Astonishing x-men

[rascal_father]

http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/astonishing/astonish11_cvr.jpg

Here’s a little trade secret, comic book solicitation writers really like to use the world “penultimate”. It’s probably why there are story arcs to begin with, so there can be a second-to-last issue. Latest Marvel book to come to its "one-more-to-it-over" issue is perennial Top 5 series Astonishing X-Men, which when it wraps up its first-year-long arc with issue #12, will take a sabbatical and return for another year-long arc, with the creative team of Joss Whedon and John Cassaday in-tact.

But that’s in the future, now enjoy a preview of Astonishing X-Men #11, shipping next month. Here’s how Marvel describes the issue:

http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/astonishing/astonish11_1.jpg
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"DANGEROUS"
The penultimate chapter [editor’s note: see?] to Whedon & Cassaday's first year of ASTONISHING. The fate of the Astonishing X-Men! Professor X vs. the Danger Room! In this issue...everything comes crumbling down.
Part 5 (of 6).
32 PGS./Marvel PSR...$2.99

[gogetter]

Hey looks like they're taking after the format of the Ultimates. Well, I've no complains, better take a break than change creative team, Astonishing has so far been the best X-title on the market now. :supz:

[Fire]

nice graphic..though i nvr follow x-men comic...
btw, how many issue for this ashtonishing x-men? thinking of buying it if not too long...6 in total for complete story?

[gogetter]

Latest is issue 10, from the news above looks like it'll end by issue 12, then begin a new issue and arc sometime later.

[Fire]

i c...how much each isue?

[gogetter]

Cover price is US$2.99.

[Stunner24]

Though I have never follow X-Men, but can anyone tell me why was this guy created and why it was said that most of the X-Men were killed?

[Fire]

bought 1st issue...saw got other 2 diff cover...but the price...nearly fainted when i saw it...got one is selling at $150 at bugis absolute comic....wah lao eh...so x for 1 issue..... :prayer: :prayer: :prayer:

[gogetter]

Is it signed or what? So expensive?! :o

[Fire]

Is it signed or what? So expensive?! :o
not signed...just dunno why so x...i even double check the price with the worker there...at first i tot its for the whole series...but she said its the price for that issue only...wah lao :o :o i quickly put it back...wait dirty she ask me to buy it oh...wher got money ...siao eh :o :o :laugh:

og ya..i oso bought the sketch book...nice :thumbsup: i luv the line art...original touch by the artists..anyway its just $2...cheap cheap ok lah... :hello:

[gogetter]

Wah not even signed can cost so much, must be use gold ink to print one. :laugh:

[Fire]

should be lah....ahahahha

[lancelee]

Please do not double post. Everybody can refer to this thread for lamcelee's request.

http://forums.hobbyhype.com/showthread.php?t=1358

Thanks.

[MSth08]

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0511/06/astonishingxmen13.jpg

1st look of astonishing x-men #13 cover, schedule to release in feb'06

[MSth08]

ASTONISHING X-MEN #13

Written by JOSS WHEDON

Pencils and cover by JOHN CASSADAY

Part 1 (of 6)! They're back and they're bimonthly! The chart topping super team of Joss Whedon and John Cassaday return for another full year of Astonshing X-Men! If you thought last year's run was full of shocks and surprises, hold onto your eyeballs, cause you haven't seen nothing yet!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 22.

[MSth08]

JOSS WHEDON/ASTONISHING X-MEN PRESS CONFERENCE

Thursday Marvel Comics held their latest press conference, this month to promote the start of the upcoming second year of Joss Whedon and John Cassaday’s Astonishing X-Men, beginning with February's #13. In attendance were the usual Marvel suspects, along with Joss Whedon himself, who joined the call a few minutes after it began.
Below are highlights from the 50-minute long call, along with a preview of Astonishing X-Men #13...

The conference began with editor Mike Marts thanking readers and retailers for being patient during the title’s hiatus and making an announcement considering the title’s schedule.
Issue #13 will be in stores on February 22nd, Marts clarified, noting that this new run will be 12 issues, and be bi-monthly for issues #13 through 17 (February - August), and then monthly thereafter.

Asked about the creative team dynamic, Marts said that he's found it refreshing in that all the team are professional and on-time with their work, noting that Cassaday has hit all his deadlines to date.

