Strap yourselves in, folks It's Joss Whedon and John Cassaday's final arc on Astonishing X-Men After the shocking and brain-smashing events of re...
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Jan 15, 2012
Ronyell
rated it: 
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
6 stars!!!
Flashback:
After reading the first three volumes of “Astonishing X-Men” by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday, I was waiting with anticipation in reading the final volume of this fantastic series, “Astonishing X-Men: Unstoppable” and I was perfectly astonished and not disappointed! This volume will definitely not disappoint X-Men fans and will stand the test of time as one of the best endings to a comic book series More...
6 stars!!!
Flashback:
After reading the first three volumes of “Astonishing X-Men” by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday, I was waiting with anticipation in reading the final volume of this fantastic series, “Astonishing X-Men: Unstoppable” and I was perfectly astonished and not disappointed! This volume will definitely not disappoint X-Men fans and will stand the test of time as one of the best endings to a comic book series More...
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Jul 17, 2011
Mike
rated it:
The epic space stuff is really awe-inspiring, and the sense of humour on display is simply wonderful. (Emma's mental distraction in ep. 20 had me rolling on the floor.)
Awesome twists and turns the story takes, and I'm particularly enjoying the adult-sized dialogue. Why doesn't everyone write like this? The sarcasm is especially refreshing for comicdom - again, why can't everyone write like this?
I can't freaking believe how well-plotted a story this is - compared to the Firefly graphic More...
Awesome twists and turns the story takes, and I'm particularly enjoying the adult-sized dialogue. Why doesn't everyone write like this? The sarcasm is especially refreshing for comicdom - again, why can't everyone write like this?
I can't freaking believe how well-plotted a story this is - compared to the Firefly graphic More...
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Mar 03, 2009
Abe
rated it: 
the whedon/cassaday run goes out with a bang, but, like the rest of his run, a bang as dissonant as it is compelling.
the fundamental dilemma of the run is taken to its logical extreme here. as usual, you can't put the book down for the panel-to-panel dialogue, art, action, and character development. of special interest here is the great writing of scott summers, the establishment of hisako as a part of the x-canon, and the fleshing-out of abigail brand.
but as with volumes More...
the fundamental dilemma of the run is taken to its logical extreme here. as usual, you can't put the book down for the panel-to-panel dialogue, art, action, and character development. of special interest here is the great writing of scott summers, the establishment of hisako as a part of the x-canon, and the fleshing-out of abigail brand.
but as with volumes More...
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Dec 21, 2010
Thomas
rated it:
Joss Whedon really knows how to take a potentially silly or played out concept (superheroes in spandex, probably the most ubiquitous series and characters in the Marvel universe, etc) and make them both more mature and more relatable at the same time. These are X-Men who have grown up, who aren't interested in being in a big room with other costumed characters looking for someone to punch. They're trying to solve the problems that they are presented with. Whedon is great with teams--Buffy, An
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Oct 07, 2010
J.M.
rated it:
What a great series. I just read all four volumes of Joss Whedon's and John Cassaday's ASTONISHING X-MEN this week and I can't remember the last run of comics I enjoyed this much. Brilliantly done! An excellent jumping-on point, too, if you've never read the X-Men (or comics in general). Even if you don't care for superhero comics, this is good. It's worth your time. It has great characters, awesome artwork, a wonderful ending... a total blast. 'Nuff said.
My rating: five stars (out o More...
My rating: five stars (out o More...
Jul 24, 2010
Jennifer
rated it:
Oh man oh man oh man. What a trip. Book 4 finally takes us back to the plot about the Breakworld aliens trying to wipe out mutants, in particular now we know it's Peter they want to kill, because he's supposed to kill them... anyway to be blunt there is no way I can run down the story. Again, it changes pretty much on every page. No way you can hope to keep up!
But... this one did have a sense of finality to it and it had some beautiful storytelling and TRAGEDY. I guess from what I u More...
