CBR: Marvel Makes Their Universe "Astonishing"

[CBR News]

Along with its Heroic Age reset to more stand-alone ongoing series, the House of Ideas plans on making 2010 a year for new reader-friendly mini series by high profile creators including "Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine" by Jason Aaron and Adam Kubert.


Full article here (http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=24850).

[Webslinger86]

Astonishing X-Men I might give a try. However, the Astonishing Wolverine/Spider-Man sounds epic! :biggrin: No to mention it's written by Jason Aaron and drawn by Adam Kubert. There's no way I'm passing this up, even if it is a mini-series :cool:

[mastadge]

Edit: Just kidding. I read it wrong.

Anyway, I don't give a twiddle about the Astonishing "brand", but I'm definitely on board with Jason Aaron and Adam Kubert on Spider-Man and Wolverine!

As for that ugly X-Men picture on the bottom . . . the whole thing's hideous, but did we really need the bizarre Storm underboob?

[olympichero62]

Astonishing X-Men I might give a try. However, the Astonishing Wolverine/Spider-Man sounds epic! :biggrin: No to mention it's written by Jason Aaron and drawn by Adam Kubert. There's no way I'm passing this up, even if it is a mini-series :cool:

Spider-Man/Wolverine? Count me in!

[bbiillllyy]

Kaare Andrews is absolutely brilliant!!!! I CAN'T WAIT for his X-Men mini.

And thank god Kaare fixed up the shitty designs that have been plaguing the X-Men since Bianchi.

[Frisky Dingo]

Wow, that is the worst looking Emma Frost I've ever see on the "X-Men" cover. Why it she drawn like a midget? If she wasn't wearing those heels she'd be only be up to Cyclops' knees. And it looks like she's wearing some adult diapers under those pants.

I get what Marvel's trying to do with this line but it's like they're trying to have their cake and eat it too. Just because you say something is in continuity doesn't really matter if it doesn't seem to fit anywhere and doesn't jive with what is going on with the rest of the books. They'd be better off just letting the creators go wild and do stories not vaguely bound by continuity.

[C.Cole]

What is with the art? We've got under-boob from storm, as well as hips that stick out from her abdomen way too much. Beast looks like he's about to kill someone. Emma has this weird face, strange back end, and her whole body is just weirdly shaped. The rest are decent, but overall it is a really weird style.

[froinlaven]

Has Jason Aaron written Spider-Man before? Should be interesting to see his take.

[Hrungr]

In principle I like the idea. There's a number of "big name" creators that can't handle a monthly book (and @#$% off readers when they try) so this seems like a good outlet for them. In-continuity, Marvel-line wide, self-contained minis - yeah, sounds good to me.

The cover to the X-Men is a bit wtf though. What's with Storm's retro/skanky look? And is that midget the White Queen?

[bbiillllyy]

Also, if ape-Beast can consistently look THAT fantastic, I won't hate the retcon.

[Frisky Dingo]

What is with the art? We've got under-boob from storm, as well as hips that stick out from her abdomen way too much. Beast looks like he's about to kill someone. Emma has this weird face, strange back end, and her whole body is just weirdly shaped. The rest are decent, but overall it is a really weird style.

And Emma is only 2 feet tall without those heels.

[bbiillllyy]

I am truly surprised at the reaction to Kaare's X-Men image there.

[John Zaleski]

emma and scott look pretty horrendous besides that the art looks pretttay good

[Comet Man]

Kaare Andrews is absolutely brilliant!!!! I CAN'T WAIT for his X-Men mini.

And thank god Kaare fixed up the shitty designs that have been plaguing the X-Men since Bianchi.

I wouldn't call that a fix. It's horrible. A fix would be to go back to the pre Bianchi designs, IMO.

[bbiillllyy]

To each their own . . . . .

[Red Lotus]

If "Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine" sales this will become an ongoing. I always wonder why Marvel didn't have a Spider-man/Wolverine book when DC was putting out a Superman/Batman one.

[C.Cole]

And Emma is only 2 feet tall without those heels.

Did not notice that, but you are right. Unless she is normal and everyone else is around 7-8 ft tall.

