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Astonishing X-Men (2004) (Collected Editions)
Astonishing X-Men, Vol. 1: Gifted
Dream-team creators Joss Whedon (TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and John Cassaday (Planetary, Captain America) present the explosive flagship X-Men series - marking a return to classic greatness and the beginning of a brand-new era for the X-Men! Cyclops and Emma Frost re-form the X-Men with the express purpose of "astonishing" the world. But when breaking news regarding the mutant gene unexpectedly hits the airwaves, will it derail their new plans before they even get started?
Collecting: Astonishing X-Men 1-6
Collecting: Astonishing X-Men 1-6
144 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2004
478 people are currently reading
22203 people want to read
About the author
Joss Whedon
482 books4,351 followersJoss Whedon (born Joseph Hill Whedon) is an American screenwriter, executive producer, film and television director, comic book writer, occasional composer, and actor, and the founder of Mutant Enemy Productions and co-creator of Bellwether Pictures.
He is best known as the creator and showrunner of the television series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)', 'Angel (1999–2004)', 'Firefly (2002)' and its film follow-up 'Serenity (2005)', and 'Dollhouse (2009–2010)', as well as the web-series' 'Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008)'. Whedon co-wrote and produced the horror film 'The Cabin in the Woods (2012)', and wrote and directed the film adaptation of Marvel's 'The Avengers (2012)', the third highest-grossing film of all time.
Many of Whedon's projects have cult status and his work is notable for portraying strong female characters and a belief in equality.
credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_Whedon
He is best known as the creator and showrunner of the television series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)', 'Angel (1999–2004)', 'Firefly (2002)' and its film follow-up 'Serenity (2005)', and 'Dollhouse (2009–2010)', as well as the web-series' 'Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008)'. Whedon co-wrote and produced the horror film 'The Cabin in the Woods (2012)', and wrote and directed the film adaptation of Marvel's 'The Avengers (2012)', the third highest-grossing film of all time.
Many of Whedon's projects have cult status and his work is notable for portraying strong female characters and a belief in equality.
credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_Whedon
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 853 reviews
June 14, 2016
Grant Morrison did an ambitious run on New X-Men, but that story had to be walked back in the interests of continuing it in on-going mainstream superhero comics. Marvel made a wise choice when they tapped Joss Whedon, lord of the TV geeks back then, to help get the X-Men out of the black leather and back into spandex. (It’s reasonable to assume that his work here was a big reason that he’d later get the gig writing and directing the Avengers movies.)
Kitty Pryde returns to the school as Cyclops is forming a new team with the goal to promote the mutant cause by putting a flashy group out in public that would be more like the better known superheroes than a bunch of underground militant activists. Hence, the return of the tights. No sooner does the line-up get set than they get word that a scientists has created a so-called cure to the mutant gene that causes a variety of ethical debates as well as fear of what that could do in the wrong hands. This happens just as a new alien villain called Ord starts causing trouble. Oh, and a character comes back from the grave because nobody stays dead in comic books.
I admit that even though I’m a huge fan of Whedon that I had a few reservations about this when I first read it about ten years ago. I grumbled about the return to a more baseline version after Morrison’s mind-bending run seemed to offer new and bold directions, and I really disliked yet another instance of a dead X-Man pulling a Lazarus.
However, my inner comic fanboy doesn’t rage quite as hard against that particular machine these days. I’ve come to accept that continuity can provide a useful foundation, but that it too often becomes a crushing weight that overwhelms stories so I tend to think of each particular era as a self-contained bubble of a story. Once I accepted that I was a much happier comic book fan overall.
So in my head canon Morrison’s run is one version of the X-Men, Whedon’s is another, and Whedon’s run is pretty great. The look and tone of the X-Men movies had infiltrated the comics to some degree, but now a decade’s worth of superhero films has shown us that you can make them colorful and fun after all. (At least they can be if they’re not directed by Zach Snyder.) So putting a team back in bright costumes and having them fight a genocidal alien makes me think that Whedon was a bit ahead of the curve on this idea of letting comic books be comic books. At the same time the storyline of the mutant cure puts the social issues of bigotry and tolerance that the X-titles represent front and center, too.
There’s also great dramatic tension among this team with Wolverine pissed off at Cyclops for taking up with Emma Frost so soon after Jean Grey’s latest death. Kitty doesn’t trust Emma because she doesn’t buy the reformed villain act. Emma thinks everyone but her is a naïve idiot. Beast is conflicted about the idea of a cure and a chance to be fully human again which infuriates Wolverine who believes that no X-Man should reject their status as mutant. All of this is dealt with in both physical and verbal fights, and of course the Whedon dialogue laces all of this with plenty of humor.
Overall, this a really solid comic with a serious storyline that doesn’t forget the fun factor.
Kitty Pryde returns to the school as Cyclops is forming a new team with the goal to promote the mutant cause by putting a flashy group out in public that would be more like the better known superheroes than a bunch of underground militant activists. Hence, the return of the tights. No sooner does the line-up get set than they get word that a scientists has created a so-called cure to the mutant gene that causes a variety of ethical debates as well as fear of what that could do in the wrong hands. This happens just as a new alien villain called Ord starts causing trouble. Oh, and a character comes back from the grave because nobody stays dead in comic books.
I admit that even though I’m a huge fan of Whedon that I had a few reservations about this when I first read it about ten years ago. I grumbled about the return to a more baseline version after Morrison’s mind-bending run seemed to offer new and bold directions, and I really disliked yet another instance of a dead X-Man pulling a Lazarus.
However, my inner comic fanboy doesn’t rage quite as hard against that particular machine these days. I’ve come to accept that continuity can provide a useful foundation, but that it too often becomes a crushing weight that overwhelms stories so I tend to think of each particular era as a self-contained bubble of a story. Once I accepted that I was a much happier comic book fan overall.
So in my head canon Morrison’s run is one version of the X-Men, Whedon’s is another, and Whedon’s run is pretty great. The look and tone of the X-Men movies had infiltrated the comics to some degree, but now a decade’s worth of superhero films has shown us that you can make them colorful and fun after all. (At least they can be if they’re not directed by Zach Snyder.) So putting a team back in bright costumes and having them fight a genocidal alien makes me think that Whedon was a bit ahead of the curve on this idea of letting comic books be comic books. At the same time the storyline of the mutant cure puts the social issues of bigotry and tolerance that the X-titles represent front and center, too.
There’s also great dramatic tension among this team with Wolverine pissed off at Cyclops for taking up with Emma Frost so soon after Jean Grey’s latest death. Kitty doesn’t trust Emma because she doesn’t buy the reformed villain act. Emma thinks everyone but her is a naïve idiot. Beast is conflicted about the idea of a cure and a chance to be fully human again which infuriates Wolverine who believes that no X-Man should reject their status as mutant. All of this is dealt with in both physical and verbal fights, and of course the Whedon dialogue laces all of this with plenty of humor.
Overall, this a really solid comic with a serious storyline that doesn’t forget the fun factor.
September 8, 2015
My love for the X-Men is not something I've hidden in the past. I've mentioned this recently, so I guess I don't really need to remind the people who read my review of another X-Men series. This first volume was great. It vaguely depicts a great story arc and hints for great plot twists to come in the next volumes.
The plot was different than the usual X-Men plot I got used to. I only know X-Men from the movies and I can vaguely remember some random single issues when I was younger, so I had no idea what writers were experimenting on over the past years. Whedon had something new to offer, but it wasn't as astonishing as I would've wanted. This honestly had a really similar plot to the third X-Men movie, X-Men: The Last Stand. He changed a whole lot, but the essence was still there. The main idea was basically the same, but I'm not complaining to be honest. I just wanted to point out how similar things were, but I'm not mad because i liked X-Men: The Last Stand. I know a lot of people disliked it because the characters became darker and not jolly, but it's still the X-Men for me. The story was great, but just like the movie, this volume was also lacking. While it was great to know that there's a cure, I just seem to feel that the author has more to offer after this. I'm not completely satisfied.
The artwork was way better than I expected. I liked how they were portrayed, unlike the most recent one I read. I know that this is just a personal preference but I always judge harshly on the artwork. Bad artwork always ruins the whole experience, so thankfully this didn't disappoint. Kudos for making Wolverine look at least cool, and even Scott Summers. Most of the time both of them look like thrash, so it's a great thing to finally pay some respect and portray them well.
Can I just ask though, if it's too spoilery then please tell me and don't answer, but where the fuck is Storm?
4.5.5 stars. Rounded down, just like any other Graphic Novel. I always round down when it comes to GN, so I guess you could also say that I judge these harsher than novels. A great read though, so don't hesitate to try if you're looking for a great X-Men read.
The plot was different than the usual X-Men plot I got used to. I only know X-Men from the movies and I can vaguely remember some random single issues when I was younger, so I had no idea what writers were experimenting on over the past years. Whedon had something new to offer, but it wasn't as astonishing as I would've wanted. This honestly had a really similar plot to the third X-Men movie, X-Men: The Last Stand. He changed a whole lot, but the essence was still there. The main idea was basically the same, but I'm not complaining to be honest. I just wanted to point out how similar things were, but I'm not mad because i liked X-Men: The Last Stand. I know a lot of people disliked it because the characters became darker and not jolly, but it's still the X-Men for me. The story was great, but just like the movie, this volume was also lacking. While it was great to know that there's a cure, I just seem to feel that the author has more to offer after this. I'm not completely satisfied.
The artwork was way better than I expected. I liked how they were portrayed, unlike the most recent one I read. I know that this is just a personal preference but I always judge harshly on the artwork. Bad artwork always ruins the whole experience, so thankfully this didn't disappoint. Kudos for making Wolverine look at least cool, and even Scott Summers. Most of the time both of them look like thrash, so it's a great thing to finally pay some respect and portray them well.
Can I just ask though, if it's too spoilery then please tell me and don't answer, but where the fuck is Storm?
4.5.5 stars. Rounded down, just like any other Graphic Novel. I always round down when it comes to GN, so I guess you could also say that I judge these harsher than novels. A great read though, so don't hesitate to try if you're looking for a great X-Men read.
May 26, 2025
Still one of my favorite X-Men runs. Whedon nails the dialogue. I love that this is where Kitty and Emma Frost became frenemies. Then you've got all the friction between Cyclops and Wolverine over Jean. Mix in John Cassaday at the top of his game. This go around did make me verklempt that we will never see any more of Cassaday's pages. He was such a terrific artist. And the return of one of my favorite X-Men after being gone for a decade. Just an all around top notch X-Men book.
May 27, 2019
Score: 4.04 out of 5
Grade: 81% (A-) | Great
The X-Crew aim to astonish the world while a mutant cure causes some to question who they really are. Here is my review of Astonishing X-Men Vol. 1: Gifted:
The Good:
I really liked the roster of this team – the former villain (Emma Frost), former thug (Wolverine), the leader (Cyclops), the gentle beast (Beast), and the poster child (Shadowcat) – almost like the Breakfast Club of X-Men. They all have their role as they try to astonish the world similar to the likes of the Fantastic Four or the Avengers. Not everyone gets along, so conflict erupts in entertaining fashion, which means get your popcorn ready people!
The book is at its best when the whole team is just sh**-talking each other. Whedon is a master at bringing ensembles together and making it work (anyone seen the Avengers…?). The humour grounds the story and makes it feel more genuine and authentic. I also fell in love with the art style. My favourite had to be Beast’s design. Oftentimes he just looks like a big blue fur ball, but Cassidy absolutely nails it here! The art in general is very clean n’ crisp and just beautiful to look at.
The ongoing theme in this book questions who we are versus what society wants us to be. Do we follow societal norms to fit in with everyone else? Or do we accept ourselves the way we are? It’s an interesting concept that a couple of X-men ask themselves. I’ve also never heard of this Ord character before and thought he’d end up being lame, but I was wrong! It was refreshing not to get another Magneto rehash of the same ol’ “Homo superiors > Homo sapiens” thing.
The Bad:
This story suffers from a few clichés that are used to push the story forward. It didn’t ruin anything for me, but some situations just end up coincidentally working out for our heroes. The “just in time” clichés are what really bother me, and it happens a couple times in here. We also see the return of an X-Men and, probably because I’m not familiar with the events that happened before this book, it really didn’t do much for me.
This book wraps up everyone’s story rather quickly and Ord’s demise was a little rushed. It felt like Ord’s defeat was almost a little too easy. We also get a bunch of little tidbits for the upcoming storylines which makes this feel more like a set-up than a standalone story. Sure these tidbits peaked my interest, but I would have preferred it more if they spent less time on these tidbits and more time fleshing out the conclusion.
Conclusion:
This is an excellent refreshing start to the X-Men and I’m excited to see where things go. The characters are fun, the story is exciting, the art is great – not much else you can ask for from a comic book. Consider me … *puts on cool sunglasses* … astonished.
Grade: 81% (A-) | Great
The X-Crew aim to astonish the world while a mutant cure causes some to question who they really are. Here is my review of Astonishing X-Men Vol. 1: Gifted:
The Good:
I really liked the roster of this team – the former villain (Emma Frost), former thug (Wolverine), the leader (Cyclops), the gentle beast (Beast), and the poster child (Shadowcat) – almost like the Breakfast Club of X-Men. They all have their role as they try to astonish the world similar to the likes of the Fantastic Four or the Avengers. Not everyone gets along, so conflict erupts in entertaining fashion, which means get your popcorn ready people!
