X-Factor was created in 1986, and was originally Marvel's way of getting the original five X-Men back together. However, over the years it evolved to be so much more. The following will be a list of essential reading from all of the teams incarnations.
Classic X-Factor
Third Genesis
X-Factor #1 - Third Genesis
It is revealed that Jean Grey, whom was thought to of died in the critically acclaimed Dark Phoenix Saga, is still alive. She is immediately ready to continue her relationship with Scott Summers, but she does not know that he has married during her absence, and he doesn't have the courage to tell her. When Jean learns that the X-Men are currently being lead by their old enemy, Magneto, she convinces Cyclops, Iceman, Angel, and Beast to continue being Superhero on their own, but to become separate from the X-Men. Thus, X-Factor is born. Written by Bob Layton with art by Jackson Butch Guice.
Apocalypse
X-Factor #6 - Apocalypse Now!
In this issue, after suffering a defeat at the hands of the Alliance of Evil, X-Factor will learn that there is a more evil being pulling strings behind the scenes. Enter Apocalypse. Written by Louise Simonson with art by Jackson Butch Guice.
Mutant Massacre
Mutant Massacre
When a group of mutants whom live in the sewers known as the Morlocks are massacred by a group of mutants called the Marauders, X-Factor will attempt to help. Here will will witness key moments in the character development of Warren Worthington III. Written by Louise Simonson with art by Walter Simonson.
Fall Of Mutants
Fall Of Mutants
After Angel's wings are surgically removed after the events of Mutant Massacre, he will be discovered by the ancient mutant known as Apocalypse, are remade into the Horseman of death. Arcangel is born here, as Apocalypse will finally strike against X-Factor, and send one of their own allies to do his bidding. It will be up to Cyclops, Jean, Beast, and Iceman to fight off the four Horsemen of Apocalypse and attempt to save their friend who has been brainwashed. Written by Louise Simonson with art by Walter Simonson.
X-Men: Inferno
X-Men: Inferno
This tale revolves around the wife of Scott Summers, Madelyne Pryor, who had become desperate after her son was kidnapped and makes a deal with Demons to try and get him back. This story concludes what was started with Mutant Massacre as you will see the X-Men and X-Factor come face to face with the Leader of the Marauders, Mister Sinister.
Meanwhile, Colossus' sister Magik struggles with her role as the Dark child, the commander of limbo. After being tricked by a demon called N'Astirh to bring limbo to earth, she will have to struggle to find a way to put things back where they were meant to be. Written by Chris Claremont and Louise Simonson with art by Marc Silvestri.
X-Tincton Agenda
X-Tincton Agenda
Some of the X-Men are attacked at their home by the forces of Cameron Hodge. They are taken to Genosha, a island where mutants are treated as slaves. The X-Men will have to team up with both X-Factor and the New Mutants to stop them and rescue their allies. It will be the mutants versus a military state, as their captured allies will have their powers stolen from them and pushed to some of their lowest points. They will have to concoct a master plan to win this one. Written by Chris Claremont and Louise Simonson with art by Jim Lee, Rob Linfield, and John Bogdanove.
X-Men: Muir Island Saga
X-Men: Muir Island Saga
Things on Muir Island have been strange for some time, with Moira MacTaggert acting strongly for months. Banshee tells Professor Xavier about this, and he discovers that the Shadow King is behind it, his oldest foe, the reason he founded the X-Men. The remaining X-Men will team up with X-Factor to battle their allies who are being controlled by the Shadow King on Muir Island. While Xavier does battle with the Shadow King on the astral plane. Written by Chris Claremont, Fabian Nicizea, and Peter David with art by Andy Kubert, Paul Smith, Steven Butler, and Kirk Jarvinen.
Government Sanctioned Team
X-Factor by Peter David
X-Factor by Peter David
After the events of Muir Island Saga, Cyclops, Jean, Beast, Iceman, and Arcangel return to the X-Men. This leads to a new team forming that consists of Havok, Polaris, Multiple Man, Strong Guy, and Wolfsbane. This team will work for Valerie Cooper and be sanctioned by the government to deal with mutant related threats. This run will feature a lot of comedy and be lighthearted in a good way. There will be essential character development for Wolfsbane, as she still tries to cope with what happened to her during X-Tinction Agenda. Havok and Polaris will have to re-evaluate their relationship after what they had both gone through recently. There will be a new dark secret discovered about Multiple Man, and you will see the limits of his powers stretched like never before. This run will also take part in the many iconic crossovers that the X books had during the 1990s. Written by Peter David with art by Larry Stroman.
X-Men: X-Cutioner's Song
X-Men: X-Cutioner's Song
It is easier to understand this story if you are at least familiar with the events in Cable: Blood and Metal and X-Factor: Endgame.
While at a rock consert, Professor Charles Xavier takes the stage to deliver a message of peace, when he is attacked and gunned down by a man that appears to be Cable. The X-Men teams will join together along with X-Factor as they try to hunt down Cable and his group, X-Force, while simultaneously trying to find a cure for Professor Xavier. In this story you will also witness the truth behind Cable's origin and the return of Apocalypse and his Four Horsemen as well as Mister Sinister. While behind the scenes the strings are being pulled by the Mutant Liberation Front's leader, the man known as Strife. Written by Scott Lobdell, Fabian Nicizea, and Peter David with art by Andy Kubert, Jae Lee, Greg Capella, Brandon Peterson, and Lary Stroman.
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