Marvel Marketing Manager Jim McCann said that issue #13 will have a sketch variant cover, which retailers will be able to order 5 copies per Diamond account. Along with that, McCann noted, if retailers orders on Astonishing #13 exceed their order for Astonishing #1 (the Wolverine claws cover), they will receive a greater discount.

Astonishing will be mostly its own run, Marts said when asked if it will interact with Civil War and other events. Although, the editor noted that Whedon will reflect the current (post House of M) status quo of the Marvel Universe, and will refer to Civil War.

As for the decision to make the series bi-monthly for its first few issues, Marts said that the decision was made in order to get the series going again sooner, rather than later. Marts also said that the decision to begin again with issue #13 was made by Whedon and Cassaday, who want to see the entire work as a 24-issue run.

Marts said that the creative and editorial team have their process down to a "science," noting that Whedon's scripts are "flawless" when they come in, and again referred to the professionalism of the team in regards to the work.

Asked if a Starjammers/Firefly crossover would be a possibility, Marts, while admitting the idea was a good one, said the decision would be Whedon's to make.

Asked what Marvel has learned about the success of Astonishing, and if it's something that can be applied to other X-titles, Marvel's John Dokes said that really, they were banking on Whedon's name to sell the book, as well as Cassaday's art. Dokes said that Marvel is expecting the series to win awards during the coming awards season.
Marts agreed, adding that while Marvel was planning on marketing the series on Whedon's name, word-of-mouth played a key role in the marketing of the series.

Continuing, Marts said that if Astonishing has taught Marvel anything, it's that they shouldn't be afraid to focus on the characters and tell more concise stories that don't have to be epic, globe-trotting and galaxy-spanning, and just focus on the characters themselves.

Marts confirmed that Astonishing won't be Whedon's only Marvel work in the coming year, saying that he will likely have a second Marvel Universe project of some kind in 2006, though he declined to say what the project would be, or give any details on length or format…

The Astonishing upcoming run will be broken into segments like the first one, with, as Marts said, issues #13-18 forming one arc, and #19-#24 a second arc.
[Whedon then joined the call...]

Asked about how John Cassaday and colorist Laura Martin's participation have affected his work, Whedon joked, saying that they're dragging him down, but then, more seriously, praised both for acting in a similar fashion to an entire production team on a film. The writer noted that his working relationship with Cassaday was one of the best three or four in his life, adding that neither of them could've guessed how much the two of them would end up in each other's heads.

“Stay off the Internet, stay off the Internet," Whedon said was the second most important thing he learned about comics, claiming that Geoff Johns gave him the sage advice early on. As for the first, Whedon said that the character interaction is more important than the set dressing and plot elements.
"People want the X-Men, and all that other stuff is gravy."

Whedon said that the next arc of Astonishing is more “internal”, saying it's a six-issue examination of who the people are, what makes them tick, and how you can take them apart.
"And God, I'm having fun", he said.

Asked if he's planning on creating any new mutants, Whedon said that hasn't been his focus in writing X-Men. "I'm someone who can just focus on one side of the Rubik's Cube," Whedon said.
He also teased the idea that Emma Frost may be a villain this time around.

"Obviously, I'm buff like Colossus, and very hairy like Logan," Whedon joked when asked which X-Men he most identifies with. The writer then said that he'd just finished an issue with Scott and Kitty, and did identify with them, in that they both have a quality of constantly being in over their heads, and overcoming the situation despite that.

Asked if there will be any interactions with characters from the Marvel Universe in this run, Whedon pointed to the large events going on around the X-Men, which complicate things in that regard.
Whedon noted that he wanted to bring the Vision into the "Danger" arc, but couldn't due to events affecting the character elsewhere in the Marvel Universe.

That said, Whedon noted that he and Cassaday will end their run with a Giant-Sized Annual, which will include as many guest stars as Marvel will allow him to use.

Whedon was more open to a Buffy/Kitty-X-Men crossover rather than a Starjammers/Firefly crossover (adding he thinks of Firefly as more “grounded” than the Starjammers), though he added that he felt it might be a little bit of hubris to bring in a reality that he created and have it interact with the X-Men.