The book is at its best when the whole team is just sh**-talking each other. Whedon is a master at bringing ensembles together and making it work (anyone seen the Avengers…?). The humour grounds the story and makes it feel more genuine and authentic. I also fell in love with the art style. My favourite had to be Beast’s design. Oftentimes he just looks like a big blue fur ball, but Cassidy absolutely nails it here! The art in general is very clean n’ crisp and just beautiful to look at.
The ongoing theme in this book questions who we are versus what society wants us to be. Do we follow societal norms to fit in with everyone else? Or do we accept ourselves the way we are? It’s an interesting concept that a couple of X-men ask themselves. I’ve also never heard of this Ord character before and thought he’d end up being lame, but I was wrong! It was refreshing not to get another Magneto rehash of the same ol’ “Homo superiors > Homo sapiens” thing.
The Bad:
This story suffers from a few clichés that are used to push the story forward. It didn’t ruin anything for me, but some situations just end up coincidentally working out for our heroes. The “just in time” clichés are what really bother me, and it happens a couple times in here. We also see the return of an X-Men and, probably because I’m not familiar with the events that happened before this book, it really didn’t do much for me.
This book wraps up everyone’s story rather quickly and Ord’s demise was a little rushed. It felt like Ord’s defeat was almost a little too easy. We also get a bunch of little tidbits for the upcoming storylines which makes this feel more like a set-up than a standalone story. Sure these tidbits peaked my interest, but I would have preferred it more if they spent less time on these tidbits and more time fleshing out the conclusion.
Conclusion:
This is an excellent refreshing start to the X-Men and I’m excited to see where things go. The characters are fun, the story is exciting, the art is great – not much else you can ask for from a comic book. Consider me … *puts on cool sunglasses* … astonished.
October 11, 2022
Joss Whedon may not be what he once was, but this is still a quality comic and a good follow up to Grant Morrison's legendary New X-Men. In retrospect, the writing is fine if not groundbreaking. It's actually the story telling power of artist John Cassidy that made this seem such an excellent series at the time.
The premise is that the X-Men are superheroes again, and superheroic it is. And there's the prejudice themes, and note that the institute is a school with students. I always did love White Queen in that setting. Kitty Pryde is a welcome addition, there's that classic character who comes back to life, and the alien villain is just so-so. However, I never did like that particular Wolverine costume of the 2000s...
All in all holds up on its own, and so a good introductory X-Men story to those intimidated by too much continuity. As long as one knows the basics from say the cartoon, this is a solid graphic novel to recommend.
The premise is that the X-Men are superheroes again, and superheroic it is. And there's the prejudice themes, and note that the institute is a school with students. I always did love White Queen in that setting. Kitty Pryde is a welcome addition, there's that classic character who comes back to life, and the alien villain is just so-so. However, I never did like that particular Wolverine costume of the 2000s...
All in all holds up on its own, and so a good introductory X-Men story to those intimidated by too much continuity. As long as one knows the basics from say the cartoon, this is a solid graphic novel to recommend.
July 15, 2016
Un primer tomo que consigue presentar unas tramas interesantes sobre todo hacia la segunda mitad, con la introducción de Pete. En líneas generales me ha entretenido pero he sentido mucha falta de información que no se completaba, como que no conseguía enterarme de todo lo que pasaba y no paraban de referencias situaciones pasadas. Supongo que es normal en el mundo Marvel, pero al ser el inicio de una saga pensaba que se iba a poder disfrutar aun con esa falta de información. El dibujo es increíble pero creo que en cuanto a trama, es introductoria.
June 8, 2012
Picking up where Grant Morrison left off, Joss Whedon begins his run on the X-Men with a new line up consisting of Cyclops, Emma Frost, Beast, Kitty Pryde, Lockheed the X-Dragon, and Wolverine (Xavier is "on sabbatical"). He's also reinstated the classic superhero outfits, ditching Morrison and Quitely's additions of black leather as "it was spooking people".
Having seen the third X-Men movie long before picking up this book I noticed the storyline they used in that film being used here for the first time - a cure for the mutant gene. Whedon came up with this great idea and full credit to him for making it both emotional and intellectual rather than simply another threat to be beaten up with mutant powers.
Beast especially is a tragic case as his appearance has always bothered him and for a chance to reverse that... well I won't give away what he decides. Suffice it to say this story has heart, something rare in superhero comics. But it's Whedon so there's plenty of fun moments and jokes to make this a great read.
Artist John Cassady is one of comics' best living artists and his work here is no less amazing as it was on "Planetary". His Kitty Pryde in particular is very good, though there's no character he doesn't do justice to.
I've watched Buffy, Firefly, and of course The Avengers, but this is the first Joss Whedon I've read and I'm pleasantly surprised by his high level of writing ability translating off screen and on the comics page. "Gifted" is an excellent start to an imaginative and fully realised X-Men storyline that I'll be looking forward to reading more of. Recommended for all X-fans.
Having seen the third X-Men movie long before picking up this book I noticed the storyline they used in that film being used here for the first time - a cure for the mutant gene. Whedon came up with this great idea and full credit to him for making it both emotional and intellectual rather than simply another threat to be beaten up with mutant powers.
Beast especially is a tragic case as his appearance has always bothered him and for a chance to reverse that... well I won't give away what he decides. Suffice it to say this story has heart, something rare in superhero comics. But it's Whedon so there's plenty of fun moments and jokes to make this a great read.
Artist John Cassady is one of comics' best living artists and his work here is no less amazing as it was on "Planetary". His Kitty Pryde in particular is very good, though there's no character he doesn't do justice to.
I've watched Buffy, Firefly, and of course The Avengers, but this is the first Joss Whedon I've read and I'm pleasantly surprised by his high level of writing ability translating off screen and on the comics page. "Gifted" is an excellent start to an imaginative and fully realised X-Men storyline that I'll be looking forward to reading more of. Recommended for all X-fans.
January 30, 2014
This was a bit better. I’ve doggedly been trying to get aboard the X-Men bandwagon. The “Ultimate” version was too contrived for my taste, and many readers recommended Josh Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men run. I will admit that this is probably required reading for X-Men fans; it is quite good, but perhaps not the best place for the uninitiated to start. I was a bit out of my depth here. For example, I never read the arc where Colossus “died”. Professor Xavier is also missing from this outing, leaving Cyclops and Emma Frost (sort of) in charge. Neither of the two are characters I particularly care for, so…
I quite liked Ord, the Extra Terrestrial villain. I’m hoping that, should I continue reading this series, that we’ll be seeing more of him. I would like some more insight into his hatred of mutants.
Now, although Gifted is rather good, there are one or two scenes that venture dangerously close to being schmaltzy. If you do already like the X-Men, though, and know enough of the back story, this series is well worth your time.
I read X-Men comics as a kid, and I enjoyed them, but I’m struggling to recapture that vibe. I’ll still check out Grant Morrison’s version, but I think what I’m really after is the stuff from the late 80s / early 90s, where Beast at least looked dangerous and not like a plush toy. I need a nudge in the right direction though, as far as the collected editions are concerned, since there are so many of them.
….or, alternatively, I should just stick to reading Wolverine.
I quite liked Ord, the Extra Terrestrial villain. I’m hoping that, should I continue reading this series, that we’ll be seeing more of him. I would like some more insight into his hatred of mutants.
Now, although Gifted is rather good, there are one or two scenes that venture dangerously close to being schmaltzy. If you do already like the X-Men, though, and know enough of the back story, this series is well worth your time.
I read X-Men comics as a kid, and I enjoyed them, but I’m struggling to recapture that vibe. I’ll still check out Grant Morrison’s version, but I think what I’m really after is the stuff from the late 80s / early 90s, where Beast at least looked dangerous and not like a plush toy. I need a nudge in the right direction though, as far as the collected editions are concerned, since there are so many of them.
….or, alternatively, I should just stick to reading Wolverine.
August 12, 2023
The X-Men are re-forming and opening Xavier's School again. Some familiar faces return like Kitty Pryde.
Meanwhile a cure for the mutant condition has been found.
Gifted is the inspiration for the worst X-Men movie X-Men 3 The Last Stand. Thankfully Cyclops and Professor X aren't dissolved by a Phoenix powered Jean Grey. Jean is dead and Scott has moved on withMs. Lingerie Emma Frost. Frost is also helping to lead the school which isn't going over well with everyone.
The author Joss Whedon has a habit for absurdly slow starts to his work. I believe wholeheartedly that's why Firefly was canceled in its first season and why if any other station than ABC owned Marvel's Agents of SHIELD, it would have been cancelled in its first season. Whedon likes to set major plans that can't be bothered with keeping the characters and story interesting until he gets there. It's easy to see major events are being set, but the current story telling isn't all that compelling for me.
Gifted was an OK story, but I'm in no rush to continue the series at this point.
Meanwhile a cure for the mutant condition has been found.
Gifted is the inspiration for the worst X-Men movie X-Men 3 The Last Stand. Thankfully Cyclops and Professor X aren't dissolved by a Phoenix powered Jean Grey. Jean is dead and Scott has moved on with
The author Joss Whedon has a habit for absurdly slow starts to his work. I believe wholeheartedly that's why Firefly was canceled in its first season and why if any other station than ABC owned Marvel's Agents of SHIELD, it would have been cancelled in its first season. Whedon likes to set major plans that can't be bothered with keeping the characters and story interesting until he gets there. It's easy to see major events are being set, but the current story telling isn't all that compelling for me.
Gifted was an OK story, but I'm in no rush to continue the series at this point.
January 31, 2022
The X-Men are back and they wanna act as heroes and with a new mutant cure going around, its upto them to find the people behind it and prevent a calamity that might happen, and then we have this new villain ORD whose behind the cure and the very secrets that are revealing themselves, the return of Colossus, the formation of new team, tensions between Kitty and Emma, Wolverine taking it with everyone, Beast wanting the cure, the introduction of Abigail Brand and SWORD and so many revelations. This book was massive and had literally so much stuff packed in and it reads quickly and its an amazing read. Just epic stuff from Joss and co. And the art is gorgeous and the character moments well earned. The fastball special and the psychic meetings were good to see again!
_________________________________________________________________
Reread: 31/01/2022
This was another fun re-read and I love the way it all happens with the team coming together and the costumes and the plots of Ord of the breakworld and the mutant cure and how the stories intersect is fun and at the same time whatever Kitty is going through with the return of someone big on one of their missions and Wolverine fighting with Cyclops and Beast was fun and I can't say the context of it but its so well written lol. Plus SWORD and new concepts and everything, just too good. The art is god-tier and its so clean and I love that panel of Kitty when she is surprised by the return of that someone special. Amazing read again.
_________________________________________________________________
Reread: 31/01/2022
This was another fun re-read and I love the way it all happens with the team coming together and the costumes and the plots of Ord of the breakworld and the mutant cure and how the stories intersect is fun and at the same time whatever Kitty is going through with the return of someone big on one of their missions and Wolverine fighting with Cyclops and Beast was fun and I can't say the context of it but its so well written lol. Plus SWORD and new concepts and everything, just too good. The art is god-tier and its so clean and I love that panel of Kitty when she is surprised by the return of that someone special. Amazing read again.
August 30, 2012
My introduction to the X-Men, many years ago, was the Dark Phoenix Saga (even though it was already a couple of years old when I found it). Up until then I'd been consuming Namor and the staples: Batman, Superman, Captain America, Spiderman. My starting place was not a bad place to start; it was, in fact, a pretty fine place to start. Maybe too fine. Starting with one of the finest chapters of the X-Men might be why I've mostly been a passing fan of Marvel's mutants over the years. Nothing could quite live up to the excellence of the Chris Claremont & John Byrne partnership.
I'd pop into the X-Men for a visit if I heard an arc was worth reading or if a crossover made a visit essential, or even buy a mini-series with an X-Man I liked, but I was never an avid reader.
I had no idea until recently that my introduction to the X-Men was as significant to my personal mythology as it was and is, but somewhere in my squishy brain bits that first moment with the X-Men planted some seeds that germinated into my contribution to our youngest daughter's name.
When I chose the name nine years ago (a name which was supposed to be my son Milos' when he and his twin sister Bronte were born, but he was a boy, "Damn it!" and he screwed up my plans), everyone wondered why I would chose a name like the one I chose, especially when I instantly replaced it with a nickname. I couldn't provide an answer beyond, "I dunno. I've always just loved those names." The name and the nickname felt right.
It took Joss Whedon's* Astonishing X-Men Vol. 1 Gifted to answer that question and reveal the roots of the brain shrub that had been growing since I was a kid, but the answer was there in the pages of his epic X-Collaboration with John Cassaday.
As soon as I started reading I was greeted by an old, old friend -- Shadowcat. She's late for her return to Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and she finds an empty school upon her arrival, so she starts walking through walls and sinking through floors trying to figure out where everyone's gone (she can phase through anything, in case you didn't know). And I am thrilled. I instantly remember how much I've loved Shadowcat through the years, and I hope that she'll bump into Wolverine soon (in the movies, Rogue's relationship with Wolvie is based on the comic book relationship between him and Shadowcat). Instead, she stumbles into a school assembly and shrugs off the embarrassment at her lateness when the new Headmistress, Emma Frost (former White Queen of the Hellfire Club), mocks her. She gives Emma a sassy tongue lashing and reminds the White Queen that the first time they met Emma tried to kill her, derailing her search for the X-Men and unleashing a Dark Phoenix. I snort at Shadowcat's telling blow, then remember that Dark Phoenix was indeed the first appearance of Kitty Pryde.
