May 26, 2004, 04:16 pm
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COMIX-FAN FEATURE REVIEW: ASTONISHING X-MEN #1
 Reviewer: Brian Wilkinson, bewilkinson@comixfan.cjb.netQuick Rating: Excellent! Story Title: Gifted A stunning debut by one of the hottest names in pop culture. Bright, bold, and an astonishing new chapter in the X-Men mythos. Written by: Joss Whedon Pencils & Inks by: John Cassaday Colors by: Laura Martin Letters by: Chris Eliopoulos Assistant Editor: Cory Sedlmeier & Stephanie Moore Editor: Mike Marts Editor In Chief: Joe Quesada Publisher: Dan Buckley Ah, the moment has finally arrived. For months (or has it been a year yet) Marvel has teased us with the fantastic writer who would not only replace Grant Morrison after his run on New X-Men but this writer would also make us forget all about ol'what 's name to boot. Even after he was announced as the writer, many people just couldn't believe that Marvel had managed to snag someone that high profile with an already huge and established fan base. Coming off the end of two of his TV shows, Buffy and Angel with a bit of time to spare before Serenity, the Firefly movie heads before cameras on June 4 Marvel managed to snag him. Joss Whedon has arrived. There are great deal of things that helps to make his coming as monumental as it is. His keen eye and amazing storytelling skills are tested and true, and he even had a helping hand in such productions as Toy Story and a small uncredited writing bit on the first X-Men movie (the unused parts of which Whedon promises not to recycle into the comic). For me, I couldn't help but jump for joy. Not terribly long ago, I discovered the joy of the Firefly TV series, sadly too late to help in terms of ratings, but enough that my purchase of the DVD set helped contribute to Universal backing the big screen version (and no, my lone buy didn't push things over the edge). Within the first two episodes I was firmly hooked to the point where I'm now tearing through all the seasons of Buffy on DVD. If there is such a thing as a knack for pop culture exploration and exposition, Whedon has it in spades. Oh, and for those of you pumped about the Firefly movie, the entire cast including Ron Glass as Shepherd Book, are returning. It shall be a glorious day. Hopefully the movie is popular enough to warrant the return of the show. But I'm way off track as this is a review of Whedon's Marvel comics debut, Astonishing X-Men. And after building him up in both my mind and in the minds of all those who were waiting anxiously in line to purchase the book on its day and date release, does it live up to the hype? After all, the entire Reload campaign is built around this book and its creative team including superstar John Cassaday and that's a heavy weight to shoulder. I loved it from the start. A brilliant interlude, a touching arrival featuring Shadowcat's return to the mansion and the opening speech and talks by Emma Frost, Cyclops and Kitty had me laughing out loud. Actually laughing, not just smiling, not just a slight twitch at the corners of my mouth. Whedon's incredible flair for dialogue is present from the start, and his attention to details and even current events seems strong without overbearing and tying up the plot. I'm trying not to go fanboy here. And this is something I haven't done in years. With no disrespect to any of the writers or teams that have come before, I have never seen a newbie hit the nail on the head as strongly as Whedon does here. The little scuffle between Wolverine and Cyclops is perfectly written, as is Emma's reaction. How else can you say it? It's perfect. The only raised eyebrow came from why Cassaday chose to have Cyclops sleep with his visor on. I can only assume he was… occupied… and didn't have time to take it off. This issue, this series, is just off to about the best start it could possibly have. It makes a lot of the other series Marvel puts out look a little more pale in comparison. We lose none of the threat, the urgency or the history of the team as the book fits perfectly into continuity, but gain Whedon's sharp insight, pop culture references and moments so absurd they're brilliant. Cassaday does a great job of lending a realistic look to an unrealistic cast. Between the action and the down time, Cassaday feels firmly in control at all stages. The colors are a little more bland than I'd normally prefer in a comic and I'm not too sure how I feel about his interpretation of the Beast, but everyone else comes across clearly and distinctly. There's no doubt about how well this pair gels together as the pages practically sing under his pencils. I could honestly go on and on about every page, every panel, and every event because it all feels relevant. There are no wasted pages, no wasted moments, and every character gets a moment to shine. Whedon has said before that he prefers an ensemble cast to work with and tries to make sure that the lead doesn't get all the best lines. Beast wins out in that respect with this issue but there isn't a character in here that you can point at and say they were wasted. I don't know if Whedon can keep up this level of quality or even with the monthly schedule given his film commitments, but this is one series worth waiting for, much like Kevin Smith was able to achieve with his run on Daredevil. Better, even. It's just that damn good. Go get it before it sells out already. ART:  STORY: OVERALL: Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! Last edited by Brian Wilkinson; May 27, 2004 at 11:32 am. |
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May 26, 2004, 04:20 pm
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Human
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Wow.
