X-Factor #1 Launches with Gov-Sponsored Social Media Influencers and Dark Twist

Spoilers for X-Factor #1

The much-anticipated X-Factor #1 is crafted by writer Mark Russell, artist Bob Quinn, color artist Jesus Aburtov, and letterer Joe Caramagna. The story introduces a newly formed team of government-sponsored social media influencers, with Warren Worthington III, also known as Angel, at the lead.

This new team is the brainchild of human TV producer Roger Broderick, known for shows like "Jail Chef" and "Marriage Ape." The team members, primarily recruited from a large volunteer casting call, include Rusty Collins (Firefist), Feral, and new characters Xyber (with electromagnetic powers) and shapeshifter Cameo.

The team’s first mission pits them against a mercenary outfit called X-Term, headed by Russian mutant Darkstar. As many might predict, sending a relatively inexperienced and underpowered group against skilled mercenaries can only lead to catastrophe.

During the mission, the team's misuse of their abilities results in a collapsing building, which impacts both the team and their mission heavily. Though the comic does not specify the casualties, it is clear that Warren Worthington (Angel) is critically injured, while Xyber remains mostly safe.

Even before the dust settles, Broderick pays Angel a hospital visit. Despite the fallout, he gleefully informs Angel that the team’s social media metrics are through the roof. Without hesitation, Broderick announces a new X-Factor squad led by Havok. This new team will feature Frenzy, Cecilia Reyes, Pyro, the returning Xyber, and Granny Smite, an immortal mutant who continues to age.

Broderick's sinister plan to maintain high viewership includes sending mutants on perpetual death missions and leveraging public hatred for mutants to their advantage. Amidst this grim plan, Polaris, Havok's on-and-off partner, is probing into Broderick’s ulterior motives, hinting at an emerging resistance against his ruthless agenda.

Mark Russell’s satire is as sharp as ever in X-Factor, exploring themes of social media exploitation and corporate manipulation. The storyline traces its roots back to Peter Milligan and Mike Allred's X-Force/X-Statix, which navigated similar tropes in a reality show format about mutants.

X-Factor modernizes these ideas, weaving profound and provocative concepts into a seemingly light-hearted narrative that ultimately exposes the horror beneath. With Bob Quinn and Jesus Aburtov’s artistic talent, the comic strikes a balance between Marvel’s dramatic style and vibrant storytelling.

The narrative continues with X-Factor #2 on September 18.