"Colossus is tough," Whedon said when asked which characters he finds difficult to write, due to the character internalizing his emotions and feelings. "Someone who doesn't express all that they're feeling all of the time always frightens me," Whedon said. "I don't have an unspoken thought."

The two arcs that will make up the run were pitched before House of M, Whedon said, noting that's part of the reason that the run is more internalized, and not dealing with the "outside" Marvel Universe.

In speaking of his progress, Whedon noted that he is ahead on his scripts, citing a bet he's made with his wife where, if he's late, he has to watch an unnamed movie three times in a row.
Whedon noted that he's outlined through issue #3, and is ready to begin working on the final version of issue #3 as well.

Asked if there's anything he's wanted to do that he can't do for any reason, Whedon said that two of his favorite ideas were for new characters and sequences, but said that the moments he wanted to see the most made it into the comics. Whedon named the fastball special and the revelation of Colossus as being two of his favorites, as well as the Kitty Pryde/Emma dynamic, along with something coming in issue #14, as well as a "Logan moment" in issue #15, "that's going to alter the fabric of the known universe," he said. "Not to oversell it, but I think the world is going to turn the other way, and Margot Kidder is going to come out of a ditch."

Speaking more of Astonishing's place in the rest of the X-verse, Whedon said that he had to change a few things due to events such as House of M and Deadly Genesis, and will also be downplaying other events as far as Astonishing is concerned, though not contradicting anything that has happened.
"It's important for me to stay current in the Marvel Universe without being a slave to it," he said.

As far as Colossus coming back after being cremated, Whedon said that the explanation would be the same as anything that people want to see emotionally, but have to explain scientifically. Whedon cited switching bodies and cremating the other body, noting that it wasn't the best explanation ever, "But it got me to Kitty opening that door," he said.

Asked about his history as a fan with the X-Men, Whedon said he started with the early Claremont days, and hit many of the highlights, but drew special attention to Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's run on the series, praising it for its vision, and for being what brought him back to the X-Men, noting that it has given him so much material to draw from.

"Absolutely," Whedon said when asked about doing comics other than X-Men, self-effacingly joking, "I think the comics reach about as many people as my TV shows did."
Whedon said it all comes down to time, noting that none of it is any different from him. "Telling a story is telling a story," he said. "It's just a question of time. I have to be realistic with my time. I'm getting back into Buffy comics and to a lesser extent, Serenity comics, but it's a matter of time."

Whedon also noted that he does have other comic offers on the table that he's going to consider when his schedule clears.

The writer said that for him, a key moment in developing the "Danger" story was coming up with Emma saying, "The Danger Room is angry."
That sentence, he said, energized him to start exploring the concept of the Danger Room. Whedon cited his interest in artificial intelligence as helping him to further develop the idea of an A.I. based in a room that was designed to kill anyone inside.

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[MSth08]

#13 is schedule to release on 22nd feb.

astonishing x-men #13 variant sketch cover
http://store1.yimg.com/I/wizarduniverse_1884_167416170

[gogetter]

Yeah! The best X title is coming back!

[MSth08]

it is back this week! :supz:

[gogetter]

The sketch cover sure looks nice, is it going to be rare?

[MSth08]

The sketch cover sure looks nice, is it going to be rare?

hmmm...supposing to be rare soon...:thinking:

[MSth08]

from the pages of newsarama, extracting from NYCC...

Marts reiterated the bi-monthly schedule of Astonishing X-Men through September, to accommodate the schedule of Joss Whedon. It will then be monthly thereafter.

[MSth08]

just get AXM #13 today....
after read it twice, i am pending to get the next issue or not....:thinking:

[gogetter]

Why? Not good? I haven't read mine.

[MSth08]

Why? Not good? I haven't read mine.

no spoiler for it... :laugh:

by the way cassandra is back...seem that AXM will be the tie-in to the grant morrison's new x-men story arc...

[MSth08]

cover #15
http://www.newsarama.com/JoeFridays/JF41art/AXM15covercol_previewscopy.jpg

[MSth08]

from the pages of comics continuum...
previews of astonishing x-men #14, on sale April 26.

