The series focuses on the titular X-Factor team—led by Northstar, and consisting of Polaris, Rachel Summers, Prodigy, Daken, and Eye-Boy—as they investigate into the disappearances of mutants and confirm whether they are dead or not so they can be resurrected.

To do this, Northstar forms a new X-Factor team alongside Polaris' help, being also aided by Rachel Summers, Daken, David Alleyne, and Eye-Boy.

[1] The initial core cast was announced to consist of Jean-Paul Beaubier / Northstar, Lorna Dane / Polaris, Rachel Grey / Prestige, Akihiro / Daken, David Alleyne / Prodigy, and Trevor Hawkins / Eye-Boy.

According to Williams, the comic was initially "pitched as a missing persons mystery book", but decided to place more emphasis on the Five and the resurrection process after noticing fan interest in the subject.

[6] She worked with X-Men writer Jonathan Hickman and editor Jordan D. White to establish the cast of the series.

[6] Williams stated that Aurora was initially supposed to only assist the team from their headquarters as—similarly to Polaris—she viewed the character as one that required independent work "without Northstar overshadowing her".

The fact that it is also a tie-in to the larger Hellfire Gala crossover and stage setting for the Trial of Magneto does not help; it reads like jumbled mess of editorial incongruities.

Pencil work is covered by three separate artists, which does not help its narrative direction or tone, even though each individual contribution is competent.