Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: John Cassaday
I have recently decided to read, and re-read certain X-Men stories, having a mixture of both classic, and modern stories, with most of them being critically acclaimed. I decided to go through some of the Astonishing X-Men series, with this being my fourth review on the series.
Plot
After being beamed onto a S.W.O.R.D., the X-Men head to Breakworld to prevent the Earth's destruction.
Review
This was a phenomenal story, and although it still doesn't quite beat Gifted, it is the next best story from Joss Whedon's run on this series. Whedon did a tremendous job at brining his time on the X-Men to an end, and although the set-up to this story hurt Torn, the story itself didn't disappoint. It was a very interesting, and dramatic story, with plenty of suspense, and emotion, as well as some mystery. It also had some fantastic action, as well as great character development. The story also had tons of depth, and tone, which really helped make the story that much more gritty, and dynamic. I also loved how Whedon toned down the comedy, whilst still adding the odd humorous line, making the story feel as serious as it should. The dialogue during this story was also expertly handled, with every interaction, and discussion feeling very natural, and realist, and it's a shame Whedon didn't spend longer on this series.
The art from John Cassaday was once again spectacular, and Cassaday kept up his high standered of quality right to the end. The way Cassaday drew every character was amazing, with all of them looking outstanding, as usual. I also loved how Cassaday drew the additional characters in the Giant-Size issue, especially how he drew Spider-Man, who looked as dynamic as ever, making me want to see him work on a Spidey title. The detail was also brilliant, with most of the art being near flawless, with only minor imperfections during the Giant-Size issue, as with everything that was going on, the odd side character looked slightly weird, but overall most of Cassaday's art was amazing. The action sequences were also handled perfectly, being very explosive, and exciting, making this finale even more dramatic. The emotion was also perfectly shown, and I'm overall ecstatic that Cassaday was on this run alongside Whedon.
The main focus of this story would be the X-Men going with Abigail Brand to the Breakworld in an attempt to save the Earth. I've enjoyed seeing the Breakworld in other stories, but this has to be the best, as although the first appearance of anything's usually regarded highly, the art, and tone of the place was just amazing. I also loved the different type of people who lived on the planet, and how they lived in general. It was also nice to see Ord return, even if he didn't have a huge role, and the other Breakworlders like Kruun, and Aghanne were also interesting, as well as very different, adding more depth to their world.
The last story, Torn would reveal Colossus to be the X-Man who'll destory the Breakworld, but this story would shed more light on the prophesy. I won't go into any details as to avoid spoilers, but I will say what I thought of the development. When it was revealed I found it to be very interesting, and appropriate, as due to Colossus being brought back to life at the start of Whedon, and Cassaday's run, it's appropriate that he's heavily involved in this concluding story, especially considering Ord of the Breakworld brought him back to life. I also loved how Colossus reacted to this knowledge, and how although certain other X-Men seemed to know the stakes, that Colossus was conflicted about what to do, making things really interesting.
Torn would also see Cyclops loose his powers, and that would continue into this story. Now I didn't want to talk about this during my review of Torn, to avoid spoilers, but seems it continued into this story I felt that I would mention it, as well as what I thought of it, and how it affected this story. The fact that Cyclops didn't have his powers was a very interesting development in my opinion, as although it's cool to see him use his optic-blast, this allowed him to show his true ability as a leader, as well as a good man (as after more recent events it's nice to be reminded of what Cyclops was). I also loved how the other X-Men reacted to Cyclops in this state, and overall it added more drama, also adding a surprise at one point.
The final part of this story would be a Giant-Size issue, which would also see the heroes on Earth. Once again I won't go into any plot details as to avoid spoilers, but I will say what I thought of this addition. I loved seeing all these additional characters, and especially with it starting with Spider-Man interacting with X-Men members Storm, Iceman, and Nightcrawler, who previously hadn't featured in this series. I also enjoyed seeing the Fantastic Four again, as well as certain Avengers members, and other X-Men members who didn't feature in this series prior. I also loved how Whedon intergrated them in a way that best helped the story, and he certainly went all out to end his run on a very high note.
Final Verdict
This was an astonishing conclusion to one of the bes X-Men runs in the last decade, and I'm glad that I finally got to experience it. The story itself had everything you would want from a comic book story, being suspenseful, dramatic, emotional, exciting, as well as having some mystery to it as well. It's extremely easy to recommend this story, and I'd also highly recommend the rest of Whedon, and Cassadays's run, as it's simply outstanding, and any comic book fan, whether a X-Men fan or not will love it.
