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Joss Whedon - "Astonishing X-Men" Comic Book - Giant Size Issue 1 - Available for pre-order !

Webmaster — 2008-03-28T21:44:41Z

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Joss Whedon - "Astonishing X-Men" Comic Book - Nick Lowe Marvel.com Interview

Webmaster — 2008-03-20T08:44:28Z

Nick Lowe does ok for himself.

In addition to winning the prestigious 2007 Marvel Moustache Pageant, Lowe capped off last year as part of the editorial team led by X-Men Group Editor Axel Alonso that guided the X-Men books through the highly-successful and tremendously well-received "Messiah CompleX" event and has kept the momentum going, overseeing the "Divided We Stand" storyline in UNCANNY X-MEN. Lowe also oversees other titles scattered across the Marvel Universe including RUNAWAYS, but we'll get back to that tomorrow.

Today we cover the status quo-redefining book Lowe has been associated with for most of its history : ASTONISHING X-MEN. As writer Joss Whedon and artist John Cassaday prepare to end their acclaimed run on the title with GIANT-SIZE ASTONISHING X-MEN #1, hitting stores April 9, and clear the deck for Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi to take over this summer, we spoke with Lowe about the odyssey that has been ASTONISHING X-MEN thus far as well as what comes next.

Marvel.com : When you came on ASTONISHING X-MEN, did you feel any pressure or "stage fright" stepping into the role given the big names involved and the early success of the book ?

Nick Lowe : When [previous editor] Mike Marts left, I'd just started working with Joss on RUNAWAYS, so I knew him. As for John, I worked with him on CAPTAIN AMERICA for a few years, back with Marvel Knights, so it wasn't that big of a change. It's a lot of pressure—no one likes the book more than me—and I desperately don't want to screw it up. But Joss and John operate with such little margin of error, they make my job easy.

Marvel.com : Looking back on your tenure editing the book to date, what are some of your proudest moments ?

Nick Lowe : It's all [Joss and John] on this book. So…some of those recap pages were awesome, right ?

Marvel.com : Conversely, is there anything you'd go back and do differently ?

Nick Lowe : I wish we could have planned it a little better so that there wasn't such truncated shipping, but sometimes it can't be helped.

Marvel.com : Give us a quick snapshot preview of what to expect with the big finish in GIANT-SIZE ASTONISHING X-MEN…

Nick Lowe : Sure thing : Cyclops and the rest of the crew have to save the world. Again. This time they have Iron Man, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the rest of the X-Men at their side, but it all comes down to the seven X-Men you've been following this whole time : Cyclops, Emma, Kitty, Colossus, Wolverine, Beast and Armor—with Brand and Danger, of course.

Marvel.com : We already know from recent issues of UNCANNY X-MEN that something happens to Kitty Pryde in GIANT SIZE, but are people jumping the gun in assuming that her fate is death ? Will there still be some surprises in store ?

Nick Lowe : I knew that issue [of UNCANNY X-MEN] was going to shock people, but we have a lot up our sleeves. You think you know a lot. You don't.

Marvel.com : Who do you feel became the breakout character(s) of ASTONISHING ?

Nick Lowe : This might be weird to say, since he's been a main character in the X-books since the beginning, but I'd say Cyclops. No one does Cyclops better than Joss and John. Their treatment of him as a character changed the way the X-books are going to be done for years. He's strong. He has vision—puns ! He's a bad ass. We're taking that and running. As for new characters, I have a very soft spot for Armor.

Marvel.com : How do you feel about some people holding these first 25 issues of ASTONISHING up there with X-Men runs like Chris Claremont and John Byrne on UNCANNY all those years ago ? How does the creative team feel about it ?

Nick Lowe : The creative team wants the work to stand for them. As for me, I think it's definitely up there. It's my favorite X-Men story that I've read since I became an X-Fan in the 90's. I've read all the biggies, but this one had me twisting and turning, cheering and crying—it's true, I'm a big pansy. There were always parts, little bits, of those classic stories where I would say, "Okay, this is awesome, but that one part was weird." I think this is the most consistently excellent X-story ever.

Marvel.com : What do you feel will the be the lasting changes and effects wrought by this run of ASTONISHING ?

Nick Lowe : The only one I can talk about is the tone that they strike on this book I hope that's the most lasting effect. As for continuity things, you'll have to wait and see.

Marvel.com : What's next for ASTONISHING under Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi—or at least what can you tell us ?

Nick Lowe : Well, we launch in July with #25 and a story called "Ghost Box." I can't tell you much—I'd get killed—but it's a mystery. It involves a man on fire. It involves a place that we've never seen before, but I can tell is going to become a Marvel Universe touchstone. It involves a villain that you know in a way that you don't.

GIANT-SIZE ASTONISHING X-MEN #1 reaches stands April 9, but Nick will be back here with us tomorrow to talk RUNAWAYS. In the mean time, get caught up with ASTONISHING X-MEN over on Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited.

