Read for the Graphic Novel Challenge.
I have to admit to being what I guess I would have to label as a casual X-Men fan – my knowledge of these characters is from tv and movies. It is a story I’ve enjoyed, but there are so many different series out there it’s hard to know where to begin. My BF suggested Joss Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men series: first because it’s Joss Whedon, and second, because it was a story arch that he, as a long time fan that’s actually read a decent chunk of the available literature, enjoyed.
The story begins with Kitty Pryde returning to the academy as a teacher. Dr. Xavier is apparently off on sabbatical, leaving Scott Summers (Cyclops) in charge, and Cyclops has decided that if the X-Men (and really, mutants in general) are ever going to be accepted by everyone else, they need to start using their super powers for good. In short, they need to be astonishing.
So just as things are settling down at the academy, a well-known geneticist announces that she’s found a cure for the mutant strain. The book concerns the world’s reaction to this news, and how the X-Men decide to deal with it.
I definitely enjoyed this story, which did remind me somewhat of the third movie, but I think came out before that, so might have served as inspiration? I also liked the artwork, which was relatively true to life. I’ll admit to not always enjoying some of the more out there comic art, and this was easy to follow. I’ll definitely be finishing up this series. Fortunately, the BF enjoyed it enough to collect the entire run.