Marvel Noise: Review: Astonishing X-Men #25

Monday, June 30, 2008

Review: Astonishing X-Men #25

Astonishing is the right word.

Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi jump right into things in this first issue of their run. You might’ve seen some of the teaser art that’s been either released or leaked. If you’re a fan of the X-Men, and more specifically the Astonishing X-Men, you’ve probably even developed some expectations for this issue. Certainly the previous team set the bar high. Ellis and Bianchi appear set to step over that proverbial bar.

Ellis sets everything up in this first issue, giving readers both old and new, everything they need to know. From the very first page we begin to get a sense of who these characters are and how they interact. A very new status quo is set up and although tied into current continuity almost everything about this issue feels like a first issue.

Bianchi’s art is amazing. His page layouts are a revelation, actually. From the first page to the last, he consistently controls the pace of the story as well as the reader’s eye from panel to panel, and page to page. Line work, use of pattern, texture, contrast, all combining to create some truly beautiful pages.

The phrase “great jumping on point” has often been used when a new team takes over a book. Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi have made sure that it truly applies here. Be sure not to miss Astonishing X-Men #25!