Once considered the
most detached series in the X-Men family of titles, and the one
operating in the fringes of 616 continuity, Astonishing has now
tightened its connections to the rest of the Marvel Universe, and is
starting a slow climb to become the flagship X-book thanks to the
massive media attention it is receiving, and to writer Marjorie Liu.
With an exciting covert ops adventure as the backdrop, the current
arc reintroduces Dr. Cecilia Reyes to the fold, promotes New Mutant
Karma to the big leagues, and puts the spotlight on Canadian
speedster Northstar and his relationship with civilian Kyle Jinadu.
Along with fan favorites Gambit and Iceman, another cool addition to
the roster is Shi'ar warrior Warbird, who makes Wolverine look like
Mother Teresa, and in a subtle way provides some humorous moments.
The art by Mike Perkins is not the best fit for this high-profile
new direction, but overall, is a good book.