And I start to wonder without any serious thought whether "Kitty" has anything to do with my Kitty Kat's nickname; something is shaking those roots, but I ignore it and keep reading until it comes clear.
You see ... another old favourite appears right near the end, and he calls Kitty by the name only he calls her -- "Katya" -- and I know the source of my contribution to Scoutie's name: Katya Gwendolyn Scout. I should have known all along, but somehow the source slipped away from me only to be revealed in the best X-Man comic since the Dark Phoenix Saga.
I think they're fabulous. Both the comic and the revelation it catalyzed. And I love comics. And Joss Whedon. And most of all I love my Scoutie Kat.
*For all you oldsters out there: did you know that Joss Whedon's Dad, Tom Whedon, was the head writer for The Electric Company? How fucking cool is that?
I'd pop into the X-Men for a visit if I heard an arc was worth reading or if a crossover made a visit essential, or even buy a mini-series with an X-Man I liked, but I was never an avid reader.
I had no idea until recently that my introduction to the X-Men was as significant to my personal mythology as it was and is, but somewhere in my squishy brain bits that first moment with the X-Men planted some seeds that germinated into my contribution to our youngest daughter's name.
When I chose the name nine years ago (a name which was supposed to be my son Milos' when he and his twin sister Bronte were born, but he was a boy, "Damn it!" and he screwed up my plans), everyone wondered why I would chose a name like the one I chose, especially when I instantly replaced it with a nickname. I couldn't provide an answer beyond, "I dunno. I've always just loved those names." The name and the nickname felt right.
It took Joss Whedon's* Astonishing X-Men Vol. 1 Gifted to answer that question and reveal the roots of the brain shrub that had been growing since I was a kid, but the answer was there in the pages of his epic X-Collaboration with John Cassaday.
As soon as I started reading I was greeted by an old, old friend -- Shadowcat. She's late for her return to Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and she finds an empty school upon her arrival, so she starts walking through walls and sinking through floors trying to figure out where everyone's gone (she can phase through anything, in case you didn't know). And I am thrilled. I instantly remember how much I've loved Shadowcat through the years, and I hope that she'll bump into Wolverine soon (in the movies, Rogue's relationship with Wolvie is based on the comic book relationship between him and Shadowcat). Instead, she stumbles into a school assembly and shrugs off the embarrassment at her lateness when the new Headmistress, Emma Frost (former White Queen of the Hellfire Club), mocks her. She gives Emma a sassy tongue lashing and reminds the White Queen that the first time they met Emma tried to kill her, derailing her search for the X-Men and unleashing a Dark Phoenix. I snort at Shadowcat's telling blow, then remember that Dark Phoenix was indeed the first appearance of Kitty Pryde.
And I start to wonder without any serious thought whether "Kitty" has anything to do with my Kitty Kat's nickname; something is shaking those roots, but I ignore it and keep reading until it comes clear.
You see ... another old favourite appears right near the end, and he calls Kitty by the name only he calls her -- "Katya" -- and I know the source of my contribution to Scoutie's name: Katya Gwendolyn Scout. I should have known all along, but somehow the source slipped away from me only to be revealed in the best X-Man comic since the Dark Phoenix Saga.
I think they're fabulous. Both the comic and the revelation it catalyzed. And I love comics. And Joss Whedon. And most of all I love my Scoutie Kat.
*For all you oldsters out there: did you know that Joss Whedon's Dad, Tom Whedon, was the head writer for The Electric Company? How fucking cool is that?
September 17, 2020
So, I think I mistook this volume. I thought I was reading the first ever issue of X-Men, when really this is just another whole set of X-Men. I knew that there were multiple sets and stories and characters and such, because you hear people talking about how "in one alternate universe this happened which is different from this other universe" and such and so forth.
BUT, it wasn't that confusing. Because I knew the characters and I knew about the girl who is already dead in the beginning (it's Jean. It isn't a spoiler. Stop freaking out. Just stop).
And again, BUT the two X-Men movies that we have are kind of mixed into one in this. The whole "cure for the mutants" didn't happen while Jean through her fit and went kind of crazy. Emma Frost (that girl from the other X-Men movie that has diamond skin and can read minds) is in this and is actually playing for the good guys now, even though I sense she had a past.
Oh and don't forget to throw a little Avengers in there with a Agent Fury.
We start off with Kitty (girl who can walk through walls). She is joining the remaining X-Men (Logan/Wolverine, Hank/Beast, Summers/Cyclops and Emma Frost) to help young mutant kids come to turns with their powers and who they are.
Well, there's this weird alien that wants to kill all mutants and there's also a doctor lady who claims to have found a cure.
So sure, let's put together a bunch of people who don't like each other and then throw actual problems at them.
The artistry is wonderful and brilliant, even though some costumes are so unrealistic I just roll my eyes *cough* Frost *cough*. The story had a lot of snarky comics and funny pieces, like the image above was suppose to be.. well, without giving anything away, it was suppose to be Hawaii but it was forgotten that they were a lot bigger.
I could tell who people were just by what they looked like (since I have watched the movies religiously since I was in high school). The characters have a lot of edges and angles to them, and you know that you are just about to see another level to them. They all have history together which is kind of fun to dig into it.
Also, Wolverine is forever my forever.
I am obviously going to annoy the crap out of all my followers and friends here and continue on with this set of "Astonishing X-Men," but I will try to space them out some so you don't end up hating me too much.
Side note: I am looking for other awesome graphic novels / comics. So if you have any you love and you want someone else to love, comment below or message me! I would love to check them out!
BUT, it wasn't that confusing. Because I knew the characters and I knew about the girl who is already dead in the beginning (it's Jean. It isn't a spoiler. Stop freaking out. Just stop).
And again, BUT the two X-Men movies that we have are kind of mixed into one in this. The whole "cure for the mutants" didn't happen while Jean through her fit and went kind of crazy. Emma Frost (that girl from the other X-Men movie that has diamond skin and can read minds) is in this and is actually playing for the good guys now, even though I sense she had a past.
Oh and don't forget to throw a little Avengers in there with a Agent Fury.
We start off with Kitty (girl who can walk through walls). She is joining the remaining X-Men (Logan/Wolverine, Hank/Beast, Summers/Cyclops and Emma Frost) to help young mutant kids come to turns with their powers and who they are.
Well, there's this weird alien that wants to kill all mutants and there's also a doctor lady who claims to have found a cure.
So sure, let's put together a bunch of people who don't like each other and then throw actual problems at them.
The artistry is wonderful and brilliant, even though some costumes are so unrealistic I just roll my eyes *cough* Frost *cough*. The story had a lot of snarky comics and funny pieces, like the image above was suppose to be.. well, without giving anything away, it was suppose to be Hawaii but it was forgotten that they were a lot bigger.
I could tell who people were just by what they looked like (since I have watched the movies religiously since I was in high school). The characters have a lot of edges and angles to them, and you know that you are just about to see another level to them. They all have history together which is kind of fun to dig into it.
Also, Wolverine is forever my forever.
I am obviously going to annoy the crap out of all my followers and friends here and continue on with this set of "Astonishing X-Men," but I will try to space them out some so you don't end up hating me too much.
Side note: I am looking for other awesome graphic novels / comics. So if you have any you love and you want someone else to love, comment below or message me! I would love to check them out!
February 7, 2018
After the monotonous Marvel comics I have read recently, this is a breath of fresh air. This has characters and it doesn't feel like it's simply about the action. I was engaged and it was fun. Why can't this be more of what the comics are doing. Joss is amazing and he really does understand emotions and characters. That's what he does.
I love the art. I thought the plot was fun without being too ridiculous. I mean there is an alien in it and it's only one and it does overwhelm the story. There is a lot of back story I have obviously missed before this started. Oh well.
I was entertained with a quick read.
I love the art. I thought the plot was fun without being too ridiculous. I mean there is an alien in it and it's only one and it does overwhelm the story. There is a lot of back story I have obviously missed before this started. Oh well.
I was entertained with a quick read.
April 13, 2015
Fantastic premise - an x-gene cure? That'll keep 'em on their toes for a while.
Loving the super-bitch Emma Frost that Whedon cooked up - he really does have a way with female characters doesn't he?
The writing and art are a nice, fresh yet familiar take on our favourite misfits. I am so glad that Whedon branched out beyond his Buffyverse to grant us this twist on our tired old mutant storylines. This kicks off a spectacular run of X-Men comics.
Loving the super-bitch Emma Frost that Whedon cooked up - he really does have a way with female characters doesn't he?
The writing and art are a nice, fresh yet familiar take on our favourite misfits. I am so glad that Whedon branched out beyond his Buffyverse to grant us this twist on our tired old mutant storylines. This kicks off a spectacular run of X-Men comics.
December 22, 2017
4.5 stars
Ah, Kitty Pryde. I guess I think of her as an avatar for the reader with this team's line-up. We may not have Beast's intellect, Emma Frost's looks, Wolverine's toughness, or Cyclops' leadership skills, but Kitty is just Kitty (and all the better for it) - as in plucky, aware, good-hearted and dependable.
I thought she was one of the best things about the All New X-Men series that I read earlier this year, and the feeling continues with Astonishing Vol. 1. There was a lot of good action, good dialogue (the spirited bickering between Kitty and Emma; Cyclops and Nick Fury; Wolverine and pretty much everyone) and a nice amount of unexpected humor, as well. As the team strutted in tandem to board the X-Jet and intervene in a hostage situation . . . well, it's just one of those little things that make superhero comic books worth reading.
Ah, Kitty Pryde. I guess I think of her as an avatar for the reader with this team's line-up. We may not have Beast's intellect, Emma Frost's looks, Wolverine's toughness, or Cyclops' leadership skills, but Kitty is just Kitty (and all the better for it) - as in plucky, aware, good-hearted and dependable.
I thought she was one of the best things about the All New X-Men series that I read earlier this year, and the feeling continues with Astonishing Vol. 1. There was a lot of good action, good dialogue (the spirited bickering between Kitty and Emma; Cyclops and Nick Fury; Wolverine and pretty much everyone) and a nice amount of unexpected humor, as well. As the team strutted in tandem to board the X-Jet and intervene in a hostage situation . . . well, it's just one of those little things that make superhero comic books worth reading.
December 12, 2015
Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-Men will ..em..you know astonish you. Nice story, very good job with the characters and i personaly liked the art very much. So if you are an X-Men fan and haven't read this yet ( unlikely i know ) do it now
January 15, 2012
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
6 stars!
Brief History:
Alright, I have actually first heard of the “X-Men” series when I was little and it was through a 90s cartoon series entitled “X-Men: The Animated Series.” From that day on, I was so hooked onto the “X-Men” franchise that I practically watched every incarnation of “X-Men” throughout my life which included the animated series “X-Men: Evolution” and I even watched all three “X-Men” movies. Now the truth of the matter is that even though I have heard of the “X-Men” franchise ever since I was a child, I never read the comics at all, until now. I never read the comics before because there was just too many universes involving everyone's favorite superhero mutants and I am one of those people who cannot keep up with too many different versions of certain characters' lives because I will get confused easily. Well, I stumbled upon this unique comic book from the “X-Men” series entitled “Astonishing X-Men: Gifted” and when I found out that Joss Whedon (creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) was going to write an “X-Men” comic, I was shocked and excited at the same time! Joss Whedon is surely an accomplished writer and I have watched “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” before and I really enjoyed that show! And now, without further ado, I will now discuss about what this book is all about and my opinions on this comic.
What is the story?
Cyclops and Emma Frost, who are now in charge of the institute, started reforming the X-Men once again to prove to the world that even though they are mutants, they are the heroes and they want to “astonish” the world with their heroic deeds. However, when a mutant cure reaches all over the world and many mutants line up to get the cure, will the X-Men's efforts to prove to the world that they are the good guys fall in vain? And to add to that, the X-Men will soon reunite with a fellow mutant who was presumed dead. Who is that mutant? Find out once you pick up “Astonishing X-Men: Gifted!”
What I loved about this comic:
Joss Whedon's writing: Joss Whedon's writing was so brilliant in this comic! He really knows how to bring excitement and suspense to the storyline regarding the X-Men trying to figure out the secrets of this “mutant cure” and who is behind all of this commotion. I also loved the way that Joss Whedon is able to shock the audience with various scenes that came so unexpected in the story, such as the scene where we find out about the mutant who was presumed dead and when I found out about that situation, I was totally shocked beyond all reason and yet I was extremely happy to see how the shock of this scene was written and shown. I also loved the way that Joss Whedon incorporated humor into the story at the right places, like Wolverine's obsession with beer and that one popular line in the book where Wolverine is cursing like crazy and you just see a bunch of symbols indicating the strong language.
John Cassaday's illustrations: John Cassaday's illustrations were simply gorgeous and fitted this story perfectly. I loved how all the X-Men characters look so real and I especially loved seeing their expressions that ranged from anger to shock as it was amusing to look at. I also loved the lighting of certain scenes such as the X-Men going to the Benetech lab and everything inside the lab is shaded in green which fitted the brooding mood of the lab.
