X-Factor #45 Writer: Peter David / Artist: Marco Santucci, Valentine de Landro

Something I've noticed in the last few issues is that Peter David will start a story in one book and then skip it the next issue, only to pick it up again in the following one. That trends continues this issue as the story of Cortex and Shatterstar from X-Factor #43 progresses. It's not hard to keep up with what's going on, but I would still have preferred some continuity. Thankfully the always interesting plot with Madrox and Layla remains in every issue.

The duo finds themselves in the presence of Dr. Doom in their search for an answer to the disappearances of their friends. Nothing really substantial happens here, except that they find out Doom knows the answers. But the visit is an awesome scene. Peter David depicts Doom in two different ways: one from Doom's perspective and the real perspective. Both are enjoyable and act as a clever play on Doom's arrogance.

Something substantial does happen with Shatterstar and Cortex. After a humorously written fight, we find out that, of course, Cortex was controlling Shatterstar. The reason behind it is what's really interesting though. While Madrox and Layla are talking with Doom in the future, we see a few mystery men watching them in surveillance. Apparently these guys are responsible for the disappearances. During their scheming they contact none other than Cortex. What seemed like two separate stories, get tied together brilliantly in this issue.

The best thing about X-Factor though, is Peter David's humor. In the opening page he even makes fun of his way of skipping back and forth between plot threads by saying "nothing else from last issue is significant." His characters speak to each other amusingly, but naturally too. And even the awkward moments, such as the kiss, are smoothed over nicely with funny dialogue. Every line written by David is fun to read.

Marco Santucci and Valentine de Landro split the art duties with one handling the Layla parts and one doing Cortex's. Layla's section is done better. The sketchy style suits the mystery of the situation well, and the two different perspectives of Doom are clear and creative. Cortex's section is a little to shiny. Some of the characters are strange looking and the action doesn't flow quite as clear as I would have wanted.

As always, X-Factor was a very enjoyable read. Peter David's humor and storytelling are as impressive as ever. It looks like his trend of bouncing between stories will continue next month, but I don't care one bit if everything flows as well as it did in this book.