The Official X-Thread (Now w/ Messiah Complex!)

[MasterWhedon]

EDIT: I've changed this thread to be about all things X-like instead of just Astonishing.


Newsarama has a transcript up for today's press conference with Marvel and Joss HERE, along with some sample art from #13. They don't give away too many specifics as to what's to come, but there's some good stuff.

I cannot wait for this series to return. It has provided me with the absolute best comic book experiences of the past few years, and I'm really excited to see what Whedon and Cassady do with this, their more "internal" second year.

Here's the cover for issue #13:



And here's #14:

[Colin]

Whoever asked the question about the possibility of a Starjammers/Firefly crossover needs to be shot in the kneecaps.

[Adam Balm]

New AICN catch-phrase.

[MasterWhedon]

Aww, man...

Kneecaps has been a go-to for a long time...

[Colin]

It's a standard response to these types of situations.

[Shane]

well, I'm sold

|I have not read the transcript yet, does it give a release date?

[MasterWhedon]

Feb. 22nd

[DennisMM]

I prefer a more hands-on approach to kneecapping. Stretch the leg out between two chairs and hit the knee really hard with a baseball bat, pipe or crowbar. It lacks the flash of a gun, but it's ever so satisfying.

[The Garbage Man]

Er... anyway...

While I didn't like their second arc as much as the first, I'm extremely glad both Whedon and Cassaday are back for more and I eagerly anticipate the next twelve issues.

Anyone want to speculate on what else Whedon may be writing for Marvel?

[burlivesleftnut]

Man I know this is a sacrilege, but I just don't dig Cassaday's art. It's too static for me. The writing is excellent though, but could stand to be a little more densely plotted. But it has Kitty Pryde and she rules my filthy soul, so... uh whatever.

[cinephile2000]

There's something about the art, especially in the first arc. In the scene between Nick Fury and Cyclops why does it look like a different artist did Fury? Was it just me?

[Ribbons]

Man I know this is a sacrilege, but I just don't dig Cassaday's art. It's too static for me. The writing is excellent though, but could stand to be a little more densely plotted. But it has Kitty Pryde and she rules my filthy soul, so... uh whatever.

You're not the first one I've heard say this. I can definitely see where that criticism would come from, and in some ways I agree, but the art's worked fine for me, so far.

[reneritchie]

I quite like Cassaday's art. His ability to produce distinct looking characters is quite impressive. Laura Martin probably helps tons with the overall look. However, I'm not a huge fan of his designs for new characters, either on Planetary or for Danger in X-Men.

I might be in a minority in very much enjoying Whedon's Danger arc as well.

Is the bi-monthly schedule to allow for Cassaday to finish Planetary? I wonder how much the blown release dates hurt the book in last year's overal sales rankings.

[Shane]

Cassidy is selling like hell now. He is hot shit like it or not. It's about sales and money not what people like and everywere else in any entertainment it holds true. I don't always like that.

I do like Cassidy because of how clean and percise his lines are and how much form he gets with minimal lines.

[burlivesleftnut]

Cassady's an incredible artist, no doubt. Like I said, he just doesn't convey enough motion for me. His action scenes all look like they are in bullet time from the Matrix or something.

[Adam Balm]

But the kids love him!

[burlivesleftnut]

fapfapfapfapfapfapfapfapfapfap

[Adam Balm]

Um, they don't love him in that way....

[RogueScribner]

So by reading this, they've only done 12 issues so far? That's good, I thought I fell way behind, but all I'm missing is #12!

[MasterWhedon]

So by reading this, they've only done 12 issues so far? That's good, I thought I fell way behind, but all I'm missing is #12!

Yeah, only twelve so far and #12 is the best of the whole run!! You MUST, MUST pick it up.

[ZombieZoneSolutions]

That is a really nice cover. Bright, stark, and, dare I say it, pretty.

I LOVE the flat, empty RED space. (Or is that more of a Vermillion? Orangey-Red?). Its a real attention grabber and serves to both bring the foreground into sharp focus, and hints at a grand, sweeping, apocalypse on the horizon. Busy backgrounds are such a nuisance. This, however, is simple, direct, and speaks volumes even without narrative context.

