Astonishing X-Men
When I first heard that Joss Whedon was writing an X-Men run, it was like both of my Christmases had come at once.
Astonishing X-Men
This run is a direct continuation of Morrison's run (and New X-Men shold be read first); Gifted (1-6) and Dangerous (7-12) take place in the first school week of the year following that story. Torn (13-18) takes place after House of M.
It is obvious Whedon has been reading X-Men for a long time. He writes the characters with all the insecurities and frustrations they should have developed over the years. Cyclops is becoming jaded, Beast and Emma are both unsure of themselves, and Wolverine has become a believer in the Professor's cause. Kitty does not like Emma's influence on Scott, and the Professor himself is continuing his perpetual dark curve.
While there have been complaints about the pacing of the comics, it is not an issue here. The complaints were that Whedon was writing for the TPB, and that the plots were not paced fast enough for a bi-monthly book. But reading in paperback form, the plots are tight and addictive. The only frustration is the cliff-hanger ending of Torn.
I'm not going to recommend it, as good as it is. Wait to see if it comes out in hardcover when it's finished.