[Hrungr]

I wouldn't call that a fix. It's horrible. A fix would be to go back to the pre Bianchi designs, IMO.

I agree, this is not a fix. This is just bad in a different way.

[Trey]

If you don't think that Kaare pic is awesome, you suck.

Mohawk Storm is top 5 character design of Marvel. (the others Spider-man, Silver Surfer, Phoenix, and Quitely Emma frost)

And Underboob should be a new X-woman. Character find of 2010.

[Mundungus]

I'm down for the Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine book. Kubert is an automatic buy for me.

I'm kind of hesitant about the Astonishing X-Men one. I'd be surprised if the Kaare Andrews promo is what the characters will actually look like in-continuity at that point.

[Comet Man]

If you don't think that Kaare pic is awesome, you suck.

.

Well then I proudly suck! :biggrin:

[Bic]

I have no idea what the comic is going to be about, but Jason Aaron writing both Spider-Man and Wolverine sold me sight unseen.

Speaking of sights, I was initially happy to see Storm's haircut. Then I saw the rest of her body. That poor Armor looks like she's channeling Jubilee isn't helping matters either.

[Rahul]

ASMW will be the greatest thing since New Avengers.

[YouthofToday]

I'm shocked they didn't give us Astonishing Avengers. Before they canceled all the Avenger titles and we were speculating what was going to happen after Siege, I suggested that they do an Avenger title similar to Astonishing X-Men. Small cast(big 3 + maybe 2 others), big/wild avdentures, in continuity, but separate from the day to day stuff that happens in New and Mighty. I'm sure we'll see this someday.

I'll definitely be getting Spidey/Wolverine. Aaron + Kubrt = sold!

[ZeoVGM]

If "Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine" sales this will become an ongoing. I always wonder why Marvel didn't have a Spider-man/Wolverine book when DC was putting out a Superman/Batman one.

Definitely. I said after American Son ended and I saw how Joe Kelly wrote the relationship between Logan and Peter. I was hoping to get an ongoing with Kelly but now I'm interested to see what Aaron does.

Here's hoping it becomes an ongoing.

[Sighphi]

Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine...............................wow.

I'm waiting for Astonishing Deadpool.

[Hrungr]

The longer I look at the X-Men pic, the more comical it gets. :wink:

I mean, I hope Armor can fight without actually seeing what she's hitting. At least Wolverine has enhanced senses to compensate when the wind stops blowing the hair out of his face. Both Retro-Skanky Storm's and Mini-Me Emma's hair are longer they are tall. Combine all this with Emma's platform shoes and Logan's rolled up jeans the X-Men'll be lucky not to fall over each other like dominoes if they have to take more than two steps in the direction of a fight. :biggrin:

[ShadowBoxing]

Spider-Man/Wolverine is actually a wonderful idea. The characters play off eachother very well, and it has a lot of potential. DC's Batman/Superman is nearing it's #75th issue, and I feel a book like Spider-Man/Wolverine could hold a very similar status in the MU...and frankly, be even better. Batman and Superman are great together, but Wolverine and Spider-Man are a far more fun team up, and one that doesn't nearly happen enough. Kudos.

The X-Men art weirds me out though. What is that; X-Men: Jersey Shore?!? I can only think that those designs are merely pin-up art, since the other astonishing title with Wolverine has him wearing his typical costume.

[Mulbard]

If "Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine" sales this will become an ongoing. I always wonder why Marvel didn't have a Spider-man/Wolverine book when DC was putting out a Superman/Batman one.

Very excited for the mini, although I would not like an ongoing series. Avengers should be enough for Spidey/Logan team ups if you ask me.

[Mobey Wee]

Well then I proudly suck! :biggrin:

Apparently a lot of us suck, cuz that's just awful.

[B. Kuwanger]

Brilliant answer to Marvel's ongoing issue with sustaining anthologies.

And aside from Emma being a little short, that X-Men shot is one of the coolest I've seen in a really long time. That's probably the best Storm I've seen since Windsor-Smith.

[Comicbookfan]

In my opinion this is a great idea that will ultimately fall to the side.

