X-Factor #44 - Marvel

I love this book . . I really do. The characters are intriguing, and I think Peter David is doing a great job with the story. He's very good with team-books. He does a good job with keeping multiple story-lines going . . and interesting. This issue Jamie and Layla are still in the future. There's something there, between them . . feelings. They've kissed, but . . rest assured, they haven't 'done it'. Jamie doesn't really need more complications in his life. Anyways, they're trying to figure out their role in this Summers-rebellion, by trying to help Scott and Ruby figure out why people seem to be disappearing. Meanwhile, in her recent attempt to help Lenore's mother, Monet seems to have been posessed by someone . . or something. When she tried to dig into her mother's mind, trying to figure out why she attacked Lenore, she seems to have been bounced out of her mind. She appears to be in a trance-like state, and says a single word . . 'Cortex'. Although the team misses it completely, she was trying to strangle Longshot after all. They thought she said 'Codex', or 'Kotex'. So, they're basically clueless right now. Anyways, after she comes out of it, she appears to be normal. She even volunteers to try to keep Lenore safe, with Darwin's help. She takes them to a fancy hotel for privacy. But . . it's all a ruse. Monet seems to be under Cortex's control and is still trying to eliminate Lenore. Lenore is passed out from drinking, and the issue ends with Monet making her move, literally, against Darwin. "You weren't on Cortex's list. But there's always room for more." Oh yeah, coincidentally, 80 years in the future Jamie is looking for someone smart "like Reed", to help them figure out if someone is trying to play with time . . I'm thinking maybe Dr Doom? Anyways, whomever he is . . he's half insane, and he's living in the same hotel that Monet, Lenore and Darwin are at right now. Kind of a coinkidink. Right? Anyways, like I said . . Peter does a great job of keeping the momentum going. The only thing we didn't see this issue is . . what's going on with Rictor and Guido right now. Remember they went to look for the other 'dupe' . . the minister. I'm sure we'll get more into that next issue. I also really liked Marco Santucci and Valentine DeLandro's pencils. Overall I thought it was a good issue.