X-Factor: Invisible Woman Has Vanished #1

Valeria and Franklin Richards enlist the X-Factor's help finding their mother who has mysteriously vanished. 

Peter David continues his epic run on X-Factor by presenting them with what could possibly be their biggest case yet. From the opening pages I was drawn into the story as Valeria and Franklin Richards arrive at X-Factor Investigations trying to get their help finding their mother. I was really impressed with Peter David's writing on this book as he not only weaved together an interesting story, but his addition of humor was nicely executed. Humor is nothing new to the series. There's always been funny moments, but this time Peter David had me laughing out loud with his writing. I thought it was funny how Shatterstar and Rictor were sitting around watching the movie Gladiator. Later on when Shatterstar hits Thing and sends him flying off the building he yells out "ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!" which had me laughing. There's a few other fairly funny moments in the story as well. In the beginning I felt Peter David's characterization of Mr. Fantastic was way off, but then as the story unfolds everything made sense. So if you happen to read this don't let that turn you off. Stick it out and you'll find out all the answers. As usual, Layla Miller's actions intrigue me. I look forward to finding out what she's hoping to gain from her choices she made. But she "knows stuff" so I'm sure it's for the best.

I enjoyed Peter David's writing for Monet in this story. With her father's kidnapping, to say she's a little on edge is putting it nicely. Her passive and brash behavior was fun to watch. I liked how she lead the charge into Doom's castle with no concern of the outcome. Once the mission in Latveria is over, Monet finally heads to South America to where her father is along with Guido. Monet becomes captured by the same men holding her father and the story ends with a pretty shocking cliffhanger. 

The art is by Bing Cansino (#200-202) and Valentine De Landro (#203). I had no issues at all with the art. I was loving the darker vibe it maintained. It's a nice reflection of this series and everything that these characters endure. I really liked how Thing was drawn. He looked pretty cool. Colorist Jeromy Cox does a splendid job. The double-paged cover for issue #200 was just incredible. 

This was probably one of the best story arcs this series has had in a while. Peter David mixes things up nicely and puts these characters through new and exciting challenges that could alter the state of the team forever. X-Factor has consistently been a series worth following and one everyone should read.