X-amining X-Factor #88

"...Random Violence" / "Time Out"
March 1993

In a Nutshell
The first appearance of Random.

Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Joe Quesada, Chris Batista (2nd Story)
Inker: Al Milgrom, Andrew Pepoy (2nd Story)
Letterer: Richard Starkings. Lois Buhalis (2nd Story)
Colorist: Ariane
Editor: Kelly Corvese
Group Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
With the X-Patriots holding a hospital hostage seeking treatment for Taylor, the mayor calls in mutant bounty hunter Random. X-Factor arrives shortly after he does, and after Random attacks the X-Patrios, X-Factor attacks him. But is mutant power enables him to hold his own against the team, so Havok ends the fight by cutting Random a check to walk away. In the aftermath, X-Factor agrees to accompany the X-Patriots back to Genosha, to prove it's safe for them there. In Genosha, the new Director of Genetics meets with the President and Moira MacTaggert before entering a secret facility where she declares that soon, the Mutate problem will be solved permanently.

X-amining X-Factor #87

"X-aminations"
February 1993

In a Nutshell
X-Factor gets psychoanalyzed by Doc Samson.

General Practice: Peter David
Associate: Shana David
Doctor of Gynecology: Joe Quesada
Doctor of Opthamology: Al Milgrom
Doctors of Podiatry: Richard Starkings & Steve Dutro
Director of Veterinary Medicine: Marie Javins
Ear, Nose & Throat: Kelly Corvese
Doctor of Urology: Bob Harras
Doctor of Proctology: Tom DeFalco

Plot
In the wake of recent events, each member of the team meets with a psychiatrist for counseling. Wolfsbane discusses identity issues and her relationships with authority figures. Quicksilver offers up an explanation for his constant irritability. Polaris discusses her body image issues and fear of being controlled, then angrily shows off a new costume. Strong Guy tells the story of the first time his powers manifested, while Madrox admits to a fear of being alone. Finally, Havok talks about feeling inferior to his brother. After their sessions, Val Cooper meets with the psychiatrist, Doc Samson, and displays a shocking ignorance of the mental state of her team, something which outrages her when Samson points it out to her. As she storms out of his office, she is attacked by some kind of creature with massive tentacles, and dragged away.