I grew up reading X-Men.  They’re the superhero team that got me into comics.  I’ve been with them through the good writers (Morrison, Whedon, early Claremont), and I’ve been with them through the bad (Milligan, Austen, late Claremont), and all the mediocrity inbetween.  I always get really excited when an author I like from another series signs on to the title.  And I’m nearly always dissapointed in what follows.

I loved Carey’s Lucifer, The Furies, Hellblazer, and Faker.  So when I heard he was signing on to write X-Men I was overjoyed.  But, aside from his “Endangered Species” back stories, have been underwhelmed by his X-run.  The same is true of Brubaker (aside from “Messiah Complex”).  So when I heard Warren Ellis was going to replace Whedon on Astonishing, I was cautious.

The main problem I have with the Astonishing title since he took over was the art.  I know Bianchi is a very talented artist, I just don’t like it.  So, I was pleased that the side story was going to be drawn by different artists.

Ehhh.  Neither story in this issue drew me in at all.  Each issue in this run pushes me closer to the opinion that Ellis is just rewriting The Authority within the X-Men Universe.  Only he’s doing it poorly.

I was also dissapointed that half of the comic was a “Behind The Panels” edition of the issue’s script.  It’s the sort of thing you expect to find in a second printing “Director’s Cut”, not in a 16 page side story.

I’ll probably pick up the next issue out of habit.  I hope it will pleasantly surprise me.