels like not a ton happened.
X-Factor #13 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Ghosts!”
Scott finally has to face being a dead-beat, and it drives him crazy. Honestly, serves him right.
X-Factor #14 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Mutant Program!”
Maddy might be dead (she’s not). Scott fights Master Mold. The ending stinger and the Simonson art keep this one from being worse.
X-Factor #15 ⧫ 4 Stars “Whose Death is it, Anyway?”
The big issue finally comes, and it signals big changes for the weakest X-Book.
Thor #377 ⧫ 3 Stars "This Hollowed Armor!"
These issues contain Bobby Drake, but he’s not really that important in them. Thus, it’s a ton of Thor stuff from the mighty Walt Simonson run, that’s worth reading, but it doesn’t add much to this collection.
Thor #378 ⧫ 3 Stars "When Loki Stood Alone!"
Same as the previous issue.
X-Factor #16 ⧫ 4 Stars “Playing With Fire!”
I quite like the Skids and Rusty relationship as well as Rusty’s plan. The stuff with Emma herself brings it down a bit, unfortunately.
X-Factor #17 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Die, Mutants, Die!”
Boom Boom teleports to another series just as Iceman gets back from teleporting. It’s a fraught time for all the teams. The end is good, and it signals that X-Factor is about to settle in for its new status quo… Next omnibus…
X-Factor #18 ⧫ 4 Stars "The Enemy Within!"
This is where the original X-Men section of X-Factor really gets good. The team discovers Hodge’s plan, and the Jean-Scott issues boil over. Scott is a dick. Also, the shocking reveal of Death, Apocalypse’s Fourth Horseman!
X-Factor Annual #2 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Man in the Moon”
It’s a decent issue that strains a little too hard to make its point.
X-Factor #19 ⧫ 4 Stars "All Together Now!"
X-Factor vs. Three of the Horsemen, and it’s a draw. The Simonson run is finally firing on all cylinders!
X-Factor #20 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "Children's Crusade"
This is a fun interlude for the younger members. It is a little weird how often Rictor refers to Mexico, he’s from there, you know? However, this is a nice interlude in the action.
Incredible Hulk #336-337 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "X-Tremes!" "Crossroads"
A solid Peter David issue with some early Todd McFarlane art. It’s fairly self contained, and while some things feel a little off, the adventure is good old-fashioned comics!
X-Factor #21 ⧫ 4 Stars "For Every Action..."
Hodge goes all out, and the true extent of his plans is revealed.
X-Factor #22 ⧫ 4 Stars "If I Should Die..."
The kids get captured, and it’s up to Boom Boom! This continues the strong run of X-Factor by giving some of the side characters room to show their stuff! PS: The boxes mention the Fallen Angels miniseries a bunch, and I’d say skip that bunch of wandering around. Also, Death is ready!
X-Factor #23 ⧫ 4 Stars "You Say You Want Some Evolution?"
The X-Factor take on the Right, and it’s cathartic. Can I say how awesome it is that they just called them The Right? How do right wingers not get this?
X-Factor #24 ⧫ 5 Stars "Masks"
The reveal, followed by more betrayal.
X-Factor #25 ⧫ 5 Stars "Judgement Day!"
The big fight is against Death, and though the victory itself is somewhat simple, it ends up being very messy.
Power Pack #35 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Life or Death!”
Power Pack cleans up after Apocalypse. The stakes are pretty high for the series, but it stays light.
X-Factor #26 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Casualties”
This is a fitting end to this part of the Apocalypse arc and the main run in this omnibus. Seeing the team doing basic super hero saving people is actually a nice change of pace.
Mephisto vs. #2 ⧫ 3 Stars “Sympathy for the Devil”
This is alright. Reed’s deduction to start this is sketchy, and I feel like Jean would put up more of a fight. Also, does Mephisto just want pretty girls? The rest of the miniseries just gets worse, but I enjoyed this one and the Fantastic Four issue.
Power Pack #35 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Life or Death!”
Power Pack cleans up after Apocalypse. The stakes are pretty high for the series, but it stays light.
Marvel Fanfare #40 ⧫ 3 Stars “Chiaroscuro”
It’s a fine little story, even if it doesn’t make any sense in continuity.
