I was there at Wondercon 2005 when Whedon announced to a rapturous audience that he and John Cassaday would continue their historic partnership on the X-Men for another 12 issues. Even better, their storyline would conclude in "Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men #1"! As much as I admired Whedon already, his geek coolness factor went up 110%. This is starting from 100%, making him 210% geek, because he loved the Marvel Giant-Size books as much as I did.
Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men #1 exceeded my expectations for the story. It's a thrill-ride from start to finish, and what I love the most is that it brings both humor and pathos to the characters. Earth is facing utter destruction from the Retaliator, a ten-mile long missile-bullet heading our way. Kitty Pryde is trapped on board, and we already know from the current X-Men books that she is not around. The outcome doesn't look promising for her! Colossus is fighting Aghanne, who is trying to use Peter's metallic body to destroy Breakworld. There are several balls to juggle around in the air, with these characters plus Scott, Emma, Wolverine, Beast, and Agent Brand. Whedon gives each character their little moments to shine, but the most rewarding moment for me was what happens to the Beast. He finally gets a little love from Agent Brand. My favorite quote: "Pretty much want to break you like a pony." This goes back to his Avenger days, when the Beast attracted chicks with a little fetish bent. Brand seems like one of those.
John Cassaday's art was phenomenal. He made it seem more than just a Giant-Size book, this could have been a Treasury sized thing with the scope of his artwork. Whedon has several other Marvel characters try to help save the world, and this gives Cassaday a chance to draw Spider-Man, Dr. Strange, the Fantastic Four, and several Avengers. I love the way that these guys handle Spider-Man. The first double-page spread of Spidey swinging through New York City is breathtaking. Whedon's sense of humor works perfectly in the mouth of Peter Parker. I can't help but think that it is inevitable that Whedon will write a Spider-Man series one day.
The ending to this issue is really touching. It harkens back to the end of Buffy Season Two when Buffy and Angel were separated. I have to wonder who will eventually pick up this dangling thread. Will it be Whedon or someone else? Nuff said.
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