The characters: I have never seen such amazing characters from the “X-Men” universe in my entire life! All the characters were interesting without being boring at all and I loved seeing the actual conflicts they have with each other, especially between Emma Frost and Kitty Pryde as they clearly have contempt for each other due to Emma's horrible past. Even though I will always be a Cyclops/Jean Grey fan, I thought that the relationship between Emma and Scott was pretty interesting and they seem to share some kind of bond that I never would have seen in any other comic. I also loved the fact that Kitty Pryde seems to be the star of this issue since the media rarely focuses on her character and what was so interesting about her character was that she resembled Buffy from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” in being the heroic heroine who would do anything to save her friends from disaster.
What made me feel uncomfortable about this book:
I do not really have much of a problem with this issue since I thought it was perfect, but for those of you who do not like gore and language, this volume contains plenty of gore and language, so I would probably not read this issue if language and violence is a bother to some people.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I really enjoyed reading “Astonishing X-Men: Gifted” and I am looking forward to reading up on the next issue “Dangerous” from this fantastic series! If anyone has ever read the “X-Men” series before and you want to recommend me some titles, please recommend me some “X-Men” titles that were really great to read!
6 stars!
Brief History:
Alright, I have actually first heard of the “X-Men” series when I was little and it was through a 90s cartoon series entitled “X-Men: The Animated Series.” From that day on, I was so hooked onto the “X-Men” franchise that I practically watched every incarnation of “X-Men” throughout my life which included the animated series “X-Men: Evolution” and I even watched all three “X-Men” movies. Now the truth of the matter is that even though I have heard of the “X-Men” franchise ever since I was a child, I never read the comics at all, until now. I never read the comics before because there was just too many universes involving everyone's favorite superhero mutants and I am one of those people who cannot keep up with too many different versions of certain characters' lives because I will get confused easily. Well, I stumbled upon this unique comic book from the “X-Men” series entitled “Astonishing X-Men: Gifted” and when I found out that Joss Whedon (creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) was going to write an “X-Men” comic, I was shocked and excited at the same time! Joss Whedon is surely an accomplished writer and I have watched “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” before and I really enjoyed that show! And now, without further ado, I will now discuss about what this book is all about and my opinions on this comic.
What is the story?
Cyclops and Emma Frost, who are now in charge of the institute, started reforming the X-Men once again to prove to the world that even though they are mutants, they are the heroes and they want to “astonish” the world with their heroic deeds. However, when a mutant cure reaches all over the world and many mutants line up to get the cure, will the X-Men's efforts to prove to the world that they are the good guys fall in vain? And to add to that, the X-Men will soon reunite with a fellow mutant who was presumed dead. Who is that mutant? Find out once you pick up “Astonishing X-Men: Gifted!”
What I loved about this comic:
Joss Whedon's writing: Joss Whedon's writing was so brilliant in this comic! He really knows how to bring excitement and suspense to the storyline regarding the X-Men trying to figure out the secrets of this “mutant cure” and who is behind all of this commotion. I also loved the way that Joss Whedon is able to shock the audience with various scenes that came so unexpected in the story, such as the scene where we find out about the mutant who was presumed dead and when I found out about that situation, I was totally shocked beyond all reason and yet I was extremely happy to see how the shock of this scene was written and shown. I also loved the way that Joss Whedon incorporated humor into the story at the right places, like Wolverine's obsession with beer and that one popular line in the book where Wolverine is cursing like crazy and you just see a bunch of symbols indicating the strong language.
John Cassaday's illustrations: John Cassaday's illustrations were simply gorgeous and fitted this story perfectly. I loved how all the X-Men characters look so real and I especially loved seeing their expressions that ranged from anger to shock as it was amusing to look at. I also loved the lighting of certain scenes such as the X-Men going to the Benetech lab and everything inside the lab is shaded in green which fitted the brooding mood of the lab.
The characters: I have never seen such amazing characters from the “X-Men” universe in my entire life! All the characters were interesting without being boring at all and I loved seeing the actual conflicts they have with each other, especially between Emma Frost and Kitty Pryde as they clearly have contempt for each other due to Emma's horrible past. Even though I will always be a Cyclops/Jean Grey fan, I thought that the relationship between Emma and Scott was pretty interesting and they seem to share some kind of bond that I never would have seen in any other comic. I also loved the fact that Kitty Pryde seems to be the star of this issue since the media rarely focuses on her character and what was so interesting about her character was that she resembled Buffy from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” in being the heroic heroine who would do anything to save her friends from disaster.
What made me feel uncomfortable about this book:
I do not really have much of a problem with this issue since I thought it was perfect, but for those of you who do not like gore and language, this volume contains plenty of gore and language, so I would probably not read this issue if language and violence is a bother to some people.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I really enjoyed reading “Astonishing X-Men: Gifted” and I am looking forward to reading up on the next issue “Dangerous” from this fantastic series! If anyone has ever read the “X-Men” series before and you want to recommend me some titles, please recommend me some “X-Men” titles that were really great to read!
January 31, 2012
There was no question in my mind that Joss Whedon can write, and quite well at that. But can he write the X-Men? The answer, of course, is that he can, and quite well at that.
This is, I believe, the first X book I've picked up in probably eight years. Nightcrawler is my favorite, and between I've been avoiding them as unnecessary stressors. But that means that I missed Whedon's run on Astonishing X-Men, and that's just a travesty. This is just about as good as it gets. The plot is tight, consistent, and raises interesting questions. (There's a possible "cure" for mutants- now what?) The characterization is spot on, hell, better than most outings these characters have had. I think I might actually like Scott Summers in this book, and I don't know if I can process that. The dialog is natural, neither corny, preachy, or overly wordy, and there's humor. There's an emotional climax to this particular book that's written with a sincerity that made it affecting.
And the art! Do you know how many times I've picked up X books only to see that the artist gave every woman the exact same face? It's just so nice to see good art in an X book.
I can only think of one specific complaint, which is that Whedon didn't use Nightcrawler. I want to see him write Nightcrawler. Yes, this is selfish of me, but I think I'm allowed.
This is, I believe, the first X book I've picked up in probably eight years. Nightcrawler is my favorite, and between I've been avoiding them as unnecessary stressors. But that means that I missed Whedon's run on Astonishing X-Men, and that's just a travesty. This is just about as good as it gets. The plot is tight, consistent, and raises interesting questions. (There's a possible "cure" for mutants- now what?) The characterization is spot on, hell, better than most outings these characters have had. I think I might actually like Scott Summers in this book, and I don't know if I can process that. The dialog is natural, neither corny, preachy, or overly wordy, and there's humor. There's an emotional climax to this particular book that's written with a sincerity that made it affecting.
And the art! Do you know how many times I've picked up X books only to see that the artist gave every woman the exact same face? It's just so nice to see good art in an X book.
I can only think of one specific complaint, which is that Whedon didn't use Nightcrawler. I want to see him write Nightcrawler. Yes, this is selfish of me, but I think I'm allowed.
September 14, 2016
Solidly fun and intelligently written. A great look at our heroes reuniting after several years. Fantastic artwork, too. Astonishing!
October 28, 2009
Oh, X-Men, how do I love thee? I shall not bore anyone by counting the ways, but suffice it to say I love 'em. However, my introduction to the X-Men did not come in the form of a comic book, but instead from the Saturday morning cartoon show that used to run on FOX and, later, the big budget movies. I wasn't a comic book reader as a kid (mainly due to lack of access--there were no bookstores in my small rural town) and discovering that the X-Men had been around forever did not exactly encourage me to begin reading. I assumed that I would have to start at the beginning and the idea of doing so was overwhelming.
What finally inspired me to begin reading this series is that it's written by Joss Whedon (oh, Firefly, how do I love thee?). Whedon plus the X-Men is an irresistable combination. There's definitely some trademark Whedon going on here, most notably in the snappy dialogue and the clever scenes (my favorite is when Ord breaks into the school, only to find the X-Men aren't there--just the students, thus leading to an amusing "would you like to leave a message" dialogue). However, overall, it didn't grab me. I think this is mainly because the X-Men involved (Cyclops, Kitty Pryde, Beast, Emma Frost, and, of course, the ubiquitous Wolverine) just aren't among my favorites. All in all, though, it was a pretty good book and I'll definitely read the others in the series.
What finally inspired me to begin reading this series is that it's written by Joss Whedon (oh, Firefly, how do I love thee?). Whedon plus the X-Men is an irresistable combination. There's definitely some trademark Whedon going on here, most notably in the snappy dialogue and the clever scenes (my favorite is when Ord breaks into the school, only to find the X-Men aren't there--just the students, thus leading to an amusing "would you like to leave a message" dialogue). However, overall, it didn't grab me. I think this is mainly because the X-Men involved (Cyclops, Kitty Pryde, Beast, Emma Frost, and, of course, the ubiquitous Wolverine) just aren't among my favorites. All in all, though, it was a pretty good book and I'll definitely read the others in the series.
May 16, 2014
I have been on a Marvel roll lately. It's mainly due to the fact that I've been mainlining Marvel shows on Netflix, along with the various Marvel movies we've been treated to lately. I discovered that there was a motion comic series for The Astonishing X-Men, and some of the episodes are posted on Netflix. Watching it and "Wolverine and the X-Men" (and loving it), encouraged me to check out some of the comics after many years of not reading them. Luckily my awesome library has this series!
I will admit I am an admirer of Joss Whedon's tv shows, and his characteristic wit is on display in this comic book series run that he authors. His snark and biting sarcasm, plus some sociopolitical commentary. It's fun to see his words come out of the mouth of Emma Frost, Wolverine, and the gang. Not to say it feels foreign to the X-Men, but Whedon just has a characteristic writing style.
Along with the writing, the artwork is beautiful. Bright and stylish, but also detailed to the degree that Kitty's hair blows in the wind like real life, Wolverine's arms and back are covered in hair (let me say that he's the only guy who can get a free pass for back hair), and Emma Frost is unrealistically gorgeous, both in her flesh and diamond form (Can I admit I have a tiny girl crush on Emma Frost?).
I thought I was over the X-Men, but I see that I am very wrong. I am definitely officially sucked back into the world of the mutants. I wish I could run back to the library today to get the next volume.
FYI: Marvel has a wikia database that is tres awesome: http://marvel.wikia.com/Main_Page
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
I will admit I am an admirer of Joss Whedon's tv shows, and his characteristic wit is on display in this comic book series run that he authors. His snark and biting sarcasm, plus some sociopolitical commentary. It's fun to see his words come out of the mouth of Emma Frost, Wolverine, and the gang. Not to say it feels foreign to the X-Men, but Whedon just has a characteristic writing style.
Along with the writing, the artwork is beautiful. Bright and stylish, but also detailed to the degree that Kitty's hair blows in the wind like real life, Wolverine's arms and back are covered in hair (let me say that he's the only guy who can get a free pass for back hair), and Emma Frost is unrealistically gorgeous, both in her flesh and diamond form (Can I admit I have a tiny girl crush on Emma Frost?).
I thought I was over the X-Men, but I see that I am very wrong. I am definitely officially sucked back into the world of the mutants. I wish I could run back to the library today to get the next volume.
FYI: Marvel has a wikia database that is tres awesome: http://marvel.wikia.com/Main_Page
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
March 21, 2008
As a person newer to the comic universe, nothing frightened and confused me more than the plethora of "X-men" comic books. I had assumed to skip on the whole thing until a friend recommended this series written by the eternally intriguing Joss Whedon. Removed from the twisted continuity and stories of the present X-men comics, this series approached the team in some general present time in the marvel universe and created a simpler context with which to follow a very entertaining story. This review applies to all of the volumes, even thought the third is my favorite hence far. I am greatly anticipating the (spoiled) ending of Joss' run in volume four.
November 11, 2024
One ofthe best things I've read all year. Wheadon's dialogue is so sharp that the plot is very tight, and the stakes and pacing are just perfect. The recently passed John Cassidy has always been one of my favorites in the business, and this has to be the peak of his career imo.
Highly recommend a re-read and if you haven't read this Era of X-men it's one of the best jumping on points I always recommend people
Highly recommend a re-read and if you haven't read this Era of X-men it's one of the best jumping on points I always recommend people
November 1, 2021
1ª vez con la patrulla X. Una gran entrada.
June 5, 2025
We love
June 28, 2020
Επιστροφή στα Marvel comics της Hachette και ΝΑΙ έχουμε επιτέλους ιστορία με X-Men,κάτι που πραγματικά ανυπομονούσα να διαβάσω!
Η ιστορία ξεκινάει με την επιστροφή της Κίττυ Πράιντ,γνωστής καιως Shadowcat,στη σχολή Xavier, αυτή τη φορά ως καθηγήτρια,υπότη διεύθυνση του Σκοτ Σάμμερς (Cyclops) καιτης Έμμα Φροστ.Οι αναμνήσεις ξυπνούν και κάπου εκεί μαθαίνουμε πως ο Καθηγητής Χ απουσιάζει επ αόριστον,αλλά καιπως ο Κολόσσους-το αγόρι της Κίττυ-δεν βρίσκεται πλέον στη ζωή.
