X-Factor V1 (1990’s)

In the last major storyline of the first X-Factor series, published in early 1991, Apocalypse kidnaps Nathan Summers, sensing that he would grow up to be a powerful mutant and possible threat. X-Factor rescue Nathan from Apocalypse’s lunar base, but find him infected with a “techno-organic” virus that cannot be treated. A clan of rebels from the future, known as the Askani, send a representative to the present time to bring Nathan 2,000 years into the future to be treated. Fully grown, he returns to the 20th century as the antihero, Cable.

X-Factor, the X-Men, and several minor characters team up to fight the telepathic Shadow King in another crossover event, The Muir Island Saga. Afterward, the original members of X-Factor rejoin the X-Men and several characters from various X-Men-related series become founding members of a new X-Factor.

X-Factor V4 (2020)

X-Factor was relaunched in July 2020 as part of Dawn of X written by Leah Williams and drawn by David Baldeon. The new team investigates cases of missing mutants and presumed deaths for Krakoa, confirming if they can be resurrected. The team works closely with The Five, a circuit of mutants introduced in House of X/Powers of X working in conjunction to resurrect fallen mutants.

X-Factor V1 (1980’s)

X-Factor launched in 1986 featuring an eponymous team composed of the five original X-Men that debuted in X-Men #1 (1963):

  • Angel – A millionaire heir, capable of flight by means of two feathery wings extending from his back.
  • Beast – A brilliant scientist possessing bestial strength and agility.
  • Cyclops – Former X-Men team leader, with the ability to emit powerful “optic blasts” from his eyes.
  • Jean Grey (Marvel Girl) – The long-time love of Cyclops, possessing telekinetic abilities.
  • Iceman – A brash jokester, gifted with cryokinetic abilities.

The founding of X-Factor hinged upon the reunion of the original X-Men, an event complicated by the extensive histories of the characters following the initiation of a new team of X-Men in 1975.