Books X-Factor Visionaries - Peter David, Vol. 1 (X-Men) (v. 1)
Books and Publications Average Rating:

Rating: - Pretty much the only X-Factor ever worth reading
While it didn't become the legendary fan favorite that his monumental run on the Incredible Hulk did, Peter David's revision of the X-Men spin-off X-Factor is undoubtadly the best the series ever offered, and pretty much the only X-Factor ever worth reading. In the beginning of this TPB, the government sponsored mutant team has their share of difficulties. Besides the auora of distrust between the group and their liason Val Cooper, Jamie "the Multiple Man" Madrox's powers are slowly spinning out of control. In the meantime, Havok and co. are going to have their hands full with events that are just over the horizon, which is the biggest drawback of this TPB. The farther that the TPB goes along, the better David gets in his storytelling, and by the time it comes to an end, you'll be wanting more. Larry Stroman's art is solid throughout, even though it's the typical, 90's muscled look that ended up being so apparent throughout the various X-books during the decade, but thankfully it never goes to Liefeld-esque heights. All in all, if you have fond memories of Peter David's all too brief run on X-Factor, give this a look; and while you're at it, check out David's woefully underrated Madrox mini-series, as well as the current monthly X-Factor series that once again features the man at the helm.

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Rating: - Madrox Mayhem
This graphic novel, which reprints X-Factor #71-75, takes place as Peter David and Larry Stroman took over the struggling book. Giving the team a line up of Quicksilver, Strong Guy, Havok, Polaris, Maddrox, Wolfsbane, they have the group working for the government, with Val Cooper as a liaison.

This arch has several subplots, but the main plot featuring Multiple Man's powers spinning out of control is the most amusing. Several other subplots are not wrapped up before the end of the graphic. The writing itself is not David's strongest work. In the first half of the graphic, you get the feeling he's still trying to find the character's voices and mannerisms, with nothing really gelling until much later in the book. There's humor, but most times it feels forced, and the villains are either overused or asinine.

The art work is staggering, and I think Mr. David would have been better served had this been called X-Factor Visionaries (Larry Stroman, Vol. 1) Mr. Stroman's art, sense of style, and composition make even the most mundane instances appealing and his art alone saves the book from a rating of 3 stars.

So if you get this book, just know that it's nothing amazing that will change your life or the way you see comics. But, the art is staggering, and worth the price of admission alone.

This could be read by a newcomer to comic books, but they might think `Is this all there is to comics?' Buy them Watchmen instead.