I think the last time you gave such a glowing review was for Secret War #1. I'll be picking this up, contrary to my original plans, and all thanks to your review, Brian! Sheesh. :p -DPorter
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May 26, 2004, 04:26 pm
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Major thumbs down on the writing. Definately not a five. The postions taken by the team on what their plans are re: superhoeres and teaching are contradictory. Worse, the Scott/Wolverine thing is just a throw back and really seems hard to believe. The two danglers at the end are also pretty familiar and not too exciting.
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May 26, 2004, 04:37 pm
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Human
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Well, it seems that you really like it, but, don´t you think it´s a little to much. Thanks for the review. .................................
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May 26, 2004, 04:37 pm
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Metahuman
Join Date: Feb 2002
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Totally Awesome, though I though the Cyke/Wolvie fight was a bit rushed. I was so weary about this title as, I was never a fan of Whedon's TV stuff (too campy for my taste), but I wasn't let down with this issue. Very strong dialogue, and a good wit. A great start.
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 +  =  Jean: Logan! We thought you were... Professor Xavier said you were.... Logan: I couldn't let it happen to you again Darlin' ! Jean: Logan, your life-graphs had bottomed out on the Medi-Unit scanners. Y-You came back--? For me. Logan: You got it the other way around, Jean...It was you who reached out and took my hand. |
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May 26, 2004, 04:45 pm
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ComiX-Fan Co-Founder
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Quote:
Anthony L
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http://blogtalkradio.com/whatthefnord |
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May 26, 2004, 04:54 pm
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CEO of X-Corporation
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Yeah Whedon wrote Fray the Vampire Slayer in the future,which is anothe good read,and that's it.This is technically Whedon's 2nd title...
Well a pretty strong review i'll definitely be picking this up  RADIATE!
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Millennial Missionary #1 Member of 'We NEED an X-Corporations Title!#1 Well,personally,i kinda want to slay the dragon...Let's get to work! -Angel- My X-Men: X-Corporations     
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May 26, 2004, 04:57 pm
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Chibi
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Quote:
Awesome review Brian. |
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May 26, 2004, 04:59 pm
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Mutant
Join Date: Jun 2003
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I've always been planning to pick up this book today, but now reading this, I'm twitching with anticipation!
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It is sometimes a mistake to climb; it is always a mistake never to make the attempt. If you do not climb you will not fall. This is true. But is it that bad to fail, that hard to fall? Sometimes you wake, and sometimes, yes, you die. But there is a third alternative. Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.  "No rest for the wicked awesome!" __________________ |
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May 26, 2004, 05:00 pm
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Clone
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Quote:
He co-wrote an Angel miniseries with Brett Matthews, wrote the aforementioned Fray, and had an ongoing tale in the recent Tales of the Vampires miniseries. All were published by Dark Horse. |
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May 26, 2004, 05:01 pm
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Chibi
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May 26, 2004, 05:44 pm
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Metahuman
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I completely agree with this review, even down to the Firefly bits (The brown coats shall rise again!). I read this comic three times in a row just to make sure that it was as amazing as I thought it was the first time... it was. I particularly loved the Emma and Kitty interaction (Kitty's reason for being late was laugh out loud funny!), and I've never really cared about Beast but he's on fire in this issue! The characters felt vital and fun, and humour was definately present in this issue without feeling forced (looking your way Alpha Flight) or out of character. I really hope that Joss sticks around for more than 12 issues.