But... this one did have a sense of finality to it and it had some beautiful storytelling and TRAGEDY. I guess from what I u More...
Jan 05, 2010
Hippopottoman
rated it:
Similar to Torn in that the book is a little weaker than the first two Astonishing compilations. Still an enjoyable read, and I found myself engaged by the story, even if a few of the probably-intended-to-be-surprises weren’t. My biggest complaint would be that the arc seemed rushed – I think we’d’ve been better served by a 9- or 10-issue treatment rather than 6 + a giant issue.
I liked the Spidey/mutant interactions, even though I didn’t get a whole lot out of the “all the other heroes” st More...
I liked the Spidey/mutant interactions, even though I didn’t get a whole lot out of the “all the other heroes” st More...
Nov 02, 2009
The_Mad_Swede
rated it: 
This volume collects Astonishing X-Men #19–24 and Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men #1 by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday. Due to delays in the production of the comicbooks, the TPB was delayed a couple of times and having lost somewhat of the urgency to read it right away once it was finally collected, it has been sitting on my shelf for a while as well. None of which has really been to the book's advantage.
There is a wee bit too much running directly out of the previous three Whedon volum More...
There is a wee bit too much running directly out of the previous three Whedon volum More...
Sep 01, 2009
Kyle
rated it: 
I've got to say, I'm really disappointed with this story. The last volume of this four volume comic continues the plot of the first, but the middle two are entirely filler. The story itself isn't too great anyway! It's a standard superhero plot (evil aliens are out to destroy the world and only the X-Men can stop them). I can definitely tell that Astonishing X-Men was written by Joss Whedon, though. You can always tell be the clever dialog. The art is fantastic....for the first issue. While I wa
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Jun 23, 2011
Bevans
rated it:
It was really hard for me not to be reminded of Firefly when reading this series, especially this last part. Maybe it's because Cyclops really looks like Nathan Fillion without his visor on.
Whedon really knows how to write a great ensemble of characters, and this is no exception. He even manages to bring out interesting aspects of these decades-old characters that I've never seen before, such as Wolverine befriending a young student, or the cute relationship between Colossus and Shadow More...
Whedon really knows how to write a great ensemble of characters, and this is no exception. He even manages to bring out interesting aspects of these decades-old characters that I've never seen before, such as Wolverine befriending a young student, or the cute relationship between Colossus and Shadow More...
Oct 21, 2011
Craig
rated it:
so, I was an obsessive fan of the x-men for a good many years in my youth. I read every x-title that Marvel published from around 1985 to around 1996 when I just gave up. The reason I quit reading is a long long story for another time, though I am sure that it matches many others....
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I hear that the x-comics are pretty good and have been for awhile and that Whedon (who I will love forever for Firefly no matter what else he may screw up) had done a s More...
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I hear that the x-comics are pretty good and have been for awhile and that Whedon (who I will love forever for Firefly no matter what else he may screw up) had done a s More...
Jan 12, 2009
Andrew
rated it:
I still protest the choice of conflict for Joss' overall run of Astonishing, but the conclusion is at least a fairly enjoyable flurry of fun. He gives most characters a chance to shine, and the interactions are done with his typical flare.
It would be interesting to go back and read all the Astonishing volumes at once to get the full scope of it all now, but as I have been at the mercy of friends lending me the volumes to date, I am... well at the mercy of friends.
Cassida More...
It would be interesting to go back and read all the Astonishing volumes at once to get the full scope of it all now, but as I have been at the mercy of friends lending me the volumes to date, I am... well at the mercy of friends.
Cassida More...
