X-Factor (1986) Marvel

X-Factor launched in 1986, featuring a team composed of the five original X-Men members; Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Angel, Beast, & Iceman. In 1991, the founding members were incorporated back into the regular X-Men series, and X-Factor relaunched as a U.S. government-sponsored team incorporating many secondary characters from the X-Men mythos (Havoc, Polaris, Quicksilver, Strong Guy, Multiple Man, & Wolfsbane. The series was canceled in 1998. Government team (1991-1998) Rather than end the series, Marvel hired writer Peter David and illustrator Larry Stroman to recreate X-Factor with new members, all of whom were already allies of the X-Men, and three of whom were involved in the Muir Island Saga. The new X-Factor worked for the Pentagon, replacing Freedom Force as the government's salaried mutant team. Their relationship with their benefactors was often strained and complicated. The new X-Factor, debuting in issue #71, included: Valerie Cooper - A U.S. government agent with history as both ally and adversary of the X-Men who becomes X-Factor's government liaison, carrying over from her duties as liaison to a prior government-sponsored team of mutants, Freedom Force. Havok - A former X-Man and brother of Cyclops who can manipulate powerful, but hard to control, cosmic rays. Havok serves as X-Factor's leader. Polaris - The daughter of Magneto, Havok's long-time lover, and also a former X-Man who can control magnetism. Quicksilver - The son of Magneto, the twin brother of the Scarlet Witch, and the paternal half-brother of Polaris. A long-running Avengers character, and a former foe of the X-Men, who possesses super speed and a difficult temperament. Multiple Man - He can create duplicates of himself on physical impact. He was previously offered X-Men membership, but he declined, opting instead to work at the Muir Island research center. Strong Guy - A wise-cracking character who can re-channel kinetic energy aimed at him, transforming it into muscular mass and power. Lila Cheney's former bodyguard. Wolfsbane - A Scottish, former New Mutant who can transform into a wolf-like creature. Some artificial manipulation of her feelings cause her to love Havok, bringing her much conflict and frustration because she knows he loves Polaris. The lineup was selected by the X-Factor editorial staff. Legion was to be a member as well, but was dropped because it was felt the character was not suited to be a team player. David was instead given the option to use Quicksilver, which he has said was a pleasant surprise.