Joss Whedon - "Astonishing X-Men" Comic Book - Giant Size - Available for pre-order !

Webmaster — 2008-03-16T21:19:38Z

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Joss Whedon - "Astonishing X-Men" Comic Book - Editor Axel Alonzo Comicbookresources.com Interview

Webmaster — 2008-03-15T22:45:00Z

This July, X-Men fans should prepare themselves to be astonished in all new and all different ways as the new "Astonishing X-Men" creative team of writer Warren Ellis and artist Simone Bianchi takes over the best selling Marvel Comics title. CBR News spoke with Executive Editor Axel Alonso about what fans can expect from the series.

In the wake of the line altering mega-story "Messiah CompleX," the X-Men titles all have specific and unique purposes. "Astonishing" already played a unique role among the X-Books and will continue to play that same role when Ellis and Bianchi take over the title. "Astonishing will operate like it always has, a self-contained story that is in continuity, but doesn't show it all the time," Alonso told CBR News. "It's got its core of characters and sticks to them, whereas 'Uncanny X-Men' is the backbone of all the X-Books. That's where all the X-characters live and roost."

Some of the continuity elements "Astonishing" will show are the aftershocks of "Messiah CompleX." "'Astonishing X-Men' is firmly set in the aftermath of 'Messiah Complex' and 'Divided We Stand,'" Alonso stated. "As for what that means for the X-Men as a team, you'll have to wait and see."

Alonso could reveal that Cyclops's post-"Messiah Complex" calculating, determined and often ruthless perspective on mutant affairs would be part of Ellis and Bianchi's run on "Astonishing X-Men." "Cyclops is the undisputed team leader — the one who has to make the tough calls," Alonso said. "His number one priority will always be the survival of his species. He will do anything to fulfill his responsibility."

Cyclops is the only cast member of Ellis and Bianchi's run on "Astonishing" whose identity Alonso could reveal. "There is a core team — all of whom are heavy hitters," Alonso said.

Kitty Pryde AKA Shadowcat was a key player in Whedon and Cassaday's run on "Astonishing X-Men." The duo's run on "Astonishing" comes to a conclusion in April's "Giant Size Astonishing X-Men" #1, but given their last issue left Shadowcat in dire peril and the recent "Uncanny X-Men" #496 alluded that she was "lost," some readers are assuming she won't be part of the new line-up. "Assume nothing," Alonso cautioned. "'Uncanny' #496 wasn't a mistake."

While their identities have to be kept under wraps, but Alonso could reveal that interactions between the cast members of Ellis and Bianchi's "Astonishing X-Men" won't always go smoothly. "The members assembled for this group like each other — Well, most of them," Alonso said. "There's a bit of friction between two of them, but noting that can't be defused. Bottom line, they're a team operating under the direction of one leader."

"Ghost Box," Ellis and Bianchi's opening arc on "Astonishing," will find the X-men looking for answers. "They will be driven to solve a mystery, a great mystery," Alonso said. "And once they start peeling back layers, things get very interesting."

Ellis's initial "Astonishing X-Men" story will have a "Widescreen Action" feel, but will have cerebral elements as well. Alonso described Ellis's tale as a "Thinking man's summer blockbuster.'"

Alonso has been blown away by the way Simone Bianchi has brought to life Ellis's "Astonishing" scripts. "He's incredible. Simone is a once-in-a-decade talent, or more," Alonso remarked. "It's his best work yet."

Ellis and Bianchi's run begins with July's "Astonishing X-Men" #25 and the duo have almost completed the first two issues of their 24 issue run on the book. "We're rolling and we're going to offer a little peek-behind-the-scenes in June as an appetizer," Alonso said. "Hold onto your shorts. This series won't stop astonishing you when Joss and John leave."

Joss Whedon - "Astonishing X-Men" Comic Book - Issue 24 - Available for pre-order !

Webmaster — 2008-03-02T15:24:36Z

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Joss Whedon - "Astonishing X-Men" Comic Book - Giant Size - Available for pre-order !

Webmaster — 2008-03-01T13:48:23Z

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 !

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Joss Whedon - "Astonishing X-Men" Comic Book - Issue 24 - Available for pre-order !

Webmaster — 2008-02-17T02:43:00Z

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Joss Whedon - "Astonishing X-Men" Comic Book - Wizarduniverse.com Interview

Webmaster — 2008-02-12T10:27:14Z

WIZARD : Before we delve into comic-related stuff, let's get this out of the way : What's your favorite type of pie ?

WHEDON : You know, I'm very partial to making a strawberry-rhubarb at Thanksgiving and usually end up eating most of it myself. Strawberry rhubarb is a thing of beauty.

Thanks. Now on to comics.

All right, but I think you're glossing over the very delicate pie issue. You know, most of the last X-Men is going to be about pie anyway.

Speaking of which, is it safe to assume that the “Giant Size” title is a nod to the classic 1975 issue which launched the modern X-Men ?

