Astonishing X-Men #25

Writer: Warren Ellis
Art: Simone Bianchi
Colors: Simone Peruzzi
Letterer: Joe Caramagna

With the release of Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men #1, readers of the series knew that this special issue signaled the end of an era. Joss Whedon, for whom the title was created, wrote twenty-five issues of what would come to be known as one of (if not the) best X-Men series in decades, illustrated by the amazing John Cassaday. Who could possibly replace this award-winning team?

Astonishing X-Men #25 answers that question, and I am happy beyond words with the answer. Warren Ellis, known for titles such as Transmetropolitan and Newuniversal has signed on to write the next twenty-four issues of  Astonishing, with artist Simone Bianchi set to handle art duties "as long as possible."

Issue 25 comes across as both a set-up and a warm-up. After reading it, we know the basic plot of the story arc and are given a small taste of the mystery to come. Shortly after having set up base in San Francisco, our team of X-Men (joined now by Storm) receive a phone call from the SFPD requesting a consult. They arrive at the crime scene to find a floating, burning corpse. Upon putting out the flames, a tissue sample is taken for analysis. The deceased is discovered to be a triploid (a person who has three sets of chromosomes), as well as a mutant. A note book left by the deceased explains that he had been following his killer, an unknown mutant (and also triploid) referred to as "subject x" who is headed for the spacecraft graveyard known as Chaparanga. The issue ends as the X-Men take off to find the killer.

There's virtually no action in this issue but, as noted above, it does set up what is looking like a very interesting and visually amazing arc. Ellis's writing is very intelligent and well-suited for this title. Bianchi's art, while subject to much debate, is a huge plus.

There's one more plus to note, for those of you who like the new creative team and look forward to the rest of the series. Two words: monthly schedule.

J.L.
07/03/09