Astonishing X-Men #26

Posted by Stephanie Cox Aug 16, 2008

It was a monumental task to follow the work of comic book celebrity and wunderkind Joss Whedon (with artist John Cassady) on the Astonishing X-Men series. However, Whedon couldn't have picked a better team to take over the reigns of his triumphant Marvel series with British comic writing veteran Warren Ellis, of Marvel Ultimate Fantastic 4 and Iron-Man fame, and unique artist Simone Bianchi.

Astonishing X-Men "Manifist Destiny"

Ellis and Bianchi took over after Whedon's grand finale in issue #24 and so far the pair proving themselves a match made in heaven with their "Manifest Destiny" story arch. Ellis really seems to understand the characters as Whedon created them, and Bianchi's watercolor-ish style definitely outshines the rest of the work out this week. The book is worth it simply for his art.

However, as a double treat, Ellis has provided fans with the witty, realistic dialogue and believable incarnations of the X-Men team that Whedon's grew the series with.

"Yes I am a massive snob, and there's no need for you all to think it at once" telepath Emma Frost explains in one panel. The cameraderie between nervous, newly minted X-Man Armor and beer-guzzling Wolverine is reminiscint of and endearing to fans who remember the informal tutelage of Jubilee by Wolverine in the late 80s/early 90s X books.

The issue also features a grimace-inducing firefight along with a pair of X-Men deeply discussing the morals of their work and decisions. This issue is great read and a signal of more great work to come from this dynamic pair.