282: X-Factor V3 # 28 - 32 (The Only Game in Town)
- Matt Campbell
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
What’s Covered?
X-Factor V3 # 28 - 32
Roster Watch
Synopsis
X-Factor Vol 3 # 28 - 29: Divided We Stand
Writer - Peter David
Pencils - Pablo Raimondi (28), Valentine De Landro (29)
Siryn pours her heart out to a priest—it’s not just guilt she's battling, but the reality of her pregnancy. Monet advises her to get an abortion, which is advice that Siryn scoffs at. Meanwhile, Jamie contends with Rahne's decision to leave the team, only for her to reveal she foresaw killing Jamie and Layla on their wedding night—an ominous vision that reshapes his perspective. Monet is pissed off about Rahne leaving. She says that she bought her an iPhone but then crushes it when she learns that she’s leaving. Bitch move. I love it. Jaime goes and picks a fight with the remaining purifiers to let off some steam.
Jamie is reeling from the wave of departures—including his own team. Siryn tries to confess her pregnancy, but he misinterprets and lashes out, convinced she’s leaving too. Monet calls Siryn on still being in love with Jamie—an accusation both poignant and true, Rictor quits, only to literally fall through the sidewalk into what appears to be outer space. We learn that Arcade is to blame...ugh.
X-Factor V3 # 30 - 32: Arcade Still Sucks
Writer - Peter David
Pencils - Valentine De Landro, Pablo Raimondi (31)
Team X‑Factor navigates Arcade’s twisted lair, dealing with his traps and illusions until they finally make it to the control room.
Here, the chaos continues, with the team tested physically and mentally. The issue deepens the sense of being at Arcade's mercy, reinforcing the idea that they must rely on each other—or fall apart. Arcade unleashes bombs across Mutant Town, and X‑Factor scrambles to save civilians caught in the crossfire.
Valerie Cooper offers the team the chance to become a government-sanctioned agency again. Rather than accept, they opt to run and regroup. We jump ahead five months: Siryn is still pregnant and Valerie corners Jamie in a diner.
My Connections and Creators
Boring or Great?
Well, I hate Arcade. So, there's that. I also didn't realize how much I enjoyed Layla's antics until I went through two arcs without her. I'm pretty interested to see what's going on after this time jump, but that isn't really what I'm covering here today. I'm always interested in Jamie's romantic entanglements. I'll tell you what else...I couldn't care less about Rictor. Never been a big fan of his and he's even less interesting without his powers (or Shatterstar,) so I would be perfectly fine if he leaves, but I don't think he actually will. Oh well. Yea, I guess I didn't love these two arcs.
Thoughts on Art
Raimondi’s work in issues #28 and #31 captures emotional nuance—Siryn's introspection and the chaos of Mutant Town in crisis. De Landro brings a slightly stylized edge to the Arcade confrontation issues, fitting the twisted, surreal backstage of villainy.
Larger Impacts
Rahne’s vision creates a psychological burden and uncovers the potential for catastrophe within personal relationships. Siryn’s pregnancy reframes the stakes for Jamie and the team—both emotionally and narratively. Arcade’s attack and the team’s selfless actions reinforce the fundamental mission of X‑Factor Investigations, which is tested, but not broken. The choice to remain off the books cements their identity as flawed but independent heroes.
Things to keep an eye on
I don't recall ever hearing about a baby between Siryn and Jamie, however I barely read many comics past this point and they are both minor characters in the grand scheme of things. Still, interested to see if this baby makes it out alive. And will it be a mutant!?
I can't believe we got through this many issues without bringing Layla back. When will she return!?
Will Rictor stay off the team, or does the Arcade thing make him have a change of heart?
I feel like it's time to get a new member. Who would it be though?