That was Johnny's insistence. We were supposed to do 12 [issues] when I cornered him and said, “I have the next 12,” and he said, “Shut up ! I'm busy !” And then I told him what the ideas were and he basically said, “F--- you !” And practically the first thing out of his mouth was, “And we have to go out with a giant-sized annual at the end of 24 !” And I'm, like, “That works for me.” I actually thought he meant giant-sized, like, Superman Versus Spider-Man [Treasury Edition]-sized, and then found out that just meant longer. [I was] like, “But I want to see Spider-Man fight Superman…or Muhammad Ali, I don't care.” I was a little disappointed that it isn't actually going to be larger, but it will be longer and…“epic-er.” Yes, that is a word now ! Yay !

What can we expect from the Giant-Size issue ?

Well, it wraps up all of the threads that I've been weaving—obviously, the Breakworld saga—and will involve characters from the Marvel Universe. (They'll all be dead—except Hawkeye.) For the first time since they locked horns with the Fantastic Four in issue #7, they will actually be a part of the whole, which means, of course, I have to keep writing my editor, like, “Who's alive ? Thor's a clone ? Okay. What is Spider-Man wearing these days ? I'm very confused.”

And will Blindfold's prediction from issue #18 about an X-Men not coming back actually come true ?

Do you think Blindfold would not be right ?

You never know.

Yeah, the issue ends with Blindfold going, “Psych !” and bumping into a wall. It's hilarious.

[Laughs] The terminology was that “not all of them” come back, so is it possible that may or may not mean death ? And that may or may not mean death. But is it going to be harsh ? Let's see. Let me look in the mirror…“Oh, it's Joss Whedon !” Yes, it's probably gonna be harsh.

Hopefully you don't actually have a mirror there.

No, actually, I really don't. I want to stress that I don't have a mirror.

Now that you've pretty much finished the run, is there anything you wish you had done differently ?

You know, not so much. I think the only major regret is that I don't think I'm ever going to do anything as cool as issue #4, when Colossus came back and ran through Kitty. And it's not good to peak at issue #4 when there's 25 of them. I know the Danger plot did not resonate with most audiences as much as I would have liked. I think I was so interested in the ideas behind it that I forgot to connect them to the humanity of it and people weren't really feeling what Danger was going through.

Arguably, your streamlining of the characters was part of the reason for the title's success.

You pick up the X-Men and you have so much history. You just have to say, “I will honor the history that the fanboys know,” but I gotta write this for people who haven't read 14 other things and aren't reading them now. Which is why I stayed out of the Civil War and all of that because I wanted to make the book accessible to somebody who wasn't an X-fan, at the same time as having just a fanboy party the whole time. Simplification. Logan—what are you going to do with Logan ? Well, what hasn't been done with Logan ? How about turning him into a prissy Nancy boy ? Which, again, was honoring his origin story. I didn't pull that out of thin air ; that had already been created.

You know what also hasn't been done with Logan ? A full body wax.

Well, spoiler alert !

Laughs] Last X-Men question : In issue #21, when Beast and Agent Brand are caught in a snowstrike, she says, “I don't need your guts to keep me warm.” And then something happens down below, off-panel and then Hank says, “Oh. My.” Dare I ask what we're supposed to infer here ?

Um, infer away because the Giant-Size will reveal what she was talking about. Agent Brand has many more layers than she has heretofore shown. And that doesn't mean I won't kill her. But, yeah, we will find out what's really going on with Agent Brand and why there was a glow.

Joss Whedon - "Astonishing X-Men" Comic Book - Issue 24 - Available for pre-order !

Webmaster — 2008-02-05T13:51:57Z

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Joss Whedon - "Astonishing X-Men" Comic Book - Issue 24 - Comicsnexus.insidepulse.com Review

Webmaster — 2008-01-29T22:20:49Z

I am going to try very hard throughout this review not to say how absolutely awesome Joss and John's work on Astonishing is. But it will be hard. And now I don't really know what else to write about.

We are now on the penultimate issue of this stellar run (which will end sometime in 2008 with Giant Size Astonishing X-Men #1, which already seems to have been pushed back twice). Broken up into four albeit interconnected arcs, the series has not been without a couple of mishaps and mis-hits - the Danger arc had some wonderful moments but didn't quite hit all the right notes, while the Hellfire Club story was perhaps a little too decompressed. And now the X-Men are off-world, fighting to save the Earth from destruction from a giant missile pointed towards it from the alien Breakworld.

Following on from the genius revelations of Cyclops' plan to infiltrate the enemy stronghold in #23 (definitely one of my favourite X-Men issues across the line in recent times), the X-Men make their move to disable the missile - from the rather complicated scenario of the previous issue, this story really is pretty much that simple. Instead of delicate and clever plot twists, we get action and snappy banter. But this creative team can do both equally well. Even the cliffhanger is fairly straight-forward, though it will certainly call for some rather interesting and not immediately obvious solutions. Oh, and we also get a fairly predictable death.

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