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0604/05/astonishingxmen142.jpg

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0604/05/astonishingxmen143.jpg

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0604/05/astonishingxmen144.jpg

[lokeskywalker007]

Pheonix? What, alive again? Or cyclops dreaming?:|

[MSth08]

Pheonix? What, alive again? Or cyclops dreaming?:|

gotta ask emma frost....what's she doing? :D

[lokeskywalker007]

gotta ask emma frost....what's she doing? :D
Yeah, issue 14 cover is really...:evil:
But seriously, does emma frost really love scott summers?:thinking:

[Lord_Angelus]

Yeah, issue 14 cover is really...:evil:
But seriously, does emma frost really love scott summers?:thinking:

I think so..... But she is more cool then Jean somehow!

[MSth08]

issue 14 is out this week :)

[MSth08]

ASTONISHING X-MEN #16
Written by Joss Whedon, pencils and cover by John Cassaday.

"Torn," part 4 of 6. The X-Men have been ripped apart and mentally destroyed. Only one remains standing. But with the combined power of the Hellfire Club standing in their way, what chance do they have?

in stores on Aug. 23

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0605/16/astonishing16.jpg

[gogetter]

Kitty again?! This is not the first time that she's the only X-Men left standing, the writers always like to portray her as the underdog.

[MSth08]

ASTONISHING X-MEN #17
Written by JOSS WHEDON
Pencils & Cover by JOHN CASSADAY

“TORN”
The X-Man destined to destroy the Breakworld has been revealed! Who is it and what will be done to them? Meanwhile, the Hellfire Club gets one step closer to finally reaching their prize! What’s the prize?! Even we don’t know! Part 5 (of 6)!

in stores on Sept. 20.
http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Sept06/covers/astxm017_cov_cmyk.jpg

[gogetter]

Is Wolverine using his claw to pick his teeth?!

[Lord_Angelus]

ya man! he is! =))

[MSth08]

ASTONISHING X-MEN #18
Written by JOSS WHEDON
Pencils and Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
“TORN”

It’s the jaw-dropping conclusion to “Torn!” How will Emma’s betrayal affect the team?! Will the Hellfire Club stand victorious?! This issue also sets up the events leading into John and Joss’ final arc of Astonishing X-Men! Don’t miss it!

[gogetter]

Joss Whedon and John Cassaday are leaving Astonishing?!

[MSth08]

Issue #13 will be in stores on February 22nd, Marts clarified, noting that this new run will be 12 issues, and be bi-monthly for issues #13 through 17 (February - August), and then monthly thereafter.

Asked about the creative team dynamic, Marts said that he's found it refreshing in that all the team are professional and on-time with their work, noting that Cassaday has hit all his deadlines to date.

Marvel Marketing Manager Jim McCann said that issue #13 will have a sketch variant cover, which retailers will be able to order 5 copies per Diamond account. Along with that, McCann noted, if retailers orders on Astonishing #13 exceed their order for Astonishing #1 (the Wolverine claws cover), they will receive a greater discount.

Astonishing will be mostly its own run, Marts said when asked if it will interact with Civil War and other events. Although, the editor noted that Whedon will reflect the current (post House of M) status quo of the Marvel Universe, and will refer to Civil War.

As for the decision to make the series bi-monthly for its first few issues, Marts said that the decision was made in order to get the series going again sooner, rather than later. Marts also said that the decision to begin again with issue #13 was made by Whedon and Cassaday, who want to see the entire work as a 24-issue run.

both of them seem to plan to leave astonishing by issue 24.

[MSth08]

from the pages of comics continuum...

preview of astonishing x-men issue 16, in store Aug 23.
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0607/25/astonishing1623.jpg

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0607/25/astonishing164.jpg

[gogetter]

John Cassaday's art is as good as it can be, a pity he'll be leaving this title soon.

[MSth08]

ASTONISHING X-MEN #19
Written by JOSS WHEDON
Pencils and Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
50/50 Variant cover by JOHN CASSADAY
"UNSTOPPABLE!" Part 1 (of 6)

Strap yourselves in, folks! It’s the beginning of Joss Whedon and John Cassaday’s final arc on Astonishing X-Men! After the shocking and brain-smashing events of last issue, the X-Men are off to protect the Earth from its destruction at the hands of the Breakworld. And when it’s all over, nothing will ever be the same! No really, we mean it! Whedon & Cassaday prove they are more than Astonishing: They are UNSTOPPABLE!

http://www.newsarama.com/NewJoeFridays/NJF10art/ASTXM019_COV_col.jpg

[MSth08]

have a pussy sissy wolvie in AXM issue 16 this week...so funni...:laugh:

[gogetter]

And there's 2 Emma Frost?!