Η επιστροφή στη σχολή αποδεικνύεται επεισοδιακή,αφού μετο που πατάει εκεί,αναπτύσσει κόντρα μετην Έμμα Φροστ,πρώην εγκληματία και βασίλισσα του Hellfire Club,και νυν x-man, συν-διευθύντρια και κορίτσι του Σκοτ.Η Κίττυ όμως, επανενώνεται και με τους παλιούς της φίλους,Σκοτ(Cyclops)και Χανκ(Beast).
Η Έμμα,που όπως αναφέρθηκε και πάνω,διευθύνει τη σχολή μαζί μετον Σκοτ,υποδέχεται τους μαθητές και μέσω ενός ανορθόδοξου τρόπου(προσομοίωση επίθεσης)υπενθυμίζει στους μαθητές πως οι άνθρωποι πάντα θα τους μισούν καιθα προσπαθούν να τους εξουδετερώσουν και πωςδεν πρέπει να τους εμπιστεύονται,ακόμα κιαν πρέπει να είναι ειρηνικοί απέναντί τους.
Την επόμενη μέρα,επιστρέφει στη σχολή και ο Λόγκαν (Wolverine) και η μέρα αρχίζει κυριολεκτικά με αυτόν και τον Σκοτ να πολεμούν,αφού έχουν ακόμα το θέμα της Τζην (Phoenix) ανάμεσά τους.Ο Λόγκαν δεν μπορεί να συγχωρήσει τον Σκοτ επειδή η Τζην επέλεξε εκείνον κι επειδή αυτός τώρα που έμεινε μόνος,προχώρησε με την Έμμα.Και ο Σκοτ με τη σειρά του,δεν μπορεί να συγχωρήσει τον Λόγκαν επειδή χώθηκε ανάμεσα σε εκείνον και την Τζην και είχε παράλληλα σχέση μαζί της.
Ο Χανκ καταφέρνει να τους μαζέψει όλους στο δωμάτιο πανικού και ο Σκοτ αποφασίζει πως είναι καιρός να ξαναγυρίσουν στην ενεργό δράση και να συμπεριφέρονται επιτέλους σαν μια ενωμένη ομάδα.
Πρώτη τους αποστολή είναι να σώσουν μια ομάδα ομήρων στο κτήριο Τσάπμαν,το οποίο έχει κατηληφθεί από τον Ορντ,έναν εξωγήινο με υπερδυνάμεις και προηγμένη τεχνολογία υπό την κατοχή του.Και βαθύ μίσος προς τους μεταλλαγμένους.
Οι ήρωές μας δυσκολεύονται αρχικά με τον συγκεκριμένο εχθρό.Από τη δύσκολη θέση,τους βγάζει ο Λόκχιντ,ο εξωγήινος δράκος της Κίττυ.Έχοντας βγει νικητές,σε αυτή την αποστολή,συναντούν δημοσιογράφους που έχουν έρθει για να τους πάρουν συνέντευξη και δηλώνουν για πολλοστη φορά πως είναι στην υπηρεσία των ανθρώπων.Κι εκεί,τυχαία,κάποιος "ξερνά"την ύπαρξη της θεραπείας για το γονίδιο της μετάλλαξης.
Η επίθεση του Ορντ,ήταν ένας αντιπερισπασμός.
Γιατί η Δόκτωρ Καβίτα Ράο,καθηγήτρια γενετικής,έχει διοργανώσει μια παρουσίαση στην οποία σκοπεύει να μιλήσει στον κόσμο για μια θεραπεία,έναν ορό που θεραπεύει τους μεταλλαγμένους και τους κάνει ανθρώπους.Τους παρουσιάζει την Τίλντι,μια μεταλλαγμένη που απέκτησε τις δυνάμεις της νωρίτερα απότο συνηθισμένο. Συγκεκριμένα,η δύναμή της,είναι να φέρνει τους εφιάλτες της στη ζωή,κάτι που άθελά της,στοίχησε τηζωή στους γονείς της,κι επισημαίνει πως μετη θεραπεία,θα καταφέρει επιτέλους ναέχει μια φυσιολογική ζωή.
Πίσω στη σχολή,μετά την αποκάλυψη αυτού του νέου,οι μαθητές και οι ίδιοι οι X-Men χωρίζονται σε δυο ομάδες.Στους τρομοκρατημένους/θυμωμένους που είναι συμφιλιωμένοι με τη μετάλλαξή,θέλουν να κρατήσουν τις δυνάμεις τους και φοβούνται σε τι άκρα μπορεί να φτάσει η ανθρωπότητα προκειμένου να τους επιβάλλει τη θεραπεία,και τους ενθουσιασμένους που εύχονται τα νέα να μην είναι ένα παραμύθι,ώστε να μπορέσουν να γυρίσουν στην πρωτύτερη ζωή τους.
Η ομάδα των εμπειρότερων X-Men προσπαθεί να ηρεμήσει τους μαθητές,παρόλα αυτά, η Κίττυ και η Έμμα βρίσκουν την ευκαιρία να χειροτερέψουν την κόντρα τους.Η πρώτη κατηγορεί την Έμμα ότι χειραγωγεί τον Σκοτ,και η Έμμα με τη σειρά της,λέει πως προσπαθεί συνεχώς να αποδείξει την πίστη της στην ομάδα όσο κι αν την αμφισβητεί,κάτι πουδεν της κάνει απαραίτητα καλό.Η"συζήτηση"λήγει με την Κίττυ ναπροειδοποιεί την Έμμα πως ποτέ δεν θα την εμπιστευτεί,καιπως καλά θα κάνει να προσέχει.
Το ίδιο βράδυ,ο Χανκ,πάει να βρει τη Δρ. Ραο.Εκεί μαθαίνουμε πως οι δυο τους γνωρίζονταν από παλιά και βλέπουμε τη Ραο να υπερασπίζεται με σθένος το δικαίωμα των μεταλλαγμένων να απαλλαχθούν από αυτή την ανεπιθύμητη"ασθένεια"ακόμα κι αν αυτό σημαίνει πως πολλοί άλλοι θα πεθάνουν.Προς έκπληξη όλων όμως,ο Χανκ εξομολογείται πως δεν επιθυμεί να καταστρέψει τον ορό,αλλά πως θέλει να μάθει αν όντως έχει αποτελέσματα.
Πίσω στην έπαυλη,συστηνόμαστε στον Γουίνγκ,έναν μεταλλαγμένο έφηβο που μπορεί να πετάει καιείναι από τους μεταλλαγμένους που θέλουν να κρατήσουν τις δυνάμεις τους.Βέβαια,παρά τα ενθαρρυντικά λόγια της Κίττυ,εκείνος αμφιβάλλει ανόλα θα πάνε καλά.Και δικαίως.Η Κίττυ λέει στην ομάδα πως δεν γίνεται να έχουν τα παιδιά υπό περιορισμό,η Έμμα όμως λέει πωςήδη έχουν αρχίσει μαθητές να το σκάνε προκειμένου να πάνε να"θεραπευτούν".Τον επικείμενο καβγά,διαλύει ο Χανκ,με την αποκάλυψη πως έχει στην κατοχή του δείγμα του ορού.
Μεταφερόμαστε πάλι στα λημέρια των κακών και επιβεβαιώνεται πως Ραο και Ορντ συνεργάζονται.Ο δεύτερος δε,είναι εξαγριωμένος με τη Δόκτωρ,επειδή έδωσε τον ορό στον Χανκ.Αν και συνεργάζονται,η σχέση τους κάθε άλλο παρά φιλική είναι.Ο εξωγήινος έχει απειλήσει τη Δόκτωρ πολλές φορές πως θατη σκοτώσει,κι εκείνη του λέει πως όλα αυτά περί έχθρας προς τους μεταλλαγμένους,δεν είναι παρά δικαιολογίες γιανα προκαλεί χάος.
Ακολουθεί ξανά αλλαγή σκηνικού.Αυτή τη φορά όμως,δεν μεταφερόμαστε ούτε στην έπαυλη,ούτε στις εγκαταστάσεις των κακών μας.Αλλά στις εγκαταστάσεις της S.H.I.E.L.D όπου βλέπουμε τον Σκοτ νασυζητά μετον Νικ Φιούρι.Του παρουσιάζει τα όπλα μετα οποία είχε γίνει η επίθεση στο κτήριο Τσάπμαν και ο Φιούρι τα αναγνωρίζει σαν όπλα που όντως έχουν προέλθει από αυτή την οργάνωση.Ο Σκοτ έχει δικαιολογία να υποψιάζεται τη S.H.I.E.L.D αλλά ο Φιούρι δηλώνει πως δεν έχει δικαίωμα να απαγγείλει κατηγορίες,αφού μπορεί η επίθεση να έγινε κι απο μεταλλαγμένο.
Γιατί δυστυχώς,ο Φιούρι,είναι ακόμα ένας άνθρωπος που θεωρεί τους μεταλλαγμένους σκουπίδια και επικίνδυνους και δεν διστάζει να το κάνει ξεκάθαρο στον Σκοτ,ακόμα κι αν οι X-Men ήταν αυτοί που ανταποκρίθηκαν σε αποστολές στις οποίες η S.H.I.E.L.D αρνούταν να βοηθήσει.
Ο Σκοτ φεύγει,αλλά γίνεται ξεκάθαρο πως ο Νικ ξέρει πολλά περισσότερα από αυτά που λέει...
Πάλι πίσω στην έπαυλη,ο Χανκ συνεχίζει τις έρευνές του πάνω στη θεραπεία,κι έρχεται σε ρήξη μετον Λόγκαν,ο οποίος μετά από συννενόηση με την Έμμα,του λέει νατην καταστρέψει.Ξεσπά διαμάχη ανάμεσα στους δυο ήρωες επειδή ο ένας αμφιταλαντεύεται μεταξύ της τωρινής καιτης πρωτύτερής του κατάστασης καιο άλλος τον θεωρεί έναν δειλό που θέλει να τα παρατήσει.Η διαμάχη γίνεται σωματική,αλλά και οι δύο αναγκάζονται να μεταφερθούν στο δωμάτιο κινδύνου και να συναντήσουν την υπόλοιπη ομάδα.Ο Σκοτ δίνει το ελεύθερο στο Χανκ να συνεχίσει την έρευνα,αλλά του ζητά να μην προχωρησει σε μόνιμες αποφάσεις κρυφά από όλους.Στο κάτω κάτω,συμφωνεί πως η ζωή είναι δική του.Όμως αναθέτει στην Κίττυ να ερευνήσει την εταιρεία κατασκευής και φανερώνει πως ούτε ο ίδιος εμπιστεύεται τον Φιούρι.
Το βράδυ,ο Χανκ με φρίκη ανακαλύπτει πως η Ραο,κάνει πειράματα πάνω σε κάποιον μεταλλαγμένο και ο Σκοτ φοβάται πως αυτός ο μεταλλαγμένος είναι η Τζην.
Η ομάδα σπεύδει στην εταιρεία παραγωγής,αφήνοντας τη σχολή χωρίς φύλαξη,κάτι που δυστυχώς,ο Ορντ εκμεταλλεύεται.Γρήγορα συναντά τους μαθητές Γουίνγκ καιτη φίλη του Χισάκο.Η κοπέλα δεν αργεί να αντιληφθεί τις προθέσεις τουνκαι λέει στον Γουίνκγ να φύγει,καθώς ο εξωγήινος της κάνει επίθεση.Ο νεαρός όμως δεν θέλει να εγκαταλείψει την φίλη του και δεν γλιτώνει.Το αποτέλεσμα είναι να τον"θεραπεύει"δια της βίας και να τον αφήνει να πέφτει από μεγάλο ύψος,χωρίς τις δυνάμεις του πλέον.
Οι μεγαλύτεροι X-Men ανακαλύπτουν τη νεκρή μεταλλαγμένη στην οποία έκαναν πειράματα,που τελικά δενείναι η Τζην.Την ίδια στιγμή όμως,η Έμμα δέχεται έκκληση για βοήθεια από τη σχολή,λέγοντας πως πρέπει γρήγορα να γυρίσουν πίσω.Δέχονται όμως επίθεση καιο Σκοτ καταλήγει να τραυματίζεται.
Η Κίττυ από την άλλη,συνεχίζει την έρευνά της στα υπόλοιπα τμήματα της εταιρείας και γίνεται κι αυτή αντιληπτή.Πριν προλάβουν όμως να της ρίξουν,εκείνη καταφέρνει και ανοίγει μια κρυφή καταπακτή.Και προς μεγάλη της έκπληξη,βγαίνει από εκεί ο Κολόσσους, ολοζώντανος.
Εκείνος χωρίς να διστάξει,ρίχνεται αμέσως στους άντρες που πυροβολούσαν την Κίττυ,καταφέρνει όμως να τον κανει να σταματήσει.
Το ζευγάρι,ανκαι σοκαρισμένο, αταφέρνει τελικά να επανενωθεί.
Στην σχολή,οι νεαροί μαθητές καταφέρνουν να κάνουν καλά τον Γουίνγκ,ο οποίος με λύπη διαπιστώνει πως δεν έχει πια δυνάμεις,ο Σκοτ συνεχίζει να παλεύει για τη ζωή του, και ο Κολόσσους(ή αλλιώς Πιοτ��)βρίσκει επιτέλους την ευκαιρία να πει στην Κίττυ τι του συνέβει όλα αυτά τα χρόνια που τον θεωρούσαν νεκρό.
