Warning! Spoilers for X-Factor #6 below
The newest iteration of X-Factor in Marvel Comics has shown that it is willing to let Krakoa’s mutants die in order to fulfill its mission. There have been many versions of the team throughout Marvel history, but the latest X-Factor plays a very important role on the newly established mutant island nation of Krakoa. Any mutant who dies can now be resurrected by a group on Krakoa know as the Five. However before a mutant can be brought back, it must be proven definitively that they are actually dead. X-Factor’s duty is to investigate claims of mutant deaths and determine whether or not those claims are valid.
X-Factor’s most recent investigations have involved the death of Theresa Cassidy, otherwise known as Siryn. Like her father Banshee, Siryn is able to emit high decibel sonic screams that can shatter objects and act as a concussive blast. The screams also allow her the ability to fly, which is notable because she fell to her death from a mountain on Krakoa. She is resurrected, but a week later she again falls to her death in the U.K.
While X-Factor tries to determine how Siryn keeps falling to her death despite being able to fly, she is not forthcoming with any answers to their questions. In X-Factor #6 she insists both instances were accidents, but X-Factor does not buy it. Team leader Northstar instructs fellow member Daken to trailing Siryn as soon as she is resurrected to get at the truth. Northstar says that even if she is about to die again, he is not to step in and save her. “Watch her die,” Northstar says. “Observe and learn; don’t intervene. Just find out what Siryn’s hiding and lying about.”
Even though X-Factor’s role is to collect proof of death in order to facilitate a mutant’s resurrection, this step shows them taking their duties farther. They already know that Siryn is dead in both cases, which should mean their job is open and shut. But Northstar is determined that his team take a more proactive role and investigate the cause of her repeated deaths, to the point of letting her die again to get answers. His willingness to let her die also shows a turn toward darkness that has been seen in other X-teams. Beast has displayed similar instincts in the pages of X-Force, where he is willing to detain and interrogate any mutants with ties to Russia in order to investigate a Russian-born threat.
Time will tell whether Daken follows through on his orders and lets Siryn die again in order to learn more about her deaths. It also remains to be seen how much farther Northstar is willing to sink in order to find out the truth. Siryn is determined not to share any more information, as she does not believe that it is X-Factor’s business, and even hypnotizes Polaris so that she will sabotage any investigations into her death. X-Factor #6 is written by Leah Williams with art by David Baldeon and is on sale January 6.
