Editor's Note: X-Factor #44 arrives in stores tomorrow, June 10.

Plot: In the present, the gang plunges headlong (unknowingly) into the mystery of "Cortex" while in the future Jaime and Layla work out a solution to crack a case for Cyclops.

Comments: Excellent - an entire issue focusing on X-Factor's resident multi-powered mutant millionaire, Monet St. Croix, a.k.a. M. Seriously, Peter David knows that she's one of the book's secret weapons, and over the years he's used her judiciously in this book as a source of dark comic respite from the drama of the Jaime and the rest of XF Investigations.

However, this is Monet cranked up to "11," extra vampy, vocal, and vicious. Frequent readers will be surprised at her overtures towards one of the love-struck supporting cast. Of course, it's obvious right off the bat that the Monet we see here isn't quite on the up and up. But I won't ruin for you how this is revealed or where this goes.

The Monet content is so engaging that it obscures the fact that David touches on the supporting cast only briefly (albeit significantly). There's a brief check-in with a post-coital Madrox and Layla in the future – a tender moment broken by Jaime's admission that he still bears the scars (both literal and figurative) from the loss of his son. Not one to neglect a chance to show mirroring, David gives us an update on Theresa (via Val Cooper) who has her own way of dealing with her recent pregnancy drama. Whereas Jaime copes by embracing a chance at caring for (and being cared for) by someone else, Theresa has become more withdrawn, flirting (however obliquely) with her former drinking problem.

It should be noted that the cliffhanger from last issue (involving the return of an X-Force alumnus) is left by the wayside in this issue – presumably because this month will see the publication of two issues of X-Factor (an embarrassment of riches if ever there were one). Still, it's noticeable given the increasingly high profile Cortex is taking on in the book.

Finally, the art is very good even with two pencillers and a virtual army of inkers. In fact, the large art team is barely noticeable save for some rough figures towards the end of the issue. I'm assuming that Monet's clothing towards the end of the book reflects her personality shift (certainly, "normal Monet" would sneer at the outfit); otherwise I would be concerned if anyone on staff that that this is the kind of thing someone on the bleeding edge of style would wear. Still, it's a minor concern in an otherwise fine issue of an excellent book.

Continuing to fire on all cylinders, the latest issue of X-Factor drives the plot forward on the A stories while long running character developments continue. The issue is hampered a little by some art hiccups late in the issue, but visually for the most part it's very pleasing to the eyes.

If you liked this review, be sure to check out more of the author’s work at Monster In Your Veins

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