[MSth08]

And there's 2 Emma Frost?!

seem like there's 2 emma frost, different personalties...how come?

[gogetter]

seem like there's 2 emma frost, different personalties...how come?

Now I remember there's this group of lookalike girls with telepathic powers under Emma Frost's care during Grant Morrison's run. Could this second Emma Frost be one of those girls?

[MSth08]

Now I remember there's this group of lookalike girls with telepathic powers under Emma Frost's care during Grant Morrison's run. Could this second Emma Frost be one of those girls?

hmmm...high chance...since the other baddie bald lady "cassardra (correct name?) so called the twin of professor xavier is back...the group of lookalike girls can be back too...join force together...

[gogetter]

Yep Cassandra Nova, now in the Hellfire Club too.

[MSth08]

from the pages of newsarama....

preview of issue 17, on sale oct 5 :
http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Oct06/OctPreviews/AXM/ASTXM017002_col.jpg

http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Oct06/OctPreviews/AXM/ASTXM017003_col.jpg

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http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Oct06/OctPreviews/AXM/ASTXM017005_col.jpg

[MSth08]

ASTONISHING X-MEN #20
Written by JOSS WHEDON
Pencils & Cover by JOHN CASSADAY (50/50 COVER SPLIT)
“UNSTOPPABLE”

The secret is out! With the knowledge that Colossus is the mutant destined to destroy Breakworld, what will Ord’s next move be?! And what exactly has happened to Cyclops?! Part 2 (of 6)!

[gogetter]

The more I look at the preview pages, the more I feel that Xavier looks like Cassadra Nova. :laugh:

[MSth08]

they are supposed to be twins, rite?
i can't remembered the storyarc from grant morrison's run...

[MSth08]

from the pages of comics continuum...

Marvel Comics on Friday released the cover, variant cover and a two-page spread from Astonishing X-Men #19, which begins "Unstoppable," the final art by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday.

Each issue of the "Unstoppable" arc will feature 50/50 covers by Cassaday, with one cover of each issue featuring an iconic shot of a different Astonishing team member. Astonishing X-Men #19's variant features a visorless Cyclops.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"After the shocking events of 'Torn,' the X-Men, along with Ord and Danger, have been transported to Breakworld; the very world that Colossus is prophesized to destroy. Will everyone make it back to Earth? Even if they manage to return, nothing will ever be the same."

The issue is due in stores on Dec. 27.

issue 19 cover :
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0612/08/astonishingxmen19c.jpg

issue 19 variant cover :
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0612/08/astonishingxmen19variant.jpg

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0612/08/astonishingxmen191.jpg

[MSth08]

ASTONISHING X-MEN #21
Written by JOSS WHEDON
Pencils and 50/50 Covers by JOHN CASSADAY

“UNSTOPPABLE” PART 3 (OF 6)!
Ord and his people of Breakworld lead the charge to take down the X-Men and S.W.O.R.D. And when this fight’s over… Not everyone is coming back!


on sale may 07
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[MSth08]

With Simone Bianchi just announced as the new artist on Astonishing X-Men with writer Warren Ellis, we checked in to hear his thoughts on the upcoming project, and find out what was up with the "X" shaved into his hair at San Diego Comic-Con. Even without a script in hand yet, Bianchi still had plenty to say about his upcoming run.

below link to the interview with simone bianchi :
http://www.newsarama.com/Comic-Con_07/Marvel/Simone.html

below link to the interview with warren ellis :
http://www.newsarama.com/Comic-Con_07/Marvel/AXMEllis.html

http://www.newsarama.com/Comic-Con_07/Marvel/x/Astonish-X-Men-v.2.jpg

credits : newsarama.com

[lokeskywalker007]

So X23 is going to be in the team?

Looks like quite a number of artistes chose wolverine as the stepping stone to gain their fame. I mean before Simone Bianchi, Adam Kubert and Leinil Francisl Yu were the regular artist in the previous wolverine on-going title. And when they became well known, they left the title and went for the bigger ones like uncanny X-men and X-men.