Nov 29, 2010
frankenbrary
rated it:
So well done, it’s impossible not to feel Whedon’s love for the X-Men. While reading it I am completely enthralled by his trademark blend of levity and poignancy. Reflecting on what I just read, trademark Whedon falls back on old staples to tell his story. The switch: a bad guy who isn’t so bad and a good character that isn’t so good. Killing a beloved character for gravitas. Misdirects, red herrings, when thinking back I can make over a dozen comparisons to story-arcs within the Buffyverse as w
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Aug 11, 2011
Joey
rated it:
The grand finale. Having dealt the the political, the philosophical, and the psychological aspects of the X-Men, Whedon sends off his run in the most fitting way imaginable: a true Claremontian sci-fi space opera. Still recovering from the severe mental thrashing they took in the previous volume, the team flies to a distant planet filled with hostile inhabitants in the hopes of preventing a disaster that could lead to the destruction of Earth. Every bit as rousing, surprising and emotional as a
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Feb 16, 2009
Ryan
rated it:
I don't know if this is the end of Joss Whedon's writing for the X-men, but it is a fine finale to depart on. Really, the writing for a comic here is top-notch, and the plot twists on several slender threads, all leading up to the as expected heartbreaking end typical of a Wheedon project (does he hate his characters so much? or is it just all about the drama, baby?). Funny, complicated, hopeful, crushing--it seems silly to apply these attributes to a freakin' comic, but a good story is a go
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Jan 17, 2010
Dave
rated it:
Joss Whedon can write a finale better than anyone else. If you doubt this just watch Serenity. He has a great way of making us care about his characters in an amazingly short time. It seems every piece of dialogue is architected as a way to let us know the character better. There is no filler. That being said this book is no different. I liked all the other books leading up to this one but I loved this story. He wraps everything up and manages to surprise us and makes us realize how much we care
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Nov 03, 2008
Will
rated it:
What the? That's how it ended? EFFEN AWESOME! This series blew me away and this final volume is super boss. TOP DRAWER! Joss Whedon has taken a select few X-men characters and put them in impossible situations with unsurmountable obstacles. It's like he was saying, "Oh, so you think you've got a good super power, huh? Try beating this!" That, fortunately is balanced with the mutants using their talents in the coolest of ways. The action is dense with tension moving everything along at
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Sep 16, 2008
Shark
rated it:
I read all four of the volumes of "Astonishing X-Men" written by Joss Whedon, creator/writer/director of "Firefly," "Serenity," and other popular TV shows/movies, but will review the story as a whole on this final installment.
Whedon's philosophy on writing X-Men is genius in its simplicity: avoid huge crossover events and ignore the other goings-on of other Marvel comics in order to produce a solid, clear-cut story that focuses on the main characters and More...
Whedon's philosophy on writing X-Men is genius in its simplicity: avoid huge crossover events and ignore the other goings-on of other Marvel comics in order to produce a solid, clear-cut story that focuses on the main characters and More...
Jun 22, 2008
Chris
rated it:
THIS is what super-hero comics can and should be -- gut-wrenching, moving stories that tap into the very human ideas of heroism, sacrifice, and loss. It's sadly ironic that I finally got so sick of the mediocrity of every other x-title that I stopped reading them all, just as Astonishing became better than it had ever been.
I won't say anything about Cassiday's amazing art and Whedon's spot on writing, because it's all been said. And I won't give away the ending, but I'll just say More...
I won't say anything about Cassiday's amazing art and Whedon's spot on writing, because it's all been said. And I won't give away the ending, but I'll just say More...
Feb 03, 2012
Sesana
rated it:
The end of a truly great run at a property I walked away from a long time ago. Whedon's strengths are in full force: compelling characters, realistic interactions, and fantastic and even witty dialog. Ok, so maybe the end is a bit of a mess. Nobody's perfect. But for the X-Men, this is remarkably close. Cassaday's art remains top-notch.
One very silly complaint: I did feel sort of ripped off that Nightcrawler appeared on the cover of the last issue in the trade, but only actually show More...
One very silly complaint: I did feel sort of ripped off that Nightcrawler appeared on the cover of the last issue in the trade, but only actually show More...