Classic X-Men #8 ⧫ 5 Stars “Phoenix”
Damn, this is much darker and bleaker than I was expecting. My one reservation is the spoilers for future stuff, like maybe this should be read around Uncanny X-Men #201 (roughly 100 issues from this one in regular numbering). However, I really like this one.
Classic X-Men #43 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Flights of Angels”
I liked the Phoenix story from issue #8, and this one is overall pretty good, a little generic, but pretty good until the Sinister-Madeline Pryor stuff…Ugh, trying to tie into Inferno, a very mediocre to stupid X-Event that was happening at the time…
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Secret Wars II #5 ⧫ 2 Stars “Despair!”
I had forgotten that Boom Boom gets her start in one of the worst events in Marvel history. This is actually one of the better issues, primarily because of Boom Boom’s backstory. The X-Men and Avengers are completely out of character, pretty on par for this event. Also, the Beyonder constantly moans. I can feel Jim Shooter going for an 80s indie flair, but it just feels cliche.
Avengers #263 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "What Lurks Below?"
I love the Roger Stern Avengers, and this issue is fine, but mostly relevant for the Jean reveal. I know this issue is on the average size, but I’d recommend checking out the “Under Siege” arc.
Fantastic Four #286 ⧫ 4 Stars "Like a Phoenix!"
And now some Byrne FF! This issue is great. Jean’s turmoil anchors the issue and provides a good show for Sue’s ingenuity and compassion. Reed gets to be clever and shows that he can take other people’s feelings into account. Also, some fun Shulkie! This is another run I’d recommend.
X-Factor #1 ⧫ 3 Stars “Third Genesis”
I like much of this: Jean and Warren stand out in particular, and Rusty’s plight is rough. Beast and Iceman exist, mostly in the context of The New Defenders , which is part of the problem. This has to deal with Jean’s return, the dissolution of The New Defenders, getting Scott back, and actually forming the team and going on a mission. It’s too much, even for a long issue. This should have been more spread out. Also, Scott really gets done dirty, like I dislike him, but he’s a real piece of work in this series. On a better note, I was sad about Angel seeming to be a shit in Dazzler , but based on Candy’s reaction here, they might have an open relationship? Cool.
X-Factor #2 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Bless the Beasts and Children”
I really like that this does a recap, but it gets in Jean’s headspace, something I was missing from the last issue. That’s good, but Vera’s return is less good. Feels pretty judgy and weird from Layton. Tower is actually kind of cool.
X-Factor #3 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Regression Obsession”
Hey, there’s Artie! I love Artie! This has some strong mutant action and closes the first arc by officially turning Hank back to his original X-Men form. There’s also some setup with Jean, Scott, and that Cameron guy…
X-Factor #4 ⧫ 3 Stars “Trials and Errors”
Here’s where the series spins its wheels a little. Layton has written some great stuff, particularly for Iron Man, but he spins his wheels a little, especially with the secret organization stuff. Apparently, he wanted to use the Owl as the secret boss, which definitely wouldn’t have helped. Frenzy is just a bigger, badder henchperson.
Iron Man Annual #8 ⧫ 3 Stars “When Innocence Dies”
This arc will be done better in Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men, but without the dumb frog thing. It’s a tragic arc, especially for a returning character, but it didn’t connect with me as much as it should have.
X-Factor Annual #1 ⧫ 3 Stars “Grand Design”
Cool idea, having the Soviets try to learn X-Factor’s mutant hunting secrets, but the execution is mostly more of the same. The dual identity team just really didn’t work. Doppelganger is kind of cool, but overall, it’s either too short or too long, depending on what you want cut or expanded.
X-Factor #5 ⧫ 3 Stars “Tapped Out”
Layton’s last issue has X-Factor face and get beaten by the new team for little reason. It’s the first appearance of Apocalypse, but he’s not fully there yet.
X-Factor #6 ⧫ 3 Stars “Apocalypse Now!”
Louise Simonson takes over, introduces Apocalypse, has X-Factor beat his minions; then, he peaces out like a chump. It’s a little embarrassing for such a major villain. Good thing people remember Simonson’s better, later Apocalypse arc.
X-Factor #7 ⧫ 4 Stars “Fall Out!”
