Era #4, Part 09: Fall of the Mutants (X-Factor)

My Grade: B

The X-Men's second big "event" is the The Fall of the Mutants. It isn't really a crossover but rather three independent stories each with very lasting consequences. The X-Factor portion is the only one that includes external tie-in issues from other Marvel titles such as Power Pack, Daredevil, Captain America and Fantastic Four.

At the end of X-Factor #17, Bobby makes an announcement to the world that people should know mutants by their deeds. It becomes the theme of this run in which X-Factor is challenged from within and without. The series continues to get great marks from me as the tension doesn't let up and marks the end of their "mutant hunters" guise.

Cameron Hodge springs his trap.  He orchestrated Cyclop's psychological descent in the last run through carefully placed remarks and the use of holograms that Scott took for hallucinations. Cameron was also responsible for the court order that removed Angel's wings as well as the legally assuming control of all the X-Factor assets and money being name primary beneficiary in Warren's will. The final revelation came when the team learned that Cameron created and leads the real mutant hunting organization called the Right. I really like the Right as a militant anti-mutant force, the "smiley face" armor is just too goofy.

Meanwhile, Apocalypse recruits four mutants to become his "Horsemen" and tests X-Factor to determine if they are worthy. The encounter leaves a deep, lasting mark on the team and New York City.

[3-Stars] X-Factor #18 - "The Enemy Within!" Cameron's steady manipulation of Cyclop's perception results in an all out battle between Cyclops and Marvel Girl!

[4-Stars] X-Factor #19 - "All Together Now!" Apocalypse releases three of his Horsemen upon X-Factor. The fight draws unwanted attention as Iceman's uncontrolled power (thanks to Loki) creates a huge block of ice in Central Park and leaves Beast very sick. It is later learned that Pestilences infected him with a disease that slowly decreases his intelligence each time he uses his increased strength.

[2-Stars] X-Factor #20 - "Children's Crusade" The X-Factor's Wards decide to help out in some small way by cleaning up Central Park.

[3-Stars] X-Factor #21 - "For Every Action..." X-Factor and Cameron Hodge attend the reading of Warren's will when they are attacked by soldiers of the Right posing as villainous mutants.

[3-Stars] X-Factor #22 - "If I Should Die..." A second squad of The Right storm X-Factor Headquarters in an effort to kidnap the Wards while X-Factor is still out.

[3-Stars] X-Factor #23 - "You Say You Want Some Evolution?" X-Factor versus Cameron Hodge and the Right.

[5-Stars] X-Factor #24 - "Masks" Apocalypse transports X-Factor to his hidden ship floating above New York City. He reveals his fourth Horseman -- Warren Worthington III is back as Death!

[5-Stars] X-Factor #25 - "Judgement Day!" Apocalypse sends his Horesemen to wreak havok on New York City. X-Factor does their best to stop assault but damage the Ship's stabilization in the process creating more mayhem and the large vessel spins out of control.

Power Pack #35 - "Life or Death" The Power kids are grounded but the war waging over New York City brings them out to help where they can. Their attempt to find their mother stuck in the subway brings them face to face with Pestilence. They also meet X-Factor and play a critical role in limiting the destruction of the Ship's crash landing.

Daredevil #252 - "Ground Zero" Apocalypse's Ship spinning out of control has caused panic in the New York City streets below. With the power out, buildings toppling, explosions booming (thanks to War) and people become ill (from Pestilence), people fear that the city has been hit by a nuclear bomb. Street criminal Ammo rallies a small army to seize control in the chaos, and it is up to Daredevil, Black Widow and the NYPD to quell the violence.

Captain America #339 - "America is Scorched!" Apocalypse sends his Horsemen Famine to the American heartland to destroy farms, crops and cattle. The Captain, Demolition Man, Falcon and Nomad intercept her devastating path of decay during their flight back from Las Vegas. I am confused as to why the government sends the new Captain America and Nomad to the Kansas rather than New York City.

[3-Stars] X-Factor #26 - "Casualties" NYPD is sent to arrest X-Factor but instead work with the mutants to save people from the wreckage, fires and confusion of their recent clash against Apocalypse.

Fantastic Four #312 - "The Turning Point!" X-Factor's Ticker-Tape parade through New York City celebrating their victory over Apocalypse and their assistance afterwards is interrupted by an attack. Kristoff Vernard, believing he is Dr. Doom, sends Latverian storm-troopers to take the real Dr. Doom who is under the protection of the Black Panther and the Fantastic Four. Dr. Doom seizes the opportunity to force his defenders and X-Factor to help him regain his throne.