Rating: 10/10
Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: John Cassaday
I have recently decided to read, and re-read certain X-Men stories, having a mixture of both classic, and modern stories, with most of them being critically acclaimed. I decided to go through some of the Astonishing X-Men series, with this being my third review on this series.
Plot
Emma Frost's strange behaviour finally comes to light, as the Hellfire Club attacks the X-Men.
Review
This was a very good story, but easily the worst of Joss Whedon's run so far. Don't get me wrong, Whedon has once again produced a unique, and interesting story, with plenty of excitement, it's just that it didn't feel to the same level of quality as his previous two stories. I did however enjoy how Whedon used the Hellfire Club in a very unique way, with all the members being perfectly depicted. I did however feel that this story was too jokey at times, and although it added humour, and fun, making for something very unique, I also felt that it was a bit much, also feeling a little forced at times, eventually becoming slightly boring as well. There was also a lot of set-up towards the next story, which would be Whedon's final story, which I wasn't sure whether I liked or not, as although I like set-up, it also took away from the main story. There was however still some brilliant action, and mystery, and overall Whedon did a great job.
John Cassaday once again produced some amazing artwork, with the art in this story being simply phenomenal. The detail in Cassaday's art was simply outstanding, with everything looking spectacular, with little to no imperfections. The way Cassaday handled the characters expressions in this story was also brilliant, and stood out more due to the style of the story, giving more depth, and emotion to the story. Cassaday also handled the action sequences perfectly, as although there wasn't quite as much action as there was in Dangerous, what there was looked amazing. Cassaday's layouts also added more depth, and drama to the story, also making it a bit more dynamic. The colouring from Laura Martin was also once again brilliant, adding vibrancy, and tone to Cassaday's artwork, helping create this amazing finished work of art.
Throughout Whedon's run Emma has been acting very strange, and it's been very questionable whether her loyalties lie with the X-Men, or not. The end of the last story would give an an answer as it would appear that Emma has re-aligned herself with the Hellfire Club. She would however still continue acting strange in this story, which added some interest to the start, as although it's obvious where it's ending due to it being comics there's still a hint of speculation. I did however find the development leading up to the Hellfire Club's attack to be very suspenseful, as from Emma's expressions it looked as if she was battling with what decision to make.
The revelation at the end of the last story about the Hellfire Club being in this story was amazing, and a really spectacular way to end it (probably more so for people at the time due to the gap after that). Their appearance in this story however was much more interesting, as although it was bound to be, the uniqueness, along with the suspense, and mystery made it that much more exciting than I originally thought. I also loved seeing Sebastian Shaw again, as it's hard to think of the Hellfire Club or Shaw without thinking of the other. I did however feel that they were mainly atmosphere, and they didn't seem quite as evil as they have in the past, as at first there didn't appear to be any obvious agenda to their actions.
As I said earlier in my review, there would be some humour in this story, with the main part coming from Wolverine, and Beast, as Beast was turned into the animal that he physically is, and Wolverine was turned into a bit of a sissy, being timid, and afraid. Now at first I found this to be slightly hilarious, even though it was at the same time slightly disrespectful of their characters. I could however get over that fact due to it making sense for the story, but I would then come back to slightly dislike it as I felt it was dragged on for longer than necessary, feeling a bit stale, and redundant by the time it finished. It was however still a very unique, and genius thought, and there's probably a fair few people who found it hilarious from start to end, I personally however felt that it was a little bit over the top.
This story would also see some characters from the previous story feature in the background, with Danger, Ord, and the government organisation known as S.W.O.R.D. all featuring in sequences based on the Peak. Now all these characters were very interesting in their own stories, and although last story would also briefly show a connection between the whole of Whedon's run, this would put clarrify that, setting up the final part of his run, which looks to feature elements from the previous stories, showing that everythings been leading up to this one point. Now I personally like a good set-up, which this was, but at the same time I felt that it took away from the story, also giving a awkward ending to this one. I am however looking forward to the next story more now, which is another plus side to this.
Final Verdict
This was a great story, but easily the weakest of the first three stories in Whedon's run. It was however still amazing, as although it wasn't quite phenomenal, it had a very interesting story, with brilliant development. It also had amazing action, as well as great suspense, and drama, with a hint of mystery. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this story, as although I'd recommend the previous two over it, it's still well worth reading.
Rating: 8/10
Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: John Cassaday
I have recently decided to read, and re-read certain X-Men stories, having a mixture of both classic, and modern stories, with most of them being critically acclaimed. I decided to go through some of the Astonishing X-Men series, with this being my second review on the series.
Plot
After the X-Men team-up with the Fantastic Four to take out a giant monster they are attacked by a foe closer to home... the Danger Room.