Ξεκινά να εξηγεί πως μετά τον θάνατό του,ο Ορντ έκλεψε το σώμα του και το αντικατέστησε με κάποιο άλλο,το οποίο κατέληξε στην αποτέφρωση,ενώ τον ίδιο τον ανέστησαν.Όλα αυτά τα χρόνια,τον είχαν κλειδωμένο σε ένα δωμάτιο και του έκαναν πειράματα,πίσω απότα οποία είναι επίσης ο Ορντ.
Στο δωμάτιο στο οποίο βρίσκεται τραυματισμένος ο Σκοτ,μπαίνει η Ραο,και προσπαθεί να τον βοηθήσει,αν και όπως είναι φυσικό,η ομάδα δεν την εμπιστεύεται.Ο Χανκ,της επιτίθεται και της ζητά να του πει όλη την αλήθεια σχετικά με το πόσους ακόμα έχει σκοτωσει για την θεραπεία.Στο μεταξύ,ο Σκοτ συνέρχεται και μέσω της Έμμα,συνδέεται μετον Λόγκαν που επίσης συνέρχεται και δεν χάνει την ευκαιρία να πολεμήσει με αυτούς που τους επιτέθηκαν,ενώ η Έμμα με τη σειρά της,τους προκαλεί αμνησία.
Πριν γυρίσουν ξανά στη σχολή όμως,διακόπτονται πάλι,αυτή τη φορά από τον Ορντ που,όπωςπάντα,είναι έτοιμος να το φτάσει στα άκρα.Κάτι όμως που ο ίδιος αγνοεί,είναι πως την ώρα που εκτοξεύει τις απειλές του,καταφθάνει στο σημείο ο Πιο��ρ υποβασταζόμενος από την Κίττυ. Αποφασισμένος να πάρει την εκδίκησή του,ξεχύνεται εναντίον του Ορντ.
Η μάχη διακόπτεται από τη S.H.I.E.L.D και τον Νικ Φιούρι που αρχικά θεωρείται υπαίτιος για την όλη κατάσταση.
Ο Φιούρι όμως επιμένει πως δεν έχει καμία ιδέα σχετικά με την κατάσταση.Πιστεύει όμως πως η πράκτορας Μπραντ έχει.Η Μπραντ,είναι πράκτορας σε μια οργάνωση παρόμοια με τη S.H.I.E.L.D μόνο που εκείνη χειρίζεται εξωγήινες υποθέσεις.Όσο εκείνη εξηγεί,μιαορδή μεταλλαγμένων που ζητούν τη θεραπεία, ορμούν στην εταιρεία κι έτσι ο Ορντ βρίσκει την ευκαιρία να ξεφύγει,έχοντας πρώτα απαγάγει τη μικρή Τίλντι.
Αυτό όμως,δεν τη γλιτώνει εξαιτίας της κατάστασης.Η ομάδατην αναγκάζει να ολοκληρωσει τις εξηγήσεις της σχετικά με τον Ορντ,κι εκείνη εξομολογείται πως αυτός, προέρχεται από έναν πλανήτη που διαθέτει την τεχνολογία να δει το μέλλον.Και το μέλλον του πλανήτη,ήταν η γενοκτονία απόέναν X-Man μέσα στα επόμενα τρία χρόνια.
Με την Τζην να έχει ήδη αφανίσει έναν πλανήτη παλιότερα,η Μπραντ συνεργάστηκε με τον Ορντ προκειμένου να αποφευχθεί για δεύτερη φορά ο χαμός ενός ολόκληρου πλανήτη.Παραδέχεται πως γνώριζε και για την ανάσταση του Πιοτρ.
Στο μεταξύ,η Δόκτωρ ανακαλύπτει πως η Τίλντι έχει πέσει θύμα απαγωγής και πως ο Ορντ ετοιμάζεται να φύγει από τη γη.Ο Φιούρι αρνείται να βοηθήσει και οι X-Men αναλαμβάνουν να τον σταματήσουν μια και καλή.Ο Πιοτρ εκτοξεύει με δύναμη τον Λόγκαν στο διαστημόπλοιο του εξωγήινου,όπου βρίσκεται και το μικρό κορίτσι, που σκοπεύει να κρατήσει ως όμηρο,προκειμένου να μην του αντιεπιτεθούν οι μεταλλαγμένοι,όσο εκείνος καταστρέφει τη γη.Ο Λόγκαν όμως,είναι επιτυχής και καταφέρνει να εξουδετερώσει τον Ορντ,ο οποίος και συλλαμβάνεται.Το συμβάν τελειώνει με τον Φιούρι να ανακοινώνει πως η S.H.I.E.L.D δεν πρόκειται να αναλαβει την ευθύνη για τίποτα και να φεύγει.
Έχοντας ξεπεράσει προςτο παρόν αυτή την απειλή,βρίσκουμε τον Σκοτ και τον Χανκ στην έπαυλη να συζητάνε για τις περιπέτειές τους.Συζητάνε και για την απόφαση του Χανκ,που τελικα είναι να μην λάβει τη θεραπεία.
Η ιστορία τελειώνει απότομα,μετον Πιοτρ καιτην Κίττυ να προσπαθούν ακόμα να συνειδητοποιήσουν ταόσα έγιναν τις τελευταίες μέρες,και την Έμμα,στις σκιές,να αποδεικνύει πως τελικά,δεν είναι τόσο διαφορετική από τον παλιό της εαυτό.
Ουαου,έχω τόσες σκέψεις για τον συγκεκριμένο τόμο!
Όταν ξεκίνησα το διάβασμα,μουείχε φανεί περίεργο που η πρώτη ιστορία X-Men που αποφάσισαν να συμπεριλάβουν στη συλλογή,ήταν μιαστην οποία πολλά εμβληματικά μέλη της ομάδας απουσιάζουν.Προχωρώντας όμως, διαπίστωσα το πόσο ζουμί είχε η υπόθεση και το βάθος των χαρακτήρων. ιχμαλώτησε το ενδιαφέρον μου και πραγματικά μού άφησε μόνο θετικές εντυπώσειςγια να μην πω γάμησε και φυσικά η δράση και το στυλ των σχεδίων,για εμένα ήταν τρομερά.
Οι υπόλοιπες σκέψεις μου,αφορούν κυρίως τους χαρακτήρες,και είναι και πολλοί-ζωή να'χουν-
Η Κίττυ είναι αρκετά το γλυκό,ήσυχο κορίτσι κι όχι τόσο έντονος χαρακτήρας όπως οι υπόλοιποι.Προσπαθώ να φανταστώ όλα αυτά τα συναισθήματα που της προκάλεσε η επιστροφή της στη σχολή και η επανένωσή της με τον Πιοτρ.Καταλαβαίνω το θέμα που έχει με την Έμμα, αλλά νομίζω πως ορισμένες φορές, διαφωνεί μαζί της απλά για να διαφωνήσει,ακόμα κι όταν η άλλη έχει δίκιο.
Στην Έμμα,εκτίμησα πολύ το ύφος της.Είναι ειρωνική και ετοιμόλογη,αλλά συνήθως μου αρέσουν αυτοί οι χαρακτήρες.Θεωρώ πως ήταν ικανή στη διεύθυνση της σχολής μαζί με τον Σκοτ.Και καταλαβαίνω πόσο επιβαρρυντικό πρέπει να είναι -εκτός από όλα τα άλλα- να αντιμετωπίζεσαι ακόμη με εχθρότητα και να βλέπεις αυτόν που αγαπάς να σκέφτεται ακόμη τη νεκρή πρώην του.Ίσως να της έδειχνα μεγαλύτερη συμπάθεια ανδεν μαθαίναμε στοτέλος πως ακόμα είναι η εγκληματίας που ήταν...
Ο Λόγκαν,οκ είναι κουλ,με κάποιες ατάκες,πολεμάει και καλά,αλλά δεν ξέρωαν με κέρδισε τόσο.Ακόμα σκέφτεται την Τζην,και εντάξει,την αγάπησε,αλλά δεν είχε δικαίωμα να τα βάλει με τον Σκοτ επειδή προχώρησε και να του κάνει κύρηγμα,λες κι εκείνος δεν ήταν ο τύπος που την έπεφτε στην Τζην και χώθηκε στη σχέση τους.Όπως και στο θέμα του Χανκ,θα ήθελα να δείξει ίσως μεγαλύτερη κατανόηση,αντί να αρχίσει αμέσως να τον αποκαλεί αδύναμο,κτήνος και να του τις ρίχνει.
Ο Σκοτ με εξέπληξε στοπόσο καλός αρχηγός είναι.Προσπαθεί πάντα να κρατά την ομάδα ενωμένη,παρά τις διαφορές τους, είναι οργανωτικός δεν διστάζει να βάλει τη ζωή του σε κίνδυνο -αναμενώμενο,τόσα χρόνια μαχητής- και βλέπεις σε όλη την ιστορία την εσωτερική του πάλη που έχει να κάνει κυρίως με τον φόβο για το μέλλον των X-Men,τις αμφιβολείες που έχει για τον εαυτό του και τις αρχηγικές του ικανότητες αλλά και την αγάπη που τρέφει ακόμα για την Τζην.
Ο Χανκ είναι ένας τρομερά τραγικός χαρακτήρας εδώ.Είναι μεν πολεμιστής και από τα πιο εμβληματικά μέλη της ομάδας,αλλά του λείπει και ο παλιός ανθρώπινός εαυτός του και η ζωή που θα μπορούσει να έχει.Όπως ο Σκοτ,έτσι κι αυτός βιώνει μια εσωτερική πάλη,στο τέλος όμως παίρνει την απόφασή του.
Λειπές σκέψεις:
-Έχει ποτέ αναλάβει η S.H.I.E.L.D ευθύνη για το οτιδήποτε;
-Γιατί οι X-Men είναι μισητοί καιοι Fantastic 4 π.χ.που έχουν παρόμοιες δυνάμεις δεν είναι;
-Τι εννοείς πως η Μπραντ καιη Polaris δεν είναι ο ίδιος χαρακτήρας;
-Συγκινήθηκα μετην επανένωση Κιττυ και Πιοτρ.
-Όχι,ο Λόγκαν δεν θα ήταν καλύτερος αρχηγός από τον Σκοτ.Βλέπωτι λέτε!
if you made it this far, congratulations! 'Til next time,take care
Η ιστορία ξεκινάει με την επιστροφή της Κίττυ Πράιντ,γνωστής καιως Shadowcat,στη σχολή Xavier, αυτή τη φορά ως καθηγήτρια,υπότη διεύθυνση του Σκοτ Σάμμερς (Cyclops) καιτης Έμμα Φροστ.Οι αναμνήσεις ξυπνούν και κάπου εκεί μαθαίνουμε πως ο Καθηγητής Χ απουσιάζει επ αόριστον,αλλά καιπως ο Κολόσσους-το αγόρι της Κίττυ-δεν βρίσκεται πλέον στη ζωή.
Η επιστροφή στη σχολή αποδεικνύεται επεισοδιακή,αφού μετο που πατάει εκεί,αναπτύσσει κόντρα μετην Έμμα Φροστ,πρώην εγκληματία και βασίλισσα του Hellfire Club,και νυν x-man, συν-διευθύντρια και κορίτσι του Σκοτ.Η Κίττυ όμως, επανενώνεται και με τους παλιούς της φίλους,Σκοτ(Cyclops)και Χανκ(Beast).
Η Έμμα,που όπως αναφέρθηκε και πάνω,διευθύνει τη σχολή μαζί μετον Σκοτ,υποδέχεται τους μαθητές και μέσω ενός ανορθόδοξου τρόπου(προσομοίωση επίθεσης)υπενθυμίζει στους μαθητές πως οι άνθρωποι πάντα θα τους μισούν καιθα προσπαθούν να τους εξουδετερώσουν και πωςδεν πρέπει να τους εμπιστεύονται,ακόμα κιαν πρέπει να είναι ειρηνικοί απέναντί τους.
Την επόμενη μέρα,επιστρέφει στη σχολή και ο Λόγκαν (Wolverine) και η μέρα αρχίζει κυριολεκτικά με αυτόν και τον Σκοτ να πολεμούν,αφού έχουν ακόμα το θέμα της Τζην (Phoenix) ανάμεσά τους.Ο Λόγκαν δεν μπορεί να συγχωρήσει τον Σκοτ επειδή η Τζην επέλεξε εκείνον κι επειδή αυτός τώρα που έμεινε μόνος,προχώρησε με την Έμμα.Και ο Σκοτ με τη σειρά του,δεν μπορεί να συγχωρήσει τον Λόγκαν επειδή χώθηκε ανάμεσα σε εκείνον και την Τζην και είχε παράλληλα σχέση μαζί της.
Ο Χανκ καταφέρνει να τους μαζέψει όλους στο δωμάτιο πανικού και ο Σκοτ αποφασίζει πως είναι καιρός να ξαναγυρίσουν στην ενεργό δράση και να συμπεριφέρονται επιτέλους σαν μια ενωμένη ομάδα.
Πρώτη τους αποστολή είναι να σώσουν μια ομάδα ομήρων στο κτήριο Τσάπμαν,το οποίο έχει κατηληφθεί από τον Ορντ,έναν εξωγήινο με υπερδυνάμεις και προηγμένη τεχνολογία υπό την κατοχή του.Και βαθύ μίσος προς τους μεταλλαγμένους.