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New X-men: Forever      :lifeguard:
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May 26, 2004, 05:59 pm
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Clone
Join Date: Nov 2003
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hey, Alpha Flight was Funny! If your'e searching for a book where the humor seems forced - take a look at Ultimate Spiderman.
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"you are all fools, heroic fools" |
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May 26, 2004, 06:06 pm
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Mutant
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I hate Buffy and I didnt know what to expect from Whedon but, and I tought I samples of John Cassaday´s art that I saw on the X-men Handbook were..hideous.
And now I see this book got a perfect score, what a pleasant surprise. I usually pick up my books on thursdays but with this and secret wars coming out, I might run for them today. Thanks Marvel
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May 26, 2004, 06:21 pm
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In the egg with Jean
Join Date: Jul 2003
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I didn't this issue was that great. I hate the way Beast looks he doesn't look like a cat but other then that the art was great. The writting was good. I loved the dialouge especially Emma's,Kitty's and Beast's but the cliffhanger wasn't too exciting as I thought it would be. Overall a good read and recommed it highly.
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:jeanphnx: she never dies :jeanphnx: |
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May 26, 2004, 06:43 pm
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X-men :swear::swear::swear::swe ar::swear::swear:
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oh man I want this book more now!
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May 26, 2004, 06:47 pm
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Chibi
Join Date: Feb 2004
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It had some funny parts, sure, but it's not Gail Simone funny, IMO. Great read nonetheless. Definately looking forward to the next issue.
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Woowoo! |
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May 26, 2004, 07:03 pm
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Human
Join Date: May 2004
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I'm guessing there isn't a mystery guest star on the last page of this one
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May 26, 2004, 07:13 pm
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Slayer
Join Date: Aug 2002
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Beautiful, Perfect, his best work since...well Buffy, Angel and Firefly can't wait to see what happens next
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Black Knight of the X-Assault Inner Circle. "Security is tighter, than one of Jean's outfits." - Wolverine In Wolverine's Revenge "This is my BOOMSTICK!" - Ash In Army of Darkness Bobby and Emma club member #14 |
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May 26, 2004, 07:21 pm
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Mutant
Join Date: Jun 2003
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I got the issue. No other words describe it other that 'perfect'
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It is sometimes a mistake to climb; it is always a mistake never to make the attempt. If you do not climb you will not fall. This is true. But is it that bad to fail, that hard to fall? Sometimes you wake, and sometimes, yes, you die. But there is a third alternative. Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly. "No rest for the wicked awesome!" __________________ |
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May 26, 2004, 07:30 pm
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Human
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: canada
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isnt that the fanboy talking?
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May 26, 2004, 07:32 pm
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Clone
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Alabama
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I cracked up out loud at the wolverine/cyclops fight. Lots of good humor and drama mixed together. Very entertaining book. Go buy it.
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May 26, 2004, 07:39 pm
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Clone
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DC
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THis issue was awesome! Wolverines and Cyclops interaction was right on. it seems for me scott and wolverine both miss jean alot... its just wolverine pushed him over the edge. for me personally it doesnt seem that scott is even close to gettin over jeans death... hes probably still got alot of things to work over. and Scott did make a good point about logan and jean.... how many times have they kissed? 3 times jean and wolverine have kissed... scott and logan might be best of friends lol but there still alot of tension between them... only lil lil lil problem... kitty saying she isnt a fighter.... have we forgotten her long time with excalibur... hahaha but still an awesome... and i love the size of the team its perfect for good character development =0)
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May 26, 2004, 07:44 pm
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Chibi
Join Date: Feb 2002
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lockheed?
not trying to be fan boyish about it... but I noticed kitty has lockheed in all of the other X-books... will Joss be using the dragon?
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May 26, 2004, 08:10 pm
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Endless
Join Date: Feb 2002
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Man...Astonishing X-Men #1 and the sixth season boxed set of Buffy within a day of each other, and only another week before Serenity starts shooting.
can i...can i do the happy dance now, or should i wait until later? Hwah.
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