Review
This was an amazing story, and a terrific follow-up to Gifted, as although it wasn't quite as good as Gifted, it wasn't far behind, excelling over Gifted in certain areas, whilst not quite being as good in others. Joss Whedon did however continue to give great creativity to the series with this story, as he went from a story that had some action coming out of a development, to a story with a lot of action fuelled by a development. The story had plenty of tone, and drama, also having tons of action, suspense, and mystery, which Whedon managed to balance perfectly. Whedon also managed to add subtle humour, and excitement when necessary, whilst overall making the story very deep, and interesting. I also loved the emotion that Whedon put into this story, yet again coming up with a unique concept that so genius, yet at the same time very simple, showing just how good a writer he is.
John Cassaday's art blew me away, with his artwork being just as phenomenal as it was on Gifted, if not that little bit better. The attention to detail in Cassaday's art is simply outstanding, and it's easy to understand why he doesn't usually work long stints on ongoing series. Cassaday also once again did an excellent job with the characterisations, with every character looking perfect, as well as dynamic, and interesting, with even Colossus looking amazing this time. Besides that the other brilliant thing about Cassaday's art was his action sequences, which were simply amazing, being very explosive, and exciting. The emotion was also handled perfectly, as although it was more of a fast, action paced story, Cassaday showed the characters emotions brilliantly. Colourist Laura Martin also once again did a spectacular job of adding more tone, and depth to Cassaday's art, with her vibrant style.
During Gifted a young mutant named Wing lost his powers due to the mutant cure. The start of this story would see how Wing would cope with the change, now being just an ordinary human. I felt that this sequence was very interesting, with a lot of emotion to it, showing how although there'd be mutants wanting the cure, that if forced onto mutants that don't then it could have a huge mental affect on them. I also enjoyed the continued interaction between Wing, and Armor, and how this change has affected that relationship as well, making for some awkward moments between the two, which added a lot of drama, and realism to the story.
The early part of this story would also see the X-Men team-up with the Fantastic Four to take down a giant monster in Manhattan. Now I loved this as although I'm not the biggest Fantastic Four fan in the world, I do like them, so to see them team-up with one of my favourite comic book teams was nice, especially considering the differences in how the media sees both teams, with the Fantastic Four being branded heroes, and the X-Men menaces. The interaction between the two teams was also amazing, and brilliantly handled by Whedon, who really made this a fun, and entertaining meeting. I also found the battle against the monster to be very exciting, and entertaining, with the dialogue adding yet more fun to the overall sequence.
The villain in this story would be a home grown problem, as unlike their normal foes, this time the X-Men were against their own Danger Room, which would manifest itself into the character we now know as Danger. I found this to be an extremely interesting development, and Whedon continued to make drastic changes with this. I did however feel that it was pulled off perfectly, and that it didn't just make this story great, but would introduce the character Danger into the Marvel Universe. The concept behind this development was also very interesting, and although I won't go into details as to avoid spoilers, I will say that it added a lot of drama, suspense, and mystery to the story, as well as depth, and tone. The action against Danger was also amazing, and overall this was a great story development.
This story would also see an appearance of Professor X, and although I won't go into any details as why he's involved, as to avoid spoilers, I will say what I though about his appearance. I'll start by saying that due to not following comics at this time I'm not entirely sure why Professor X was away from the group, as although I have ideas as to why he was missing, I'm not entirely sure. Anyway his appearance in this story was brilliant, adding more suspense, and drama, as well as more atmosphere, and mystery. I also loved seeing the interaction he'd have with certain characters, as well as the shocking way that his role was developed.
Final Verdict
Although not quite as good as Gifted, this was still a phenomenal story, and a brilliant continuation to Whedon's X-Men run. It had tons of action, and excitement, as well as some emotional points as well. It also had some mystery, and suspense, and overall was simply astonishing. Due to all this I'd recommend this story time and time again, and although you can easily read this without reading Gifted I'd also recommend reading that as well, as not only is that another great story, but they have much more impact together.
Rating: 10/10
Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: John Cassaday
I have recently decided to read, and re-read certain X-Men stories, having a mixture of both classic, and modern stories, with most of them being critically acclaimed. This however is the first modern one I have reached since I made this decision, and I plan on reading/reviewing more from this series.
Plot
The announcement of a mutant cure rocks the mutant population with some wanting it, and some like the X-Men against it. In their attempt to find out how this cure came about the X-Men face an alien from the Breakworld named Ord who really hates mutants, and especially the X-Men.
