Ending Era #4: X-Factor

Era #4: B

I may've started reading the X-Men in third era, but this was this era that hooked me for life. Over the last five months, I've reread 142 classic issues that make up this memorable period of X-Men history, and I still found the stories fun to read. Chris Claremont continues his run as the Father of the X-Men while Louise Simonson is the cool Aunt. We see the historic first appearances of Apocalypse, Mr. Sinister, Marauders, Genosha, Cameron Hodge, and Archangel. We also witness the rebirth of the original X-Men (as X-Factor), the massacre in the Morlock tunnels, the true origin of Madelyne Pryor and the conclusion of the Illyana's troubles as Limbo's ruler.

New Mutants #35-76 (C+):   This run is not as good as the earlier stories, but there are still some gems.
Chris Claremont & Jackson "Butch" Guice (B-): Nine issues of solid story telling and artwork.
Louise Simonson & Bret Blevins (C+): I am not particularly taken with Bret's cartoon style, and I once read that Louise was directed to write to a younger audience.  Despite the minor disappointments, there is plenty to like in this sixteen issue run.

Uncanny X-Men #199-243 (B+): Read this run!
Chris Claremont & John Romita, Jr (B): John Romita Jr. is one of my favorite artists with a distinctive style.  He finishes his long run (which started with #175) with these final ten issues.
Chris Claremont & Marc Silvestri: (B+):  Marc Silvestri is another one of my favorites. He takes the reins continuing a tradition of excellence for this twenty issue run.

X-Factor #1-40 (B): It is a slow start with a great premise that finally gets going with the Simonsons.
Bob Layton & Jackson "Butch" Guice (C): Butch Guice provides his dependable art to scripts that fall a little short during this short four issue start.
Louise Simonson & Walt Simonson (B+): It is one of the most well-known husband and wife teams that puts some excitement and vigor into the title with a twenty-four issues that reshape the team.

X-Terminators (C+): The X-Factor wards get their own four part limited series that ties into Inferno told by Louise Simonson & Jon Bogdanove.