I'm a little perplexed at Astonishing X-Men. It's clear Ellis is getting around to where he's going, but the first two issues of this new story arc are basically throwaway outings by this team. The bright side is the hugely improved visuals; I just hope the scripts are going to make the most of them. Read Full Review

I feel bad for Ellis and Jimenez, because what could have been a "big" story is now yesterday's news. If the two stick around after this story is over, hopefully the book will be back in sync with the rest of the X-books. For now, though, it feels like little more than a harmless diversion. Fun, sure, but three steps behind everyone else. Read Full Review

Review by Paul Steven Brown Writer: Warren EllisPenciler: Phil JimenezInker: Andy LanningColorist: Frank D'ArmataLetterer: Joe Caramagna Associate Editor: Daniel KetchumEditor: Axel AlonsoPublished by Marvel Comics I will hand it to Warren Ellis for at least delivering a high-energy story. Unfortunately, as with the previous arc, I don’t see any reason for this title to stick around. It’s rooted in a pre-Utopia setting, which means nothing of consequence will probably transpire before the book catches up with the current status quo. Also, the plot hinges on the digging up of dead mutants, sounding a little too close to the Necrosha event taking place in X-Force, New Mutants, and X-Men: Legacy. Armor's presence continues to be confusing. It would seem that the only reason for her continued appearance in this title is to give some kind of connection between Joss Whedon's run and the current one. Still, she hasn't been given any true development and comes off as a Shado Read Full Review