Astonishing X-Men: Ghost Boxes #1 – Review

By Warren Ellis (Writer), Alan Davis (Pt. 1 Pencils), Mark Farmer (Pt. 1 Inks), Rob Schwager (Pt. 1 Colors), and Adi Granov (Pt. 2 Art)

The Story: The first issue of the Astonishing X-Men limited series consists of two “What-If?” styled stories about parallel universes that Subject X could have completed his mission in. The first story is set in a place very similar to the current Marvel universe, where it shows what might have happened if Subject X had succeeded in securing the universe for those he worked for. The second story is set in the Victorian styled Earth-889, and features the “X Society” working to solve a mysterious murder case.

What’s Good: Both stories are short and interesting reads that show a unique take on the situation featured in Astonishing X-Men. Seeing a familiar face used as a power source for a Sentinel was definitely something new. Also, I especially like Adi Granov’s work on the story about the X Society.

What’s Not So Good: That these stories are of little consequence to the bigger picture and, ultimately irrelevant. I know Ghost Boxes is serving as filler while the main series gets caught up, but it wouldn’t have hurt to have something of substance within the storyline.

Conclusion: I can’t really recommend this book to anyone but the most hardcore fans. While it is fun seeing the other alternate universes, there is not enough substance or story to justify the $3.99 price tag.

Grade: C-

-Kyle Posluszny

Astonishing X-Men #26 – Review

Warren Ellis (Writer), Simone Bianchi (Pencils & Ink Washes), Andrea Silvestri (Ink Washes), and Simone Peruzzi (Colorist)

The second chapter of the Ellis/Bianchi run on Astonishing X-Men is all about deepening the mystery surrounding “Subject X,” the suspect in the bizarre murder that kicked off the storyline. While enjoyable to read, not a whole lot actually happens that can be readily understood due to the nature of the plot. The team investigates Chaparanga, a spaceship graveyard constantly being scavenged for parts, and (far too quickly) locates and confronts the suspect. That’s pretty much it.

I think I like what Warren Ellis is attempting to do with his first Astonishing arc, but too much is left up in the air at the end of this issue for me to be completely certain. Things could really go anywhere from this point on because Ellis piles on the questions without offering anything resembling an answer. That said, his writing is effective and entertaining. The team interaction is well done (if a bit heavy on the clever quips) and he does an excellent job building the sense of mystery surrounding Chaparanga, Subject X, and whatever the hell else is going on. Ellis has me hooked, but I hope that he offers a few explanations for what’s going on next month.

While Simone Bianchi can produce some truly spectacular looking work, the visuals in this book are ridiculously inconsistent. For every great looking scene (the spread of Chaparanga) or character shot (Subject X and Wolverine have a few), there are a few things that bother me. The action is poorly choreographed, the panel layout is occasionally annoying, and worst of all, the characters’ faces seemed to change throughout the book (Emma’s face looks to be made of putty at times). It is almost as if Bianchi just can’t keep up with the story Ellis is trying to tell. I was shocked to see that this book made it out on time, but I would be more than willing to wait longer if it meant the visuals would improve.

Astonishing X-Men #26 is tough to grade because so much rests on what comes next. The groundwork is in place for a compelling story, but I have no idea what story might wind up being. For the time being I am willing to give Ellis the benefit of the doubt and grant him one issue to do nothing but raise questions without penalty. That said, I can’t possibly let Bianchi off the hook quite so easily. The inconsistent visuals are honestly weighing the series down. I give Ellis a B+, but the book gets a…(Grade C+)

-Kyle Posluszny