Title: Astonishing X-Men, volumes 1 – 4
Author: Joss Whedon
Illustrator: John Cassaday
Summary: This collection of four graphic novels (Gifted, Dangerous, Torn and Unstoppable) collects the outstanding story arc by Joss Whedon, who is most famous for creating the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The team, including Cyclops, Wolverine, Shadowcat, Beast, and Emma Frost, must stop Ord, an alien from the Breakworld, who has developed a ‘cure’ for the genetic mutation that gives the X-Men their powers. Why is Ord so determined to disable the mutants? Because it has been prophesied that a mutant will destroy his home planet.
Sounds complicated? It’s not really. This is a great comic for beginners and lifelong X-fans. Over the span of four short books, Whedon and Cassaday spin a complete story you can dive right into, with plenty of twists and turns, as well as visits from other favorite Marvel characters. These books are a perfect companion to all those superhero movies you’ve been watching this summer.
Who will like this book?: Fanboys…and girls. Whedon has quite a following from Buffy, Angel, and Firefly.
If you like this, try this: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight by Joss Whedon. Any of the Ultimate X-Men collections.
Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian