Fantastic Four #250
Published and © by Marvel, January 1983
Title: “X-Factor”
Synopsis: The Gladiator! The X-Men (apparently)! Captain America! Spider-Man! And, of course, the Fantastic Four! This one’s a battle royal.
Writer: John Byrne
Artist: Byrne
Review: As a kid, this issue was a major disappointment. Little Me hadn’t yet gotten over John Byrne’s departure from the X-Men, and it’s apparent very early on that Marvel’s merry mutants aren’t really guest-starring this issue. But, in retrospect, it’s a very fun read. It lacks the depth and plot twists of Byrne’s best FF stories, but this all-out-battle issue is well choreographed (something Byrne is generally very good at). Art wise, Byrne’s figure drawing and storytelling remain strong, but his detailed backgrounds are fast becoming a thing of the past; they aren’t essential, but are missed.
Grade: A-
Second opinion: “Worth mentioning.” – by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003
Cool factor: It’s Byrne drawing the X-Men. Sigh.
Not-so-cool factor: Oh, those aren’t the X-Men.
Notable: Also includes “A Marvel Masterwork Pin-Up!” by John Byrne.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a $1.25 Canadian variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “You waste words. Crush him quickly!” – Cyclops. (Wait, that doesn’t sound like Cyclops … .)
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Nov. 7, 2009.
