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Astonishing X-Men #31 Review by Anth Cuoto (new contributor!).

ASTONISHING X-MEN #31
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils & Wraparound Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Variant Cover by TRAVIS CHAREST
‘EXOGENETIC,” PART 1 of 5
Abigail Brand, director of S.W.O.R.D., has been in some sticky situations, and she isn’t the type who asks for help to get out of them. But when you’re careening towards Earth in the cockpit of a damaged spaceship after being attacked on an exploding asteroid 7.5 million miles from Earth…it’s time to call the X-Men. They might not have much of a plan, or much of a chance, but that’s certainly never stopped them before. Superstar artist Phil Jimenez joins writer Warren Ellis for the second arc of the mind-bending ongoing series!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
Average Rating:

Whilst Fraction’s X-Men attempts orgasms, Ellis trumps yet again, in achieving the almighty nerdgasm, in this month’s installment of Astonishing X-Men. Astonishing X-Men #31 experiences a creative shake up, in which Simone Bianchi has left the title, reuniting Phil Jimenez with X-Men, along with not-so newcomer inker , Andy Lanning. Also with Jimenez, returns the Brood and the lovable potty mouth, Agent Brand, back to the franchise, cooking up the intriguing cosmic/sci-fi fusion that has made the title so memorable in the past, and potentially, once more.

Though in the long run moderately enjoyable, many aspects of Ghost Boxes created an uneasy, convoluted vibe, detracting from the satisfaction of casual reading and the feeling an X-Men comic should have, especially one previously helmed by the Whedon/Cassaday duo. Characterization seems to flow more naturally, now that Ellis has a grip on the team, limiting use of the cliché catch phrases milked beyond an X-Fan’s hearts desire. Abigail Brand opens the issue, and oh yes, she’s still badass. Ellis’ Brand is complete with the perfect balance of edginess and sexy demeanour, peaking the curiosity of a Brand/Maria Hill showdown. Though focusing on one plot thread the majority of the issue, readers are kept excited throughout, thanks to the gadgets, and banter between the X-Men. Ellis’ wit and action sequences keep the story intriguing, leaving a last page treat, opening up to another mystery, fit for our beloved mutants.

Jimenez’s art, fitting to the book, gives a fantastic Aliens-eque look, with explosions and sky diving sequences for most of the issue (even experiencing joy in styling Emma Frost’s hair). Namely, one of few artists who I appreciate their inception of the feline “cat-beast”. After works like Infinite Crisis, Jimenez is playing his A-game, for the boutique book of the franchise. Lanning’s inks accentuate the pencils beautifully, aiding to the atmosphere that comprises each panel.

Stepping up from the last arc, Astonishing X-Men #31 is a worthy read for those who would like a canonical story lacking a maniacal speech of Norman Osborn, and the utmost minimal Pixie. At $2.99 comes an enticing, explosive (literally) story for any fans of X-Men and Warren Ellis alike, keeping up to the standard of the title name, and any fan of comics energized with action.

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