Marvel’s new X-Factor have only just begun their careers as the latest government-sanctioned superheroes, and people already hate them.

Shortly after announcing themselves to the world, the eponymous heroes of X-Factor #1 make their way to a red carpet event to begin building a rapport with the general public. Unfortunately for them, not everyone is all that receptive to seeing a team of mutants take up arms on behalf of the same government that has spent so many years hounding them for who they are. Worse still, it isn’t just a few boos coming from the crowd, as Angel learns firsthand when he is the first to be pelted by some decidedly disappointed spectators.

Written by MARK RUSSELL Art by BOB QUINN Colors by JESUS ABURTOV Letters by VC’s JOE CARAMAGNA Design by JAY BOWEN Main cover art by GREG LAND & FRANK D’ARMATA Variant covers by MAHMUD ASRAR & MATTHEW WILSON, DAVID LOPEZ, ENA LUPACCHINO & DAVID CURIEL, MARCUS TO & ALEX SINCLAIR, LUCIANO VECCHIO, and SKOTTIE YOUNG

The name X-Factor has a long history in the Marvel Universe. Originally, the team was formed by Jean Grey and Warren Worthington III, better known as Angel, under the auspices of being a mutant-hunting force. In truth, X-Factor were merely posing as villains in order to gain a foothold within actual anti-mutant spaces. This ended in utter tragedy when one of the group’s other leaders, Cameron Hodge, revealed himself to be a legitimate villain with genuinely malevolent intent. Since then, X-Factor has been reimagined as everything from a government-sponsored team to a group of private investigators led by Jamie Madrox, aka Multiple Man.

In the wake of the fall of the Krakoan Age, mutantkind has found themselves spread out across the globe once more. In the hopes of reestablishing a relatively normal status quo, multiple teams of X-Men have emerged as a part of Marvel Comics’ From the Ashes storyline. Among these are the primary X-Men led by Cyclops, Angel’s X-Factor, and a team of Uncanny X-Men led by fan-favorite Rogue. Apart from the mainline X-books, titles like NYX are bringing unique teams of mutant heroes together, albeit under vastly different circumstances.

In July, writer Mark Russell discussed the new X-Factor lineup, making particular note of Angel’s prior history with the team. “He seemed like a natural choice for team leader, especially since they have a media deal and he kind of sees it like his Celebrity Apprentice. His chance to not only make a media comeback but to really cash in, too. And part of what this series is about is disillusionment,” Russell explained. Russell also touched on Havok’s role on the team and personal journey, stating, “Havok is a great character to thrust into this position because he was, until recently, dead. And now that he’s been alive for all of fifteen minutes, he’s being asked to risk his life on a daily basis. He’s a character I’ve really grown to feel for and respect during the writing of this series.”

X-Factor #1 is on sale August 14 from Marvel Comics.

Source: Marvel Comics