I couldn't make it through Essential X-Factor vol. 2 (never read vol.1). The stories were so boring and pointless. A full issue worrying about snow melting in Central Park. Who cares. X-Factor was artificial and completely unnecessary. Destroying Dark Phoenix made no sense. Awful.

As far as the original series goes, I've just read the first two Masterworks. While I like the Kirby art in the first volume I hate the costumes, hate the regimented student-teacher structure, bored with the one villain nature of the strip and think that Scott just needs to get laid and stop being such a dick. Volume two was a great surprise with the awesome Juggernaut issue where the tension builds as the kids wait in the house for the impeding doom. The Sentinels story was also impressive.