Review
This was a outstanding story, and although I loved it the first time round, I loved it even more after re-reading it. Joss Whedon shows throughout this story why he's such a great storyteller, as the story was perfectly structured, and the characters perfectly depicted throughout. The suspense, and drama that Whedon added to the story was also amazing, with there also being a hint of mysteriousness as well. The way Whedon handled the action throughout this story was also brilliant, and I loved how he even managed to add some fun to this story as well, making it very diverse, and interesting. Besides this Whedon also added great emotion, with the split in opinions adding to the atmosphere, and tone of the story. I also loved the dialogue, which was very fresh, and unique, adding great tone, and atmosphere to the story, as well as yet more drama, and overall Whedon did a great job with this story.
The art in this story was simply phenomenal, and although I've seen John Cassaday produce some amazing art over the years, I feel that this is the best work that he has ever done. The detail was simply astonishing, with everything looking wonderful. The way he drew the characters was also brilliantly, with everyone looking amazing. I did however find his drawings of Colossuslooked a bit weird near the end of the story, as he looked a little awkward, and unrealistic. This however was a small problem, and Cassaday made up for it time, and time again, with great character emotion, in which you could easily tell their feelings, lots of depth, and outstanding action, which was exciting, and explosive. I also have to give credit to colourist Laura Martin, who's colours were simply beautiful, adding so much tone, and texture to Cassaday's pencils, and the story in general.
I thought that I'd next go onto talk about the team, as with the start of each new X-Men series there is usually an introduction to it's roster, and this story was no different. The roster in this story would be Cyclops leading, with Emma Frost, Wolverine, Beast, Kitty Pryde, Lockheed, and eventually Colossus. The way the team was introduced was very subtle, with everyone getting development time, allowing for a natural tone. It was also nice to see Cyclops, and Wolverine getting along, as although they fight at one point, they seemed to get along better overall, with this being one of few times prior to Regenesis. It was also brilliant that Emma had a doubter in Kitty, as given her background, especially with Kitty it's natural, also adding a possible development route later in the series. The teamwork in the story was also great, and Whedon handled that aspect of the story perfectly, as he did with everything else.
The main story centred around the announcement of a mutant cure, with Dr. Kavita Raodescribing mutation as a disease. I loved the concept behind this, and loved the tension that it added to the story. I also enjoyed the division that it would give in the mutant population, with even one of the X-Men not sure of whether it's a good or bad thing, which was natural, and realistic, as there'd bound to be some mutants that'd want rid of what they'd consider a curse. I also felt that this direction, although risky adds great atmosphere, and tone to the series, which paid off, as Whedon handled everything about it perfectly, making every thing exciting, and interesting, as well as dynamic.
The villain in this story would be an alien from the Breakworld named Ord. Now I've seen the Breakworld in other stories, but this would be their first introduction. I found Ord to be a very interesting character, and although he won't rank as one of the best X-Men villains ever, he added a lot of excitement, and suspense to the story, and the fight he'd have with the X-Men was outstanding. I also found the reasoning behind his attack on the mutants, and X-Men to be very interesting, and exciting, with his connection to the cure having the same affect.
This story would also see the return of beloved X-Man Colossus, following his death in The Uncanny X-Men #390 where he sacrificed himself to stop the Legacy Virus. Although I didn't read this story when it was originally out I have to thank it for bringing one of my favourite X-Man back from the dead, as although I feel that comic book deaths aren't always as meaningful as they should be, he was brought back in a very interesting way, and we've had some great stories with him since. Besides this I really enjoyed Colossus' appearance in this story, and although it won't go down as one of his best occasions, with the artwork being awkward at times, what do you expect considering he's just returned.
This story would also see the government involved, with both S.H.I.E.L.D., and then new organisation, S.W.O.R.D. making appearances. Now I won't go into any detail over their appearance in this story, as although some of them are easy to guess I want to avoid spoilers. I've liked S.W.O.R.D. ever since I started collecting comics, and although they aren't one of my favourite groups, it's always nice to see them, especially in an X-Men story. I did however feel their appearance in this story to be a little different from what I've read before, and although they did act like government employees, being similar to S.H.I.E.L.D., they still seemed slightly different than usual. I do however assume this is due to this being their first appearance, along with the fact that they know none of the characters personally. Overall however their appearance was a nice addition to the story, adding more mystery, and suspense.
Final Verdict
This was a brilliant, and amazing story, and Joss Whedon started his X-Men run perfectly. The story contains some interesting, and unique concepts, which add tone, and depth to it. The story also has some amazing action, as well as being fun, and entertaining. Due to all this I'd easily recommend this story to anyone, as it's one of the best modern X-Men stories and well worth reading.
Rating: 10/10