[MSth08]

preview of issue 22, in stores 23 aug :
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0708/17/astonishing22a.jpg

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credits : comicscontinuum.com

[MSth08]

ASTONISHING X-MEN #24
Written by JOSS WHEDON
Pencils & 50/50 Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
“UNSTOPPABLE”

Everything, from #1 to now, comes down to this. Things will change. One will not return. This is the end. Or is it? Part 6 (of 6)

in stores dec 07

credits : newsarama.com

[MSth08]

preview of issue 23, in stores 8 nov :
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0711/02/astonishing23b.jpg

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credits : comicscontinuum.com

[MSth08]

GIANT-SIZE ASTONISHING X-MEN #1
Written by JOSS WHEDON
Pencils & Wraparound Cover by JOHN CASSADAY

Too big to be contained in a normal issue, the grand finale of Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly) and John Cassaday’s (CAPTAIN AMERICA, Planetary) landmark run is right here! The powerlords of Breakworld bring the fight to Earth. Can the X-Men stop them from destroying the whole planet? Will the Avengers join their fight? What we do know is this: one of the X-Men won’t walk away from this fight. Plus spotlight interviews with Whedon and Cassaday!

In stores Feb 08
http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Feb08/GSASTXM001.jpg

Credits : newsarama.com

[MSth08]

TALKING ASTONISHING X-MEN WITH AXEL ALONSO

As announced at San Diego Comic-Con International last year, Astonishing X-Men will see a new creative team later this year, beginning with issue #25 of the book. While a first look at the Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi fueled book was shown at Wizard World LA’s X-Men panel Saturday, we sat down with Executive Editor Axel Alonso to find out the ins and outs of the book.

Newsarama: Axel, there have been many tonal shifts to the X-Men as a whole over the last few years. Whedon wanted to get them back into being super-heroes, but now, with the events of “Messiah CompleX” behind them, that seems like a difficult proposition. How would you describe the tone Ellis is taking with the book?

Axel Alonso: How is it a “difficult proposition”? The X-Men are super-heroes. Like Spider-Man, they display never-say-die spirit in the face of overwhelming odds -- currently, that’s the backdrop of an unsure future. And like Iron Man, they frequently have to make tough decisions in the crucible of the moment. That’s how heroes are forged.

NRAMA: Still, with no official team, and two teams (X-Force and Young X-Men) that are, according to solicits and interviews, created expressly to hunt down and kill the bad guys, the X-Men seem to be in a pretty dark place. Will Ellis be focusing on that, or will his direction be more super-heroics based? Or maybe something else entirely?

AA: Suffice it to say, the X-Men will “reassemble” sometime soon -- but exactly how I can’t reveal. Things won’t be the same as they were.

NRAMA: Fair enough. During his interview after the announcement last year, Ellis mentioned the full title of the book changing to “Astonishing X-Men: Second Stage,” is that still the plan? Do you feel that’s necessary distinction the title needs or was it purely Ellis’ call?

AA: We’re ironing out the details, but that’s still the plan. It’s definitely the next step from where Joss and John put the book. Warren and Simone are helping it up the stairs.

NRAMA: We’ve just seen in Uncanny X-Men #496 the first real acknowledgment that Astonishing happens in the same world as the other X-books. Is that something we’ll see more of- that is, will this continue to be not-quite-in-continuity or will it be a little more firmly implanted in the larger X-Universe?

AA: Astonishing is firmly set in continuity -- it’s just not clear yet to the readers where it falls in the sequence of events. It’ll still be an important part of continuity and it will start from the same place that Uncanny #500 starts.

NRAMA: Will there be more “real time,” that is, month by month acknowledgment amongst the books of the events happening in Astonishing then, or will the timeline be established later, after the story has been told, as with Whedon/Cassaday’s?

AA: There won’t be month-by-month acknowledgment, but it’s a little early to say for sure.

NRAMA: Lateness and changing schedules definitely plagued Whedon and Cassaday’s run, yes or no, will we have a set shipping schedule for this next run? What is being done to affirm that?

AA: That’s our goal. We’re taking advantage of the lead-time.

NRAMA: Has it been determined how long the Ellis/Bianchi run will last?