That being said, I am so out of the loop on comics it ain't funny; but that's a posterable cover if ever I saw one...

[reneritchie]

Emma being off away from the team seems to follow Whedon's hints about the upcoming story arc. I wonder if Pete being up front and center is similar, and best cut off, Kitty looking away?

[Leckomaniac]

Ok I really enjoyed Astonishing X-Men, but I came in kind of late (around issue 6)...so my question is this...where does Astonishing X-Men fit in the current X-Men continuity?

[MasterWhedon]

Ok I really enjoyed Astonishing X-Men, but I came in kind of late (around issue 6)...so my question is this...where does Astonishing X-Men fit in the current X-Men continuity?

It's the flagship title right now. Basically, after Morrison's New X-Men run ended, Cyclops and Emma decided to re-open the school and re-form the X-Men. That's where Astonishing picks up. X-Men and Uncanny take place alongside it, showing different teams that all live out of the mansion, and New X-Men shows the school from the students' perspective.

You should check out UncannyXMen.Net to catch up on the events of House of M and Decimation, as Astonishing will find itself surrounded by this when it returns.

[Coldfire24]

Oh ok so Astonishing will be effected by house of M. Cool I read the first 5 loved it I need to read the rest.

[MasterWhedon]

Oh ok so Astonishing will be effected by house of M. Cool I read the first 5 loved it I need to read the rest.

Are you STILL drunk?

[Leckomaniac]

Hey MasterWhedon thanks for clearing that up for me! I don't read Uncanny X-Men, mostly only Ultimate X-Men, and sometimes the regular X-Men title. I did read House of M (although I stopped reading after issue 5 because it just wasn't doing it for me) But I love Astonishing X-Men, it reminds me of the X-Men I remember from my childhood.

[MasterWhedon]

Hey MasterWhedon thanks for clearing that up for me! I don't read Uncanny X-Men, mostly only Ultimate X-Men, and sometimes the regular X-Men title. I did read House of M (although I stopped reading after issue 5 because it just wasn't doing it for me) But I love Astonishing X-Men, it reminds me of the X-Men I remember from my childhood.

Glad you enjoy it. Personally, I think it's the best the X-Men have ever been written, and I don't just say that because it's a Whedon book. The characters are just so right, y'know?

Not sure if you know what happened after House of M with the much-ballyhooed Decimation, but basically the Scarlet Witch changed the world back and de-powered a buttload of mutants, leaving only 198 left in the world. Since then, Sentinels have come to "protect" the Xavier Institute and the grounds to the school have become something of a haven/internment camp to any mutants who need shelter.

Not sure how the upcoming run is going to deal with this, but I'm sure it will be at least referenced.

[Leckomaniac]

Yeah I LOVE Astonishing X-Men. The fact that it is not as frequent as other titles only makes me crave it more! Yeah I got caught up with the events of Decimation. I am not too sure how I feel about it all yet. I mean I personally think the whole Infinite Crisis has much bigger sense of urgency, whereas the House of M kept on claiming that this was something huge, but it never really felt that way IMO.

I don't know I am kind of getting sick of all of this gigantic crossover stuff. I just want my X-Men to be like the team from my childhood. I don't need anymore than that.

[MasterWhedon]

I just read X-Factor #3 last night, and I am continually impressed by this book. It's wit and charm are very specific, and very unique in the X-world.

I'm liking Mr. Tryp and Singularity, and I really dig Layla Miller.

[Leckomaniac]

Anyone else read X-Men #182. I am a little wary of this title, but the Four Horsemen should look pretty cool. Anyone else have some thoughts on it?

[MasterWhedon]

Anyone else read X-Men #182. I am a little wary of this title, but the Four Horsemen should look pretty cool. Anyone else have some thoughts on it?

I read it. Thought the art was pretty good, though I prefer Larocca's (slightly) older style.

I like that Apocalypse is reemerging, but five issues for his arc doesn't seem like enough time for much of anything to happen. I want to see him kicking around for a year, stirring up some major shit.

Anyway, I'm just kinda waiting around until the new teams take over the books. I'm hoping they'll bring something new and worthwhile.

[Colin]

I just read the first issue of the current story arc. Now, I love the Apocalypse character, but goddamn he's been pussified more than ever now.