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Jul 28, 2010
Adam
rated it:
This wraps up Joss Whedon's take on the X-Men and I could really see his hand in it. John Cassaday's art is very good, but seems to have lost some punch from the earlier volumes. Whedon's philosophy, of enjoying the happy now because it's all you've really got, has never been so clearly put to page. Also Whedon's penchant for immediately following a moment of happiness with tragic loss was very present too.
It made me smile, laugh, and enjoy myself... what more could I ask for?
It made me smile, laugh, and enjoy myself... what more could I ask for?
Jan 16, 2010
James
rated it: 
Terrible writing as usual from Whedon. Dull villains, a plot that manages to be overly complex and dull at the same time. That wretched dialogue where everyone turns into stock Whedon types and spouts the same lame "Whedonisms." His Wolverine is particularly egregious. He actually had Logan use the term "Excalisuck." I wish I were making that up. And it ends up Kitty Pryde phased to a 10 mile long bullet floating through space. For real. This stuff is almost as bad as Buffy.
Jun 26, 2010
Josh
rated it:
The conclusion of the Whedon X-men series. I found the writing very tight and interesting, with lots of twists and interesting things; which is to be expected with Whedon. However, I did find the series hard to follow at points due to an assumed familiarity with the X-men cannon. Also, I find it annoying when superhero stories introduce other superheroes into their books. This "the superhero world is one big alternative time-line" idea I find very troublesome.
Feb 13, 2011
Claire
rated it:
The conclusion of Joss Whedon and John Cassaday's run on Astonishing X-Men. It lives up to its namesake because it is astonishing.
Beautifully drawn. I keep rereading sections of it not just for the words but the pictures as well.
All the major threads beginning in volume 1 and building in volumes 2 and 3 get resolved here while leaving room for future stories. These four volumes are pretty epic.
Beautifully drawn. I keep rereading sections of it not just for the words but the pictures as well.
All the major threads beginning in volume 1 and building in volumes 2 and 3 get resolved here while leaving room for future stories. These four volumes are pretty epic.
Jul 29, 2010
Justyn
rated it:
The series ended well and in a very classic Joss way. I won't list any spoilers here, but I'm glad I read it. I don't think I would read it again. I keep wanting to love what Joss Whedon does, but he always leaves me a bit wanting. I may have had a better time with this had I read Grant Morrison's nex X-men first but I didn't realize that Astonishing followed that in the continuity.
Nov 02, 2009
Ross
rated it:
JOSS. This was actually really good and really hard to put down -- minus the parts that make no sense at all. One of the other reviewers said it perfectly. If you can get past the major plot points that make literally no sense (and you totally can) its a wonderful read. Plus the art is rad.
After issue 24 they switch to a new artist that I can't really get behind.
After issue 24 they switch to a new artist that I can't really get behind.
Aug 29, 2010
Tyler
rated it:
This really was a solid series overall, but I have to say that my favorite was Astonishing X-Men Vol. 2: Dangerous. I like what Whedon did, really bringing some high stakes to the game, playing with our heads a bit, as all stories that deal with prophecies must. Such things should always be misinterpreted, as follows their nature. I'll write more later, cheers!
Jun 21, 2010
Jeffrey
rated it:
The first two books in this series were really great but the last two knocked me over. I loved them. The ending of volume four was so beautifully painful and uncertain. I really did not see it ending the way it did, and yet Whedon's ending was perfect. It was the thing I least wanted to happen as an ending, but it was so rich.
Beautifully told tale.
Beautifully told tale.
Dec 18, 2008
Mabel
rated it:
Oops! I accidentally read this one without having read the first three volumes of Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-Men. I was previously only familiar with him via the Firefly television series, but he impressed me with his character dialogue in this one enough for me to look forward to reading the whole storyline.
Dec 12, 2011
Tim
rated it:
I really liked this series, generally, but this last collection really got...confusing. So many layers of plots, sub-plots, false plots, plotlettes...it was hard to follow. The fate of Kitty Pryde was one of the crazy-but-interesting storylines...while much of the rest of this felt a little too crazy.