AA: Twenty-four issues, starting with #25.

NRAMA: Is there a set break planned within that 24 issues, to allow Simone some break time/lead time for the next several issues?

AA: We’ve got lead time, we’re taking advantage of it -- that’s all I can say.

NRAMA: Can you give us an idea of what the first arc will be about? How long will it be, as well?

AA: It’s called “Ghost Box,” and it starts when the X-Men investigate a murder.

NRAMA: Sounds like X-Factor’s got some competition! Of course we have to ask, who is on the team? Will it be set, or a rotating group?

AA: There will be a core team -- all of whom are big players. We’re not ready to announce who they are just yet, but I will confirm Cyclops as the team leader.

NRAMA: Cyclops is a busy man, to be sure. Bianchi’s work on Wolverine had a lot of one on one sequences, how are his team scenes working out?

AA: They look great. Simone is a once-in-a-decade talent.

NRAMA: And who will be coloring Bianchi this time around? Any plans for Black and White variants like was done on Wolverine?

AA: Simone Perruzzi, the same guy who colored his “Evolution” arc in Wolverine.

NRAMA: Too early to tell on the possibility of Black and White versions, then?

AA: There are no current plans for a black and white edition, but then again, the black-and-white variant of Logan #1 sold really well, so you never know.

NRAMA: With the tighter feel of the line and characters showing up in each others’ books more often, why should the average comic fan be reading Astonishing if they’re already reading one or more of the other X-books?

AA: Why did people flock to the Whedon/Cassaday run? Because it was great.

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credits : newsarama.com

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ASTONISHING X-MEN #25
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils & Wraparound Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI

It’s the book you’ve been waiting for. The superstar team of Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi are ready to take the X-Men to the “Second Stage”! “Messiah CompleX” pulled the X-Men team together, “Divided We Stand” tore them apart. Now the X-Men are back to business -- with a new look, a new base of operations, and a mystery to solve that will take them into previously uncharted territory and test them to their core!
SFX TIE-IN

In stores Jul 08
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credits : newsarama.com

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first look at giant size astonishing x-men issue 1, in stores 22 may :
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credits : comicscontinuum.com

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ASTONISHING X-MEN #26
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils and Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
"GHOST BOX," PART 2

The superstar team of Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi take the X-Men to the "Second Stage"!

"Messiah Complex" pulled the X-Men team together, "Divided We Stand" tore them apart. Now the X-Men are back to business -- with a new look, a new base of operations, and a mystery to solve that will take them into previously uncharted territory and test them to their core. It all starts on a spaceship hovering 300 hundred feet above the twisted wreckage of Chaparanga Beach. Its sole inhabitant: the mysterious Subject X. Five minutes -- just five minutes is all he needs, all he’s asking for.

Can the X-Men afford to give it to him?

In stores Aug 08
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credits : newsarama.com

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variant cover of issue 25 :
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credits : comicscontinuum.com

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ASTONISHING X-MEN #27
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils & Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI

"GHOST BOX," PART 3
Big action. Big Science. And a big mystery to solve! The superstar team of Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi take the X-Men to the "Second Stage"! "Messiah CompleX" pulled the X-Men team together, "Divided We Stand" tore them apart. Now the X-Men are back to business -- with a new look, a new base of operations, and a mission that will take them into mind-bending and previously uncharted territory -- one that will test them -- and their leader Cyclops -- to their very core. You won’t believe your eyes.

In stores Sep 08
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credits : newsarama.com

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preview of issue 25, in stores 3 jul :
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credits : comicscontinuum.com

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cover of issue 26 :
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cover of issue 27 :
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credits : comicscontinuum.com

[MSth08]

ASTONISHING X-MEN: GHOST BOXES #1 (of 2)
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils by ALAN DAVIS & ADI GRANOV
Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI

You met Subject X in the pages of Astonishing X-Men! But what was he really doing and who he was doing it for? Find out in this essential 2-issue tie-in series to Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi’s opening salvo on Astonishing X-Men! Ghost Boxes is about the choices that man made and could have made, and the ripples they cause. Ghost Boxes is about the real stakes of the Ghost Box storyline, and what will happen if the X-Men fail to solve the mystery.