1) I don't know how the mini series format will gel with some fans. If you launched an on-going series like Astonishing x-men (which i guess is now over?)
you might hook more fans. Maybe i'm wrong but i see that most hard core comic book fans really like on-going series, the problem is that sometimes back issues can be hard to come by but that IS comics no?

2)This reminds me a bit of the all star line from DC Getting this work out on time will ultimately be a factor.

I like what marvel is doing here, but i guess time will tell just how much of a success this will be on the monthly Comic level, i think TPB wise this will prove to be one of marvels best decisions.

And on the Preview art i just have a little problem with the way EMMA FROST is being drawn there. She is just a little two short and a little two dumpy. She looks to be shorter than Wolverine and Artist take or not that just not paying attention to the subject. Emma should be drawn with a little more elegance and a little less like snooky from that Jersey Shore show. the rest of the picture is great.

[TOAA]

So can we expect Astonishing Exiles and Astonishing Excalibur being announced soon?

[Union Jim]

While the idea of waiting months between arcs rather than issues of Ellis' Astonishing should excite me, I can't help but feel this is just Marvel's way of upping the title to $3.99 like 99% of their other mini series.

[Beast]

GAH! Kaare Andrews on art!? It burns!!

http://www.comicbookresources.com/assets/images/articles/1266253591.jpg

Good lord, look at Emma's saggy ass and everyone's weird body shapes. It's just gah!!

And I thought Bianchi was an awful choice for Astonishing. This is just weep worthy.

Oddly enough, Beast actually looks halfways decent out of the whole group. A far cry from Kaare's Ultimate X-Men art for him.

[Beast]

Here's what Kaare's art for Beast and Kitty looked like from Ultimate.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/MasterSplinter/KaareUltimateX-MenArt.jpg

So yeah, it could be a lot worse. But still, the art is a bit wonky especially in proportions.

[Montezuma]

My prediction: Marvel will continue to come out with these for a year or two but the "Astonishing" level of a the creative teams will diminish as they realize the same names sell bigger on ongoing series. Unless something wild changes, non-event mini-series just don't sell that that well.

[Grimmbear]

I'm glad to know i'm not the only one who thinks that art is terrible. please feed the X-women.

[Beast]

I'm glad to know i'm not the only one who thinks that art is terrible. please feed the X-women.
And Change Emma's Diaper. She's gotta a huge pantload back there. :biggrin:

[B. Kuwanger]

Emma should be drawn with a little more elegance and a little less like snooky from that Jersey Shore show.

More like....Quitely's Frost?

[streator]

i'm going to get the astonishing x-men mini for sure and might check out the wolverine/spidey mini as well. depends on pricing.

i'm glad that they finally let astonishing x-men not be an ongoing series. the kaare team image looks pretty cool, too.

[Infestor]

That Astonishing X-Men art is terrible, mainly Emma Frost and Armor.

[FlyingFox]

Oh goody. Another comic with wolverine in it. Should I be excited? Too bad they couldn't get Whedon for Astonishing Avengers.

[diablo7]

it seems lately that whenever cyclops gets a new costume it looks more and more like havok's old costume. in that pic cyclops looks like his torso has been turned around and emma has seem to have shrunk quite abit. i wish quitely would have come back to marvel to draw astonishing x-men.

[Beast]

Oh goody. Another comic with wolverine in it. Should I be excited? Too bad they couldn't get Whedon for Astonishing Avengers.
Ugh. Whedon's Astonishing was mediocre as hell. Not that Ellis was much better.

[Brother Justin Crowe]

So this basically signals an end to the ongoing AXM?

God dammit.

[Joe Franklin]

I love highly stylized crazy art, and Andrews has all kinds of different crazy styles, from animated looks, to realistic stuff if he wants. That X-Men image is so awesome. Looks like some kind of 70's Ralph Bakshi cartoon merged with Barry Windsor Smith's pencils. Just awesome.

[rpriske]

That X-men pic is hit and miss...

Hit: That is the best Beast has looked in years. Great!

Miss: Well, pretty much everything else.


I miss the Storm mohawk says, but that pic is godawful.

[Alan2099]

More like....Quitely's Frost?

Now THAT was the worst Emma Frost has ever been drawn.