Simonson gets going and reminds me why I love her, bringing the crucial interpersonal drama to the front. I can feel one of the first big crossovers on the horizon, and I’m not mad.
Amazing Spider-Man #282 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “The Fury of X-Factor!”
A filler issue in a much more interesting Spider-Man story. X-Factor don’t do much, and while it references issue 7 directly, I think it’s better read before that issue. It makes the relationships make more sense.
X-Factor #8 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Lost and Found!”
The series moves into the big event as the team faces the problem they made, and the series hints at more mysteries.
X-Factor #9 ⧫ 4 Stars “Spots!”
Mutant Massacre starts here for this team as they move into the sewers, and Destiny makes some big predictions. There is also a significant crossover with Uncanny X-Men #210.
X-Factor #9 ⧫ 4 Stars “Spots!”
The original X-Men join the event here as they introduce the weird double identity thing that will resolve in this event. They move into the sewers, and Destiny makes some big predictions.
Uncanny X-Men #211 ⧫ 4.5 Stars "Massacre"
This is a really dark comic with it being all the more grim given the normality at the start. It lives up to its title with the team being pushed to the limits and absolutely raging at the end.
X-Factor #10 ⧫ 4 Stars “Falling Angel”
Some pivotal moments for Angel, mixed with a bunch of running around… I’d like to give it more, but the action is a little hard to follow. I have no idea how exactly to fit this into the events prior or after or where anything is in relation to anything else. This is also Sabretooth’s first appearance in an X-Book, and he’s appropriately brutal, though weirdly understated.
Thor #373 ⧫ 4 Stars "The Gift of Death"
A wholesome Thor adventure until the start of his part in the Mutant Massacre event. It’s Simonson Thor, so I love it.
Power Pack #27 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Going Home”
Kids really need to learn about mass murder! What a different time the 80s were…
Thor #374 ⧫ 5 Stars "Fires of the Night!"
An absolutely brutal, but brilliant, issue. It apparently only takes two issues from this run to make me want to read it again, but I will stay focused, goal oriented. However, Simonson’s Thor is highly recommended.
X-Factor #11 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Redemption!”
Many cool pieces, but I wish the series had more of a throughline. Louise Simonson is still reforming the book, and with the event, things get a little chaotic.
X-Factor #12 ⧫ 3 Stars “Boom Boom Boom!”
It’s fine. Apocalypse gets another Horseperson. The team collects Boom Boom who was busy doing her usual thing. It feels like not a ton happened.
X-Factor #13 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Ghosts!”
Scott finally has to face being a dead-beat, and it drives him crazy. Honestly, serves him right.
X-Factor #14 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Mutant Program!”
Maddy might be dead (she’s not). Scott fights Master Mold. The ending stinger and the Simonson art keep this one from being worse.
X-Factor #15 ⧫ 4 Stars “Whose Death is it, Anyway?”
The big issue finally comes, and it signals big changes for the weakest X-Book.
Thor #377 ⧫ 3 Stars "This Hollowed Armor!"
These issues contain Bobby Drake, but he’s not really that important in them. Thus, it’s a ton of Thor stuff from the mighty Walt Simonson run, that’s worth reading, but it doesn’t add much to this collection.
Thor #378 ⧫ 3 Stars "When Loki Stood Alone!"
Same as the previous issue.
X-Factor #16 ⧫ 4 Stars “Playing With Fire!”
I quite like the Skids and Rusty relationship as well as Rusty’s plan. The stuff with Emma herself brings it down a bit, unfortunately.
X-Factor #17 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Die, Mutants, Die!”
Boom Boom teleports to another series just as Iceman gets back from teleporting. It’s a fraught time for all the teams. The end is good, and it signals that X-Factor is about to settle in for its new status quo… Next omnibus…
X-Factor #18 ⧫ 4 Stars "The Enemy Within!"
This is where the original X-Men section of X-Factor really gets good. The team discovers Hodge’s plan, and the Jean-Scott issues boil over. Scott is a dick. Also, the shocking reveal of Death, Apocalypse’s Fourth Horseman!
X-Factor Annual #2 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Man in the Moon”
It’s a decent issue that strains a little too hard to make its point.
