The X-Factor have entered the Mojo-Verse, but will they be able to make it out with their dignity intact? The third issue of Marvel’s X-Factor continues to play off the potential dangers of modern entertainment with its new take on the Mojo-Verse. Spoilers for X-Factor #2 and minor spoilers for X-Factor #3 ahead!
In X-Factor #2, the team received a message from an unknown sender describing the death of a mutant in the Mojo-Verse. Believing the death to be a result of Mojo’s mutant games, the team heads to the alternate reality hoping to find out who died and prevent future mutant deaths within the Mojo-Verse. Most of the team find themselves deeply involved with the games thanks to live-stream viewers voting to see them in action. Well, all of them but Daken, as he presented too much of himself openly to the audience watching from home. The remaining members of X-Factor must conquer the games to uncover the truth.
Mojo makes for a fun villain in any X-Men story, as he constantly torments our mutant heroes while retaining this campy horror unique to the Mojo-Verse. Those that follow him, such as Spiral, seem to share the bizarre intrigue. They may not have as much substance as other villains, but they are a joy to experience nonetheless. This type of story is perfect for X-Factor as it shows how different it is from the other books in the Dawn of X line-up. The group dynamic of our heroes only adds to the enjoyment, particularly the banter between Northstar, Polaris and Prestige. The moment between Daken and Aurora humanized Daken and made him more than the overly-expressive nutcase he appeared to be in the first two issues. Leah Williams’ writing has led me to fall in love with many characters I knew very little about before picking up this series.
I didn’t mention in my review of the last issue, but I love the costume designs for each member of X-Factor. They are simple, yet distinctly different from traditional X-Men costumes. They have this futuristic feel to them that emulates the design of Krakoa. David Baldeon did a marvelous job designing the look of the team. It is amazing to see them in action with Israel Silva’s colors. The surprise appearance of Shatterstar in this issue was mostly due to his new design. The facade of Mojo’s champion shines through in his more violent and revealing appearance.
X-Factor‘s cast of colorful characters makes for what might be Marvel’s most enjoyable team book out right now. The craziness of their adventures combined with the misfit nature of each member of the team allows for a unique look at the world of the mutants that was missing before.
Rating: 8.5/10
Buy the comic: https://www.comixology.com/X-Factor-2020-3/digital-comic/851576?ref=c2VhcmNoL2luZGV4L2Rlc2t0b3Avc2xpZGVyTGlzdC9pdGVtU2xpZGVy