[Brother Justin Crowe]

According to IGN, each book in this line is gonna be bi-monthly and five issues apiece. Ridiculous that they couldn't get all their crap together for today's press release.

And ridiculous that basically aside from the subtitle, nothing is changing with AXM's schedule like they initially said. Urrrgh.

[Beast]

Well, under Jimenez the book has at least been mostly back on schedule.

But yeah, basically this is hyping that they can't get the book done in time. :tongue:

[BrightestDay]

That X-Men art is god awful. Also, I'm not really sure what the difference is for AXM. I mean it hasn't been in continuity since Whedon's run ended, has it?

As for Spider-Man/Wolverine, I'd be more excited if it was just Spider-Man or Spider-Man/Anyone who isn't Wolverine. Though they do play off one another pretty well most of the time. I suppose I should be happy it's not Deadpool.

[Beast]

It's been in continuity.

Just like with Whedon's run though, the delays have pushed it to taking place before major storyline changes.

Such as the team still being in San Francisco in the book, instead of out living on Utopia.

[Filthy Mutie]

The Aaron/Kubert is worth getting excited about. You know that is going to be a good book.

I'm over Ellis' X-Men. His run on Astonishing has been pretty lukewarm for me and, even if it's not hsi fault, the way it fits into the timeline makes it irrelevant. I'm still open to it if it gets better, however.

And, I support Andrews' off-kilter style. Storm's look is better there than it has been in years--possibly decades.

[Jackraow21]

Sounds awesome! I am fired up for both of these.

[The Last Day Dawns]

That is probably one of the worst images of Emma I have ever seen! I'm hoping those costumes have just been blackened out for suspense, as plain black costumes in a comic is lame! As for Storm...anorexic Wakandan (depending on DoomWar) princess with underboob showing...Also if that isn't an ungergarment, they need a tan! And armor look like a marshmallow man.

[Deep_Sleeper]

Am I the only one who wants to see Warren Ellis team with Olivier Coipel to do an Astonishing X-Men arc?

[Brother Justin Crowe]

Am I the only one who wants to see Warren Ellis team with Olivier Coipel to do an Astonishing X-Men arc?

Not at all. That'd be great.

[Ping]

Not interested in anymore Ellis X-Men. Epic fail! I am interested in the Wolverine/Spider-Man team-up, but PLEASE don't start begging for an ongoing, guys! Those characters are way overexposed as it is. A mini series is fine, but Logan and Peter are definitely not the types to hang out together regularly. It's not in character for either.

[Bevbos]

As for that ugly X-Men picture on the bottom . . . the whole thing's hideous, but did we really need the bizarre Storm underboob?

Yeah, maybe I'm just getting old, but I really reacted like a Puritan to that one. Storm? Really? She's supposed to be one of the more elegant women in the Marvel Universe. And look at that Jean Grey ass-shot. Really lowbrow.

[Ned McDodd]

Not interested in anymore Ellis X-Men. Epic fail! I am interested in the Wolverine/Spider-Man team-up, but PLEASE don't start begging for an ongoing, guys! Those characters are way overexposed as it is. A mini series is fine, but Logan and Peter are definitely not the types to hang out together regularly. It's not in character for either.

I'm looking forward to the spidey/wolverine team up too. I think a mini series is really enough, i'm not sure where they would get good stories for an ongoing series. But as mini with art from Adam Kubert it sounds great :)

[DjMichael691]

After reading Aaron's Spidey and Wolverine in the last issue of Wolverine (before it became Dark Wolverine) makes me very excited for this. Those 2 issue were Adam Kubert at his greatest so this should be ASTONISHING!!

[Butch Mapa]

Marketing wise this is a really good move by Marvel. Produce continuity-free (mostly) stories with the "name" creators taking their time on the books... and you've got a line of evergreen TPBs that will sell for decades.

[Anthony W]

The creators on these titles are great....but I have a no Wolverine rule now :redface: Sorry Marvel

[Trey]

Marketing wise this is a really good move by Marvel. Produce continuity-free (mostly) stories with the "name" creators taking their time on the books... and you've got a line of evergreen TPBs that will sell for decades.

They will be in-continuity, as was Whedon's run.

Also 1 issue every 2 months is not gonna cut. Best to trade wait for these.