X-Factor #19 ⧫ 4 Stars "All Together Now!"
X-Factor vs. Three of the Horsemen, and it’s a draw. The Simonson run is finally firing on all cylinders!
X-Factor #20 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "Children's Crusade"
This is a fun interlude for the younger members. It is a little weird how often Rictor refers to Mexico, he’s from there, you know? However, this is a nice interlude in the action.
Incredible Hulk #336-337 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "X-Tremes!" "Crossroads"
A solid Peter David issue with some early Todd McFarlane art. It’s fairly self contained, and while some things feel a little off, the adventure is good old-fashioned comics!
X-Factor #21 ⧫ 4 Stars "For Every Action..."
Hodge goes all out, and the true extent of his plans is revealed.
X-Factor #22 ⧫ 4 Stars "If I Should Die..."
The kids get captured, and it’s up to Boom Boom! This continues the strong run of X-Factor by giving some of the side characters room to show their stuff! PS: The boxes mention the Fallen Angels miniseries a bunch, and I’d say skip that bunch of wandering around. Also, Death is ready!
X-Factor #23 ⧫ 4 Stars "You Say You Want Some Evolution?"
The X-Factor take on the Right, and it’s cathartic. Can I say how awesome it is that they just called them The Right? How do right wingers not get this?
X-Factor #24 ⧫ 5 Stars "Masks"
The reveal, followed by more betrayal.
X-Factor #25 ⧫ 5 Stars "Judgement Day!"
The big fight is against Death, and though the victory itself is somewhat simple, it ends up being very messy.
Power Pack #35 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Life or Death!”
Power Pack cleans up after Apocalypse. The stakes are pretty high for the series, but it stays light.
X-Factor #26 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Casualties”
This is a fitting end to this part of the Apocalypse arc and the main run in this omnibus. Seeing the team doing basic super hero saving people is actually a nice change of pace.
Mephisto vs. #2 ⧫ 3 Stars “Sympathy for the Devil”
This is alright. Reed’s deduction to start this is sketchy, and I feel like Jean would put up more of a fight. Also, does Mephisto just want pretty girls? The rest of the miniseries just gets worse, but I enjoyed this one and the Fantastic Four issue.
Power Pack #35 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Life or Death!”
Power Pack cleans up after Apocalypse. The stakes are pretty high for the series, but it stays light.
Marvel Fanfare #40 ⧫ 3 Stars “Chiaroscuro”
It’s a fine little story, even if it doesn’t make any sense in continuity.
Classic X-Men #8 ⧫ 5 Stars “Phoenix”
Damn, this is much darker and bleaker than I was expecting. My one reservation is the spoilers for future stuff, like maybe this should be read around Uncanny X-Men #201 (roughly 100 issues from this one in regular numbering). However, I really like this one.
Classic X-Men #43 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Flights of Angels”
I liked the Phoenix story from issue #8, and this one is overall pretty good, a little generic, but pretty good until the Sinister-Madeline Pryor stuff…Ugh, trying to tie into Inferno, a very mediocre to stupid X-Event that was happening at the time…
Other Comics Reviews
X-Men Omnibus #1
X-Men Omnibus #2
Epic Collection Volume 4: It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn
Champions Classic Complete Collection
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #1
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #2
X-Men Classic Omnibus
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #3
New Mutants Omnibus #1
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #4
Defenders Epic Collection Vol. 8: The New Defenders
Defenders Epic Collection Vol. 9: The End of All Songs
Alpha Flight Omnibus #1
Dazzler Omnibus
Captain Britain Omnibus
Power Pack Omnibus #1
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #5
New Mutants Omnibus #2
X-Men: Mutant Massacre Omnibus
X-Men: Fall of the Mutants Omnibus
August 22, 2026
como segunda madre de arturo este volumen es personal, y los niveles de MISERABILIDAD de cierto hombre que hay en estas páginas son inmaculados
September 16, 2024
Those first few issues are a slog, but ones Weezie takes over and starts to dismantle the Mutant Hunter premise it kicks in, and then you get Mutant Massacre, Archangel, and Fall of the Mutants. And it just keeps getting better.
June 19, 2025
other than introduction of apocalypse and changes this lead to a mostly forgettable run
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