4. Blob: frontline obstruction

4. Blob: frontline obstruction Blob brings Factor Three a familiar physical problem. When he plants himself in the X-Men’s way, moving him can become a mission in itself. In a story built around deadlines, that ability has a practical purpose: every minute spent fighting him is a minute lost. His appearance at the trial in X-Men #37 also connects Factor Three to the team’s earlier encounters. He is one of the old enemies invited to describe his defeats as evidence against the X-Men. Personal resentment becomes part of the organization’s claim to speak for mutants. Blob’s clearest assignment comes on the European side of the operation. In #38, he and Vanisher help keep the X-Men away from the military meeting targeted for assassination. The following issue gives him an especially revealing moment. Blob gets hold of the briefcase bomb and counts on his body to survive the explosion. Marvel Girl challenges that confidence by questioning whether Mutant Master would really leave a witness behind. Blob chooses not to test his employer’s assurances. He drops the case and escapes, giving Angel the chance to carry it away. The scene makes his loyalty conditional in a very concrete way. Blob is willing to help Factor Three attack other people, but he wants to survive its victory. His strength helps protect the plan. His distrust of the leader helps undo it.