There isn't much by way of characterization this time around for the team. As always, we are in Madrox's head. And we feel the same way he does the whole way throughout, what the hell is going on? We needed this to get the team back together and make them forget all their problems. But as always, there is more to the problem. With X-Factor, there always is.

The man behind it all, one of the Purifiers, specifically, the one who took Rictor into their fold during Messiah CompleX, has lost his reason to live as he is now without a job and without a purpose. Because of Rictor. So understandably, he wants revenge.

Because of a MASSIVE shock, M has gone a little batty. Calling Madrox Cyclops. Calling Rictor Sam. Is this something foreboding for the future? Most everything about this book has set-up for the future.

The final shocker of the issue, which people who don't want to be spoiled should look away, is: The Purifier has a final act in case X-Factor defeats them. He has poisoned his water. And should his heart stop, all of Murderworld (and therefore, all of Mutant Town in the middle of NYC) will be blown sky high. And the last panel has his words trailing off and his cup falling over. His hear has stopped. WHAT'S NEXT????

I have one beef with this book and one beef only: The art. The book has always been about the Noir aspect. The detective qualities. Basically, Marvel's version of Powers or Gotham Central or Queen and Country or anything of the pulpy, detective style. And the art just isn't there. Denis Calero could do it. Ryan Sook did it really well. Raimondi did it really well. Valentine does not. His art is very Vertigo-esque and just doesn't serve the same feeling for a superhero noir comic. And unfortunately, as happy as I am to see Larry Stroman back on the team that made him a household name, his art doesn't seem a perfect fit either.

But that is a minor qualm. So long as Peter stays on as writer, I will continue plunking down my hard-earned cash for this fine-tuned comic. Will you?