The X-Men’s new ‘From the Ashes’ era will give rise to a new X-Factor team that sees the mutants working as government-sanctioned strike forces. CBR takes a first look at X-Factor #1 and talks with series writer Mark Russell about relaunching the iconic X-Factor team.

The new X-Factor series debuts on Aug. 14 with a mutant arms race sweeping the globe and international governments building their own mutant armies. America’s X-Factor team, co-led by Havok and Angel, strives to make the world safe for democracy. Other mutants in the team include recruits like Pyro, Frenzy, Feral and others. X-Factor #2 sees Polaris at the forefront of a new mutant rebellion, while X-Factor #3 takes the team all the way to the moon when a lunar base goes out of control.

X-FACTOR #1

Written by MARK RUSSELL Art by BOB QUINN Cover Art by GREG LAND On sale Aug. 14

X-FACTOR #2

X-FACTOR #2

Written by MARK RUSSELL Art by ROBERT QUINN Cover Art by GREG LAND Variant Cover Art by MARCUS TO On sale Sept. 18

X-FACTOR #3

Written by MARK RUSSELL Art by ROBERT QUINN Cover Art by GREG LAND

In addition to preview pages from X-Factor #1 that show the team coming together on a mission, CBR has a first look at the solicit for the third issue that takes the X-Factor team out of this world: “X-Factor Goes to the Moon! A computer-controlled lunar base has gone out of control! How can Havok and Frenzy stop a foe that can predict the team’s every move? And does the key to victory lie with the team’s most mysterious new member: Granny Smite?!”

X-Factor Writer Talks Re-Launching the Legendary Mutant Team

After the ‘Fall of X‘ event left Krakoa destroyed, mutants everywhere have been struggling to find their place in a new world, and ‘From the Ashes’ titles like the new X-Factor series will explore the new challenges they continue to face. Mark Russell discussed with CBR the creation of the new X-Factor team and what it was like to relaunch the series that shows Marvel’s mutant superheroes working closely with the government.

CBR: How does it feel to be able to relaunch an iconic title like X-Factor?

Mark Russell: I am unbelievably flattered and excited to be writing X-Factor. The X-Men universe is without question one of the best comic book worlds to write in because it’s so richly populated with great personalities and family entanglements. It feels like Shakespeare sometimes. And my hope is to do something with X-Factor that the old fans will like but which they haven’t seen before.

Why were Angel and Havok chosen to lead?

They were the most established characters and, especially Angel, has a history with X-Factor, so 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. The slow but dawning realization that the people making you rich aren’t necessarily looking out for you and that once you cross that line into being an “Influencer”, your downfall becomes indistinguishable from every other source of entertainment you might provide. 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.

What is it like reuniting with Bob Quinn for such a huge project?

Bob is one of those artists I’d work with anytime and on anything. That said, I think he’s absolutely perfect for a series like this, which is equal parts action, interpersonal drama, and satire, all of which he excels at.

What are the X-Men’s biggest struggles during the post-Krakoan era and how will it be depicted in the series?

The biggest struggle is knowing what to do next, especially with so many competing ideas of what it means to be a mutant now that their biggest source of mutual identity, Krakoa, is no more. This series is set during an arms race of sorts, where various nations, mercenary groups, and underground mutant movements are competing for their allegiance. It’s hard to know who, if anyone, has your best interests at heart.

You made a good point about the X-Men being characters first and superheroes second. Can you further elaborate on how this will shape the upcoming storyline?

Yes. X-Factor ultimately tells the story of people trying to find their way and follow their hearts during chaotic times. Trying to be pragmatic without betraying your ideals and trying to love those closest to you even though you may disagree with them or think they are on a path to self-destruction. Which I think we can all relate to these days.

X-Factor #1 goes on sale Aug. 14 from Marvel Comics.

Source: Marvel