Οι ήρωές μας δυσκολεύονται αρχικά με τον συγκεκριμένο εχθρό.Από τη δύσκολη θέση,τους βγάζει ο Λόκχιντ,ο εξωγήινος δράκος της Κίττυ.Έχοντας βγει νικητές,σε αυτή την αποστολή,συναντούν δημοσιογράφους που έχουν έρθει για να τους πάρουν συνέντευξη και δηλώνουν για πολλοστη φορά πως είναι στην υπηρεσία των ανθρώπων.Κι εκεί,τυχαία,κάποιος "ξερνά"την ύπαρξη της θεραπείας για το γονίδιο της μετάλλαξης.
Η επίθεση του Ορντ,ήταν ένας αντιπερισπασμός.
Γιατί η Δόκτωρ Καβίτα Ράο,καθηγήτρια γενετικής,έχει διοργανώσει μια παρουσίαση στην οποία σκοπεύει να μιλήσει στον κόσμο για μια θεραπεία,έναν ορό που θεραπεύει τους μεταλλαγμένους και τους κάνει ανθρώπους.Τους παρουσιάζει την Τίλντι,μια μεταλλαγμένη που απέκτησε τις δυνάμεις της νωρίτερα απότο συνηθισμένο. Συγκεκριμένα,η δύναμή της,είναι να φέρνει τους εφιάλτες της στη ζωή,κάτι που άθελά της,στοίχησε τηζωή στους γονείς της,κι επισημαίνει πως μετη θεραπεία,θα καταφέρει επιτέλους ναέχει μια φυσιολογική ζωή.
Πίσω στη σχολή,μετά την αποκάλυψη αυτού του νέου,οι μαθητές και οι ίδιοι οι X-Men χωρίζονται σε δυο ομάδες.Στους τρομοκρατημένους/θυμωμένους που είναι συμφιλιωμένοι με τη μετάλλαξή,θέλουν να κρατήσουν τις δυνάμεις τους και φοβούνται σε τι άκρα μπορεί να φτάσει η ανθρωπότητα προκειμένου να τους επιβάλλει τη θεραπεία,και τους ενθουσιασμένους που εύχονται τα νέα να μην είναι ένα παραμύθι,ώστε να μπορέσουν να γυρίσουν στην πρωτύτερη ζωή τους.
Η ομάδα των εμπειρότερων X-Men προσπαθεί να ηρεμήσει τους μαθητές,παρόλα αυτά, η Κίττυ και η Έμμα βρίσκουν την ευκαιρία να χειροτερέψουν την κόντρα τους.Η πρώτη κατηγορεί την Έμμα ότι χειραγωγεί τον Σκοτ,και η Έμμα με τη σειρά της,λέει πως προσπαθεί συνεχώς να αποδείξει την πίστη της στην ομάδα όσο κι αν την αμφισβητεί,κάτι πουδεν της κάνει απαραίτητα καλό.Η"συζήτηση"λήγει με την Κίττυ ναπροειδοποιεί την Έμμα πως ποτέ δεν θα την εμπιστευτεί,καιπως καλά θα κάνει να προσέχει.
Το ίδιο βράδυ,ο Χανκ,πάει να βρει τη Δρ. Ραο.Εκεί μαθαίνουμε πως οι δυο τους γνωρίζονταν από παλιά και βλέπουμε τη Ραο να υπερασπίζεται με σθένος το δικαίωμα των μεταλλαγμένων να απαλλαχθούν από αυτή την ανεπιθύμητη"ασθένεια"ακόμα κι αν αυτό σημαίνει πως πολλοί άλλοι θα πεθάνουν.Προς έκπληξη όλων όμως,ο Χανκ εξομολογείται πως δεν επιθυμεί να καταστρέψει τον ορό,αλλά πως θέλει να μάθει αν όντως έχει αποτελέσματα.
Πίσω στην έπαυλη,συστηνόμαστε στον Γουίνγκ,έναν μεταλλαγμένο έφηβο που μπορεί να πετάει καιείναι από τους μεταλλαγμένους που θέλουν να κρατήσουν τις δυνάμεις τους.Βέβαια,παρά τα ενθαρρυντικά λόγια της Κίττυ,εκείνος αμφιβάλλει ανόλα θα πάνε καλά.Και δικαίως.Η Κίττυ λέει στην ομάδα πως δεν γίνεται να έχουν τα παιδιά υπό περιορισμό,η Έμμα όμως λέει πωςήδη έχουν αρχίσει μαθητές να το σκάνε προκειμένου να πάνε να"θεραπευτούν".Τον επικείμενο καβγά,διαλύει ο Χανκ,με την αποκάλυψη πως έχει στην κατοχή του δείγμα του ορού.
Μεταφερόμαστε πάλι στα λημέρια των κακών και επιβεβαιώνεται πως Ραο και Ορντ συνεργάζονται.Ο δεύτερος δε,είναι εξαγριωμένος με τη Δόκτωρ,επειδή έδωσε τον ορό στον Χανκ.Αν και συνεργάζονται,η σχέση τους κάθε άλλο παρά φιλική είναι.Ο εξωγήινος έχει απειλήσει τη Δόκτωρ πολλές φορές πως θατη σκοτώσει,κι εκείνη του λέει πως όλα αυτά περί έχθρας προς τους μεταλλαγμένους,δεν είναι παρά δικαιολογίες γιανα προκαλεί χάος.
Ακολουθεί ξανά αλλαγή σκηνικού.Αυτή τη φορά όμως,δεν μεταφερόμαστε ούτε στην έπαυλη,ούτε στις εγκαταστάσεις των κακών μας.Αλλά στις εγκαταστάσεις της S.H.I.E.L.D όπου βλέπουμε τον Σκοτ νασυζητά μετον Νικ Φιούρι.Του παρουσιάζει τα όπλα μετα οποία είχε γίνει η επίθεση στο κτήριο Τσάπμαν και ο Φιούρι τα αναγνωρίζει σαν όπλα που όντως έχουν προέλθει από αυτή την οργάνωση.Ο Σκοτ έχει δικαιολογία να υποψιάζεται τη S.H.I.E.L.D αλλά ο Φιούρι δηλώνει πως δεν έχει δικαίωμα να απαγγείλει κατηγορίες,αφού μπορεί η επίθεση να έγινε κι απο μεταλλαγμένο.
Γιατί δυστυχώς,ο Φιούρι,είναι ακόμα ένας άνθρωπος που θεωρεί τους μεταλλαγμένους σκουπίδια και επικίνδυνους και δεν διστάζει να το κάνει ξεκάθαρο στον Σκοτ,ακόμα κι αν οι X-Men ήταν αυτοί που ανταποκρίθηκαν σε αποστολές στις οποίες η S.H.I.E.L.D αρνούταν να βοηθήσει.
Ο Σκοτ φεύγει,αλλά γίνεται ξεκάθαρο πως ο Νικ ξέρει πολλά περισσότερα από αυτά που λέει...
Πάλι πίσω στην έπαυλη,ο Χανκ συνεχίζει τις έρευνές του πάνω στη θεραπεία,κι έρχεται σε ρήξη μετον Λόγκαν,ο οποίος μετά από συννενόηση με την Έμμα,του λέει νατην καταστρέψει.Ξεσπά διαμάχη ανάμεσα στους δυο ήρωες επειδή ο ένας αμφιταλαντεύεται μεταξύ της τωρινής καιτης πρωτύτερής του κατάστασης καιο άλλος τον θεωρεί έναν δειλό που θέλει να τα παρατήσει.Η διαμάχη γίνεται σωματική,αλλά και οι δύο αναγκάζονται να μεταφερθούν στο δωμάτιο κινδύνου και να συναντήσουν την υπόλοιπη ομάδα.Ο Σκοτ δίνει το ελεύθερο στο Χανκ να συνεχίσει την έρευνα,αλλά του ζητά να μην προχωρησει σε μόνιμες αποφάσεις κρυφά από όλους.Στο κάτω κάτω,συμφωνεί πως η ζωή είναι δική του.Όμως αναθέτει στην Κίττυ να ερευνήσει την εταιρεία κατασκευής και φανερώνει πως ούτε ο ίδιος εμπιστεύεται τον Φιούρι.
Το βράδυ,ο Χανκ με φρίκη ανακαλύπτει πως η Ραο,κάνει πειράματα πάνω σε κάποιον μεταλλαγμένο και ο Σκοτ φοβάται πως αυτός ο μεταλλαγμένος είναι η Τζην.
Η ομάδα σπεύδει στην εταιρεία παραγωγής,αφήνοντας τη σχολή χωρίς φύλαξη,κάτι που δυστυχώς,ο Ορντ εκμεταλλεύεται.Γρήγορα συναντά τους μαθητές Γουίνγκ καιτη φίλη του Χισάκο.Η κοπέλα δεν αργεί να αντιληφθεί τις προθέσεις τουνκαι λέει στον Γουίνκγ να φύγει,καθώς ο εξωγήινος της κάνει επίθεση.Ο νεαρός όμως δεν θέλει να εγκαταλείψει την φίλη του και δεν γλιτώνει.Το αποτέλεσμα είναι να τον"θεραπεύει"δια της βίας και να τον αφήνει να πέφτει από μεγάλο ύψος,χωρίς τις δυνάμεις του πλέον.
Οι μεγαλύτεροι X-Men ανακαλύπτουν τη νεκρή μεταλλαγμένη στην οποία έκαναν πειράματα,που τελικά δενείναι η Τζην.Την ίδια στιγμή όμως,η Έμμα δέχεται έκκληση για βοήθεια από τη σχολή,λέγοντας πως πρέπει γρήγορα να γυρίσουν πίσω.Δέχονται όμως επίθεση καιο Σκοτ καταλήγει να τραυματίζεται.
Η Κίττυ από την άλλη,συνεχίζει την έρευνά της στα υπόλοιπα τμήματα της εταιρείας και γίνεται κι αυτή αντιληπτή.Πριν προλάβουν όμως να της ρίξουν,εκείνη καταφέρνει και ανοίγει μια κρυφή καταπακτή.Και προς μεγάλη της έκπληξη,βγαίνει από εκεί ο Κολόσσους, ολοζώντανος.
Εκείνος χωρίς να διστάξει,ρίχνεται αμέσως στους άντρες που πυροβολούσαν την Κίττυ,καταφέρνει όμως να τον κανει να σταματήσει.
Το ζευγάρι,ανκαι σοκαρισμένο, αταφέρνει τελικά να επανενωθεί.
Στην σχολή,οι νεαροί μαθητές καταφέρνουν να κάνουν καλά τον Γουίνγκ,ο οποίος με λύπη διαπιστώνει πως δεν έχει πια δυνάμεις,ο Σκοτ συνεχίζει να παλεύει για τη ζωή του, και ο Κολόσσους(ή αλλιώς Πιοτ��)βρίσκει επιτέλους την ευκαιρία να πει στην Κίττυ τι του συνέβει όλα αυτά τα χρόνια που τον θεωρούσαν νεκρό.
Ξεκινά να εξηγεί πως μετά τον θάνατό του,ο Ορντ έκλεψε το σώμα του και το αντικατέστησε με κάποιο άλλο,το οποίο κατέληξε στην αποτέφρωση,ενώ τον ίδιο τον ανέστησαν.Όλα αυτά τα χρόνια,τον είχαν κλειδωμένο σε ένα δωμάτιο και του έκαναν πειράματα,πίσω απότα οποία είναι επίσης ο Ορντ.
Στο δωμάτιο στο οποίο βρίσκεται τραυματισμένος ο Σκοτ,μπαίνει η Ραο,και προσπαθεί να τον βοηθήσει,αν και όπως είναι φυσικό,η ομάδα δεν την εμπιστεύεται.Ο Χανκ,της επιτίθεται και της ζητά να του πει όλη την αλήθεια σχετικά με το πόσους ακόμα έχει σκοτωσει για την θεραπεία.Στο μεταξύ,ο Σκοτ συνέρχεται και μέσω της Έμμα,συνδέεται μετον Λόγκαν που επίσης συνέρχεται και δεν χάνει την ευκαιρία να πολεμήσει με αυτούς που τους επιτέθηκαν,ενώ η Έμμα με τη σειρά της,τους προκαλεί αμνησία.
Πριν γυρίσουν ξανά στη σχολή όμως,διακόπτονται πάλι,αυτή τη φορά από τον Ορντ που,όπωςπάντα,είναι έτοιμος να το φτάσει στα άκρα.Κάτι όμως που ο ίδιος αγνοεί,είναι πως την ώρα που εκτοξεύει τις απειλές του,καταφθάνει στο σημείο ο Πιο��ρ υποβασταζόμενος από την Κίττυ. Αποφασισμένος να πάρει την εκδίκησή του,ξεχύνεται εναντίον του Ορντ.
Η μάχη διακόπτεται από τη S.H.I.E.L.D και τον Νικ Φιούρι που αρχικά θεωρείται υπαίτιος για την όλη κατάσταση.
Ο Φιούρι όμως επιμένει πως δεν έχει καμία ιδέα σχετικά με την κατάσταση.Πιστεύει όμως πως η πράκτορας Μπραντ έχει.Η Μπραντ,είναι πράκτορας σε μια οργάνωση παρόμοια με τη S.H.I.E.L.D μόνο που εκείνη χειρίζεται εξωγήινες υποθέσεις.Όσο εκείνη εξηγεί,μιαορδή μεταλλαγμένων που ζητούν τη θεραπεία, ορμούν στην εταιρεία κι έτσι ο Ορντ βρίσκει την ευκαιρία να ξεφύγει,έχοντας πρώτα απαγάγει τη μικρή Τίλντι.
