Although the X-Men franchise managed to break it’s “Annual” habit in the first half of this decade, it’s recently discovered an even more debilitating addiction: specials. Barely a month goes by without Wolverine embarking on a forty-eight-page killing spree, or a supporting character seizing their moment in the sun. It’s difficult to see a reason for this approach other than the financial; if a story inspired by an X-book is interesting or moving, then it belongs in that title, not hived off as an additional purchase. The Divided We Stand epilogues to New X-Men should have served as a proper ending to that book, while the likes of X-Force: Ain’t No Dog are simply an attempt to wring a more regular revenue stream from a popular title slowed by its detailed art. There’s a simple rule of thumb here; if it isn’t written by a regular series writer, investigate carefully before purchasing. Thankfully, the names on the cover of this second X-Factor excursion mean it passes this test.

While her compatriots in the monthly title are facing the twin threats of a rampaging super-skrull and some shockingly poor artwork, Layla Miller remains in the distopian future glimpsed during Messiah Complex. After a short introduction set in an interment camp, the bulk of the story charts Miller’s journey across America, igniting a mutant rights uprising, almost accidentally, as she goes. All the stapes of a standard Days of Future Past comics world are found here; the children of present day characters, the shadow of a dark time ahead and an aged & mutilated present day hero living out his final days. Peter David prevents his tale from feeling clichéd, however, by actually rounding out this world from what was seen of it in last year’s crossover. We are shown people being able to live relatively normal lives, and an active debate in progress about the body politic.

What sells the storyline is David’s longevity as a writer. While the likes of Mike Carey would be left looking rather fan-ish if they revived some elements of the franchise, David’s use of ideas he was present for the gestation of somehow feels more acceptable, as he forges links between his previous X-Factor work and the title’s present incarnation. Besides, it’s always a pleasure to see David writing for Miller. A sharp break in tradition from the franchise’s Destiny/ Blindfold eccentric soothsayers, the teen feels both comfort and confinement from knowing how “stuff” will turn out, and there’s an interesting character moment when the latter overwhelms her, slightly increasing her credibility.

The story could quite easily just be a fun day out for Peter David with the character he’s made his own, but the emphasis the issue’s advance publicity placed on the Summers Rebellion elements suggests that the events here will mesh into the tapestry that the X-titles are becoming. Messiah Complex suggested that time travel will play a considerable part in the X-Men’s lives over the next few months, and it’s not hard to foresee the likes of Cable or Bishop having to pick up the pieces from the events here. Until that day, fortunately, this is one special that can stand on its own feet.