And I agree, MW, I too prefer Larroca's older style.

But it's nice to know they're changing up the lineups and giving each book its own identity again.

[MasterWhedon]

But it's nice to know they're changing up the lineups and giving each book its own identity again.

Yeah, I think that's definitely the best way to handle such a massive number on the team. And FINALLY they're locking Wolverine down to just ONE book!

Joe Quesada said recently that they're thinking about continuing Astonishing after Wheon and Cassady leave. As crappy as it'll be to see them go, it'll be nice to continue that team as the "A" group.

[Colin]

I don't think they'll continue it unless they get someone better than Whedon and Cassaday. It could very well serve as their own "All-Star" book in some capacity.

[DirtyRatBastard]

I don't think they'll continue it unless they get someone better than Whedon and Cassaday. It could very well serve as their own "All-Star" book in some capacity.

There should be a title that is simply called X-Men:Punky Power.

Then the series would simply deal with X-Men sacrificing themselves for the greater good.

[Colin]

Shut the fuck up.

[DirtyRatBastard]

Hostility...and language!

[Leckomaniac]

I would hope that they continued Astonishing X-Men after Whedon and Cassady. It would be such a waste if they didn't. I agree about waiting for the lineup change, I mean I only picked up X-Men #182 because it was Apocalypse.

[Colin]

I think it'd be a waste to continue Astonishing after Whedon and Cassaday. It was their own book where they could do pretty much whatever they wanted. Just let them have their fun and can it when they're finished. There's 3 or 4 other X-books out there now anyway, why keep one that won't be as good once the original creators leave?

[Adam Balm]

I think it'd be a waste to continue Astonishing after Whedon and Cassaday. It was their own book where they could do pretty much whatever they wanted. Just let them have their fun and can it when they're finished. There's 3 or 4 other X-books out there now anyway, why keep one that won't be as good once the original creators leave?

And yet it's okay with Ultimates vol. 3.

Hmm, maybe you should take this debate with yourself to the bastard forum until you've settled it.

Grow some. And come back when your voice lowers.

[Colin]

Ultimates 3 is a new book with a new creative team. So yeah, it's okay.

[Adam Balm]

It's a new book because they added a number to it. Can't wait for Astonishing X-Men 2 with Robert Kirkman and Mike Turner.

[Colin]

X-Men, New X-Men, Uncanny X-Men, Astonishing X-Men...just because the Ultimate line isn't as creative with its titles doesn't mean you should knock it, Adam. I mean, taking the FF Zombies and making them the Frightful Four? What's THAT about?

[DennisMM]

My greatest concern post House of M is that Wolverine appear in his own book and ONE X-title on a regular basis. None of this being on two sides of the world with two different teams and hanging out a third place in his own book which is declared to be in current continuity with the others. This isn't '60s DC.

[Colin]

Nope, it's Marvel. Same dif.

[DennisMM]

Har-de-har. I can hope, can't I?

[MasterWhedon]

I think it'd be a waste to continue Astonishing after Whedon and Cassaday. It was their own book where they could do pretty much whatever they wanted. Just let them have their fun and can it when they're finished. There's 3 or 4 other X-books out there now anyway, why keep one that won't be as good once the original creators leave?

I do agree with this, Colin. It'd be nice to see this book be something specific to Whedon and Cassady, but Joe Q recently said the current thought is to continue it after they're gone.

Without seriously pairing down the X-roster (which they should do anyway), there are just too many active X-Men to be contained in two books (I don't really count New X-Men, as it's looks to establish itself as the new New Mutatnts). Having one continue book one with the A-list group of Astonishing would be a nice move.

[MasterWhedon]

My greatest concern post House of M is that Wolverine appear in his own book and ONE X-title on a regular basis. None of this being on two sides of the world with two different teams and hanging out a third place in his own book which is declared to be in current continuity with the others. This isn't '60s DC.

I completely agree. With the return of Astonishing, he's only going to be in that X-book, along with Wolverine and Wolverine: Origins.

This is long overdue.

[DennisMM]

I think being in two solo series at once is too much, unless they establish that the stories are taking place in two different time periods, or that his solo stories are set during X-Men downtime, if such a thing exists anymore (it did, once).