Αυτό όμως,δεν τη γλιτώνει εξαιτίας της κατάστασης.Η ομάδατην αναγκάζει να ολοκληρωσει τις εξηγήσεις της σχετικά με τον Ορντ,κι εκείνη εξομολογείται πως αυτός, προέρχεται από έναν πλανήτη που διαθέτει την τεχνολογία να δει το μέλλον.Και το μέλλον του πλανήτη,ήταν η γενοκτονία απόέναν X-Man μέσα στα επόμενα τρία χρόνια.
Με την Τζην να έχει ήδη αφανίσει έναν πλανήτη παλιότερα,η Μπραντ συνεργάστηκε με τον Ορντ προκειμένου να αποφευχθεί για δεύτερη φορά ο χαμός ενός ολόκληρου πλανήτη.Παραδέχεται πως γνώριζε και για την ανάσταση του Πιοτρ.
Στο μεταξύ,η Δόκτωρ ανακαλύπτει πως η Τίλντι έχει πέσει θύμα απαγωγής και πως ο Ορντ ετοιμάζεται να φύγει από τη γη.Ο Φιούρι αρνείται να βοηθήσει και οι X-Men αναλαμβάνουν να τον σταματήσουν μια και καλή.Ο Πιοτρ εκτοξεύει με δύναμη τον Λόγκαν στο διαστημόπλοιο του εξωγήινου,όπου βρίσκεται και το μικρό κορίτσι, που σκοπεύει να κρατήσει ως όμηρο,προκειμένου να μην του αντιεπιτεθούν οι μεταλλαγμένοι,όσο εκείνος καταστρέφει τη γη.Ο Λόγκαν όμως,είναι επιτυχής και καταφέρνει να εξουδετερώσει τον Ορντ,ο οποίος και συλλαμβάνεται.Το συμβάν τελειώνει με τον Φιούρι να ανακοινώνει πως η S.H.I.E.L.D δεν πρόκειται να αναλαβει την ευθύνη για τίποτα και να φεύγει.
Έχοντας ξεπεράσει προςτο παρόν αυτή την απειλή,βρίσκουμε τον Σκοτ και τον Χανκ στην έπαυλη να συζητάνε για τις περιπέτειές τους.Συζητάνε και για την απόφαση του Χανκ,που τελικα είναι να μην λάβει τη θεραπεία.
Η ιστορία τελειώνει απότομα,μετον Πιοτρ καιτην Κίττυ να προσπαθούν ακόμα να συνειδητοποιήσουν ταόσα έγιναν τις τελευταίες μέρες,και την Έμμα,στις σκιές,να αποδεικνύει πως τελικά,δεν είναι τόσο διαφορετική από τον παλιό της εαυτό.
Ουαου,έχω τόσες σκέψεις για τον συγκεκριμένο τόμο!
Όταν ξεκίνησα το διάβασμα,μουείχε φανεί περίεργο που η πρώτη ιστορία X-Men που αποφάσισαν να συμπεριλάβουν στη συλλογή,ήταν μιαστην οποία πολλά εμβληματικά μέλη της ομάδας απουσιάζουν.Προχωρώντας όμως, διαπίστωσα το πόσο ζουμί είχε η υπόθεση και το βάθος των χαρακτήρων. ιχμαλώτησε το ενδιαφέρον μου και πραγματικά μού άφησε μόνο θετικές εντυπώσεις
Οι υπόλοιπες σκέψεις μου,αφορούν κυρίως τους χαρακτήρες,και είναι και πολλοί-ζωή να'χουν-
Η Κίττυ είναι αρκετά το γλυκό,ήσυχο κορίτσι κι όχι τόσο έντονος χαρακτήρας όπως οι υπόλοιποι.Προσπαθώ να φανταστώ όλα αυτά τα συναισθήματα που της προκάλεσε η επιστροφή της στη σχολή και η επανένωσή της με τον Πιοτρ.Καταλαβαίνω το θέμα που έχει με την Έμμα, αλλά νομίζω πως ορισμένες φορές, διαφωνεί μαζί της απλά για να διαφωνήσει,ακόμα κι όταν η άλλη έχει δίκιο.
Στην Έμμα,εκτίμησα πολύ το ύφος της.Είναι ειρωνική και ετοιμόλογη,αλλά συνήθως μου αρέσουν αυτοί οι χαρακτήρες.Θεωρώ πως ήταν ικανή στη διεύθυνση της σχολής μαζί με τον Σκοτ.Και καταλαβαίνω πόσο επιβαρρυντικό πρέπει να είναι -εκτός από όλα τα άλλα- να αντιμετωπίζεσαι ακόμη με εχθρότητα και να βλέπεις αυτόν που αγαπάς να σκέφτεται ακόμη τη νεκρή πρώην του.Ίσως να της έδειχνα μεγαλύτερη συμπάθεια ανδεν μαθαίναμε στοτέλος πως ακόμα είναι η εγκληματίας που ήταν...
Ο Λόγκαν,οκ είναι κουλ,με κάποιες ατάκες,πολεμάει και καλά,αλλά δεν ξέρωαν με κέρδισε τόσο.Ακόμα σκέφτεται την Τζην,και εντάξει,την αγάπησε,αλλά δεν είχε δικαίωμα να τα βάλει με τον Σκοτ επειδή προχώρησε και να του κάνει κύρηγμα,λες κι εκείνος δεν ήταν ο τύπος που την έπεφτε στην Τζην και χώθηκε στη σχέση τους.Όπως και στο θέμα του Χανκ,θα ήθελα να δείξει ίσως μεγαλύτερη κατανόηση,αντί να αρχίσει αμέσως να τον αποκαλεί αδύναμο,κτήνος και να του τις ρίχνει.
Ο Σκοτ με εξέπληξε στοπόσο καλός αρχηγός είναι.Προσπαθεί πάντα να κρατά την ομάδα ενωμένη,παρά τις διαφορές τους, είναι οργανωτικός δεν διστάζει να βάλει τη ζωή του σε κίνδυνο -αναμενώμενο,τόσα χρόνια μαχητής- και βλέπεις σε όλη την ιστορία την εσωτερική του πάλη που έχει να κάνει κυρίως με τον φόβο για το μέλλον των X-Men,τις αμφιβολείες που έχει για τον εαυτό του και τις αρχηγικές του ικανότητες αλλά και την αγάπη που τρέφει ακόμα για την Τζην.
Ο Χανκ είναι ένας τρομερά τραγικός χαρακτήρας εδώ.Είναι μεν πολεμιστής και από τα πιο εμβληματικά μέλη της ομάδας,αλλά του λείπει και ο παλιός ανθρώπινός εαυτός του και η ζωή που θα μπορούσει να έχει.Όπως ο Σκοτ,έτσι κι αυτός βιώνει μια εσωτερική πάλη,στο τέλος όμως παίρνει την απόφασή του.
Λειπές σκέψεις:
-Έχει ποτέ αναλάβει η S.H.I.E.L.D ευθύνη για το οτιδήποτε;
-Γιατί οι X-Men είναι μισητοί καιοι Fantastic 4 π.χ.που έχουν παρόμοιες δυνάμεις δεν είναι;
-Τι εννοείς πως η Μπραντ καιη Polaris δεν είναι ο ίδιος χαρακτήρας;
-Συγκινήθηκα μετην επανένωση Κιττυ και Πιοτρ.
-Όχι,ο Λόγκαν δεν θα ήταν καλύτερος αρχηγός από τον Σκοτ.Βλέπωτι λέτε!
if you made it this far, congratulations! 'Til next time,take care
February 2, 2012
I haven't picked up an X-Men comic in a long time, unless you count the WOLVERINE ORIGINS: DEADPOOL graphic novel I reviewed recently; example, I had no idea that Scott Summers (Cyclops) and Emma Frost (the White Queen), were a couple. When did that happen? Nevertheless, in ASTONISHING X-MEN, it works. I love the interplay between Scott and Emma, with her love for Scott sullied by her bitterness of what he once shared with Jean Grey. I also like Kitty Pryde's overt mistrust of the White Queen owing to prior bad blood.
As a fan of both Joss Whedon and John Cassaday, I've been excited to read ASTONISHING X-MEN for quite a while. So far, though the first six issues in the "Gifted" trade paperback, I haven't been disappointed. Whedon's storyline is tight. His plot moves along at a great clip. The dialogue has just the right amount of pith and wit (say "pith and wit" five times fast -- sorta fun, huh?).
Cassaday's art is a real pleasure to soak in -- he perfectly combines heroics, drama, emotion, and realism with his masterful artistic abilities. On that last bit, realism, I'm just not into every bulging vein and corded sinew popping through a hero's costume. Cassaday has a knack for making his heroes look both heroic and real at the same time, and I love it. He's been one of my favorite comic artists going all the way back to DESPERADOES.
The "Gifted" storyline centers around a mutant cure with the undertone of a secret alien invasion. The covert organizations of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Nick Fury!) and S.W.O.R.D. end up getting involved, and one of the more compelling parts of the story is Dr. Hank McCoy's (Beast) personal struggle, for of all the mutants in the current team -- Scott, Emma, Kitty, Logan (Wolverine) -- Hank is the one whose mutations are the most evident and unattractive, making this miracle cure a very ambiguous lure. I think this is enough of a teaser, so I won't spoil any more of this excellent series. If you haven't picked up an X-Men title lately, I recommend the ASTONISHING X-MEN. You can waltz right in, quickly get up to speed, and enjoy a quality comic series with "marvelous" art (pun intended!).
Four out of five stars.
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Also check out these titles featuring John Cassaday's work:
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As a fan of both Joss Whedon and John Cassaday, I've been excited to read ASTONISHING X-MEN for quite a while. So far, though the first six issues in the "Gifted" trade paperback, I haven't been disappointed. Whedon's storyline is tight. His plot moves along at a great clip. The dialogue has just the right amount of pith and wit (say "pith and wit" five times fast -- sorta fun, huh?).
Cassaday's art is a real pleasure to soak in -- he perfectly combines heroics, drama, emotion, and realism with his masterful artistic abilities. On that last bit, realism, I'm just not into every bulging vein and corded sinew popping through a hero's costume. Cassaday has a knack for making his heroes look both heroic and real at the same time, and I love it. He's been one of my favorite comic artists going all the way back to DESPERADOES.
The "Gifted" storyline centers around a mutant cure with the undertone of a secret alien invasion. The covert organizations of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Nick Fury!) and S.W.O.R.D. end up getting involved, and one of the more compelling parts of the story is Dr. Hank McCoy's (Beast) personal struggle, for of all the mutants in the current team -- Scott, Emma, Kitty, Logan (Wolverine) -- Hank is the one whose mutations are the most evident and unattractive, making this miracle cure a very ambiguous lure. I think this is enough of a teaser, so I won't spoil any more of this excellent series. If you haven't picked up an X-Men title lately, I recommend the ASTONISHING X-MEN. You can waltz right in, quickly get up to speed, and enjoy a quality comic series with "marvelous" art (pun intended!).
Four out of five stars.
--
Also check out these titles featuring John Cassaday's work:
,
,
April 27, 2015
Cyclops, Beast, Wolverine, Shadowcat, and Emma Frost make up a new incarnation of the X-Men. In an effort to promote a positive profile, the team resumes its helpful "superteam" activities and stops an unexplained attack by the alien Ord of the Breakworld. Meanwhile, Doctor Kavita Rao of Benetech has just announced a cure for mutations, which doesn't sit well with the X-Men.
Joss Whedon's first X-Men arc is exciting and funny, several plot threads are brought together effortlessly, and the team dynamic is so well done that this feels almost like a quintessential roster. Despite some references to previous events, this does seem like a good jumping on point for readers new to the X-Men, though there are plenty of elements that will entertain old fans.
Joss Whedon's first X-Men arc is exciting and funny, several plot threads are brought together effortlessly, and the team dynamic is so well done that this feels almost like a quintessential roster. Despite some references to previous events, this does seem like a good jumping on point for readers new to the X-Men, though there are plenty of elements that will entertain old fans.
October 1, 2020
Ако през изминалия месец сте се отбивали по РЕП-овете за вестници и списания, вероятно са ви се набили на очи едни големи рекламни картони, изпъстрени с някои от най-популярните герои на Марвел Комикс. След огромният пожънат в други европейски страни успех, Върховната колекция графични романи на Марвел най-накрая достигна и българските фенове, благодарение на изд. Hachette и Артлайн Студиос. Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле": https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
March 20, 2017
Excellent story arc.
The moral battle of curing mutants or destroying the cure to prevent it being used as a weapon is ongoing in the Xmen universe. This series by Joss Whedon does really well and I had a blast throughout the whole thing.
I'm...made...of...RAGE!!
Good to see Peter back as well =)
The moral battle of curing mutants or destroying the cure to prevent it being used as a weapon is ongoing in the Xmen universe. This series by Joss Whedon does really well and I had a blast throughout the whole thing.
I'm...made...of...RAGE!!
Good to see Peter back as well =)
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