In stores Oct 08
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==========================================

ASTONISHING X-MEN: GHOST BOXES #2 (of 2)
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Penciled by OLIVIER COIPEL & KAARE ANDREWS
Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI

You met Subject X in the pages of ASTONISHING X-MEN. But what was he really doing and who he was doing it for? Find our in the second issue of this special 2-issue tie-in series to Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi’s opening salvo on Astonishing X-Men! Ghost Boxes is about the real stakes of the Ghost Boxes storyline, and what will happen if the X-Men fail to solve that mystery.

In stores Nov 08
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preview of astonishing x-men: ghost boxes issue 1 of 2 :
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credits : newsarama.com

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preview of issue 27, in stores 16 oct :
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credits : comicscontinuum.com

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preview of issue 28, in stores 22 jan :
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credits : newsarama.com

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ASTONISHING X-MEN #29
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils & Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
"GHOST BOX," PART 5

The penultimate chapter of the opening epic by the superstar team of Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi. Are you ready for the secret of the Ghost Box?

In stores Apr 09
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credits : newsarama.com

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ASTONISHING X-MEN #30
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils & Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
“GHOST BOX,” PART 6

Some boxes are best left unopened. It’s the final chapter of the opening epic by the superstar team of Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi.

In Jun 09
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credits : newsarama.com

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preview of issue 29, in stores 23 apr :
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credits : comicscontinuum.com

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preview of issue 30, in stores 25-jun :
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credits : comicscontinuum.com

[MSth08]

ASTONISHING X-MEN #31
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils & Wraparound Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Variant Cover by TRAVIS CHAREST

‘EXOGENETIC,” PART 1 of 5
Abigail Brand, director of S.W.O.R.D., has been in some sticky situations, and she isn’t the type who asks for help to get out of them. But when you’re careening towards Earth in the cockpit of a damaged spaceship after being attacked on an exploding asteroid 7.5 million miles from Earth...it’s time to call the X-Men. They might not have much of a plan, or much of a chance, but that’s certainly never stopped them before. Superstar artist Phil Jimenez joins writer Warren Ellis for the second arc of the mind-bending ongoing series!

In stores Oct 09
http://i.newsarama.com/preview_images/marvelnew/oct09/axm31.jpg

credits : newsarama.com

[MSth08]

ASTONISHING X-MEN #32
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils & Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ

“EXOGENETIC,” PART 2 of 5
The X-Men have fought towering, mutant-slaying robot Sentinels before. But never one quite like this. Never a Sentinel made of meat and bone, wearing the skin of one of their own deceased teammates, every technological aspect given a biological solution. And as the X-Men fight for their lives, they’re left to wonder: What could this monstrosity have to do with THE BROOD?

In stores Nov 09
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credits : newsarama.com

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ASTONISHING X-MEN #33
Written by Warren Ellis, pencils and cover by Phil Jimenez.

"Exogenetic," part 3 of 5.
Dead mutants turned into biological weapons...genetically-reprogrammed Brood sleazoids...missing data on Henry McCoy's research computers...the truth about what Abby Brand was trying to burn out on Cruithne. It all adds up to an attempt to remove mutantcy from the planet Earth entirely -- and the rise of the Bio-Sentinels.

In stores Dec 09
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credits : comicscontinuum.com

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preview of issue 32 :
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credits : newsarama.com

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ASTONISHING X-MEN #34
Written by Warren Ellis, pencils and cover by Phil Jimenez.

"eXogenetic" Part 4. Gruesome Bio-Sentinels. Genetically-augmented Brood. Someone is taking the X-Men's biggest threats and making them nightmares. As Cyclops and his team struggle to survive long enough to confront the one responsible, their tormentor has something even more horrible awaiting them!

In stores Feb 2010
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credits : comicscontinuum.com

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ASTONISHING X-MEN #35
Written by Warren Ellis, pencils and cover by Phil Jimenez.

"eXogenetic" conclusion. After wading through a swarm of bio-mechanically engineered monstrosities modeled after some of their fiercest foes, the X-Men finally come face to face with the man responsible. He's given his life to designing the death of the mutant race and with the X-Men at his doorstep, he's preparing to unleash one more genetic nightmare upon the world before his time runs out.

In stores Mar 2010
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credits : comicscontinuum.com