Written by Bob Layton
Art by Keith Pollard; Josef Rubinstein; Joe Rosen; & Petra Scotese
Cover Art by Ron Frenz & Josef Rubinstein
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Trial and Errors,” Marvel Comics released this issue for May 1986. Having escaped the original X-Men, a fleeing Tower is literally thrown away by his irked associate, Frenzy. After a chat with the Beast (newly restored to his original form), young Rusty Collins has a disastrous workout with Jean Grey & Bobby Drake. Jean’s harsh criticism pushes an already self-conscious Rusty to run away from X-Factor’s custody.
Note: The original X-Men (Cyclops, Marvel Girl/Phoenix, Angel, Iceman, & The Beast) publicly pose as the anti-mutant ‘X-Factor’, while their costumed personas secretly continue their heroic crusade.
In a subsequent encounter the team has with a young boy pretending he is a mutant, Jean realizes how misguided X-Factor’s approach has already become, both publicly and privately. Comforting the terrified child, Jean’s compassion extends to how she unintentionally mistreated Rusty.
Yet, X-Factor’s other young protégé, Artie Maddicks, may be Rusty’s sole hope once Frenzy takes the fiery mutant captive. On behalf of her mysterious employer, Frenzy gets her own chance facing the original X-Men. Later, with fresh insight, the team reassesses its approach to helping Rusty and Artie.
REVIEW:
Writer Bob Layton’s scripting is nicely played, as far as the original X-Men recognizing that they aren’t infallible adapting Professor X’s teaching methods. Also, Layton leaves tantalizing crumbs building towards the revelation of who is Frenzy and Tower’s nefarious employer. Layton’s storytelling gets solid support from the art squad’s slightly fading visuals. Overall, X-Factor # 4 is a nostalgic reminder of Marvel’s intriguing approach to reintroduce the original X-Men to its mid-80’s fanbase.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a “Bullpen Bulletins” column, including Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter’s announcement of Marvel’s ‘New Universe.’
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
