Tag: Marjorie Liu

Astonished By Marjorie Liu’s X-Men – Updated

Astonishing X-Men #48 courtesy Marvel

  Marjorie Liu makes a powerful first impression with her first issue of Astonishing X-Men this week. The action kicks in with a peak into the near future where Northstar is being stalked by his new teammates. I have a theory about what’s behind the possible betrayal.

 The story jumps back to the present where Northstar is settling in to domestic bliss – until a fellow Canadian mutant calls – with boyfriend Kyle. Gambit is entertaining a surprise guest at his home away from the school. I’m thrilled to see this former X-woman back. After an entertaining look into the personal lives of  X-Men the drama explodes literally with the new version of a classic team of villains.  

  I feel like I’m experiencing a cool slice of life with these mutants in city. Mike Perkins style has a grit that feels right for this X-Men in New York City story. His talent really shines in the facial expressions. It’s amazing to see how much character and relationship development Liu weaves in one issue while still packing action and intrigue.

Update: I must have been so excited to have Northstar back that I missed the fact that Jean Paul is called Jean Claude three times in the issue. Mon Dieu!

Astonishing X-Men’s New Writer, New Controversy

Astonishing X-Men #48 interior art courtesy Marvel.com

  One of the most anticipated X change is Marjorie Liu and Mike Perkins taking on Astonishing X-Men with issue #48. The unique line-up includes Wolverine, Iceman, Gambit, Warbird, Karma and Northstar. The writer says she will show the characters lives away from the X-Men. Today Liu told Marvel.com how this cast of characters came together.

  “They’re all in the wrong place at the wrong time, basically, but being X-Men, they’re not the types to turn away from a dangerous situation. What none of them realize, of course, is that working together will lead them into some very unfamiliar—and uncomfortable—situations

  I’m excited Northstar found a home with the X-Men after Alpha Flight’s cancellation. Liu expanded on why she brought Jean-Paul back with the mutants:

Astonishing X-Men #49 preview art courtesy Marvel.com

  “Northstar has so much to offer in terms of character; not just his personality, but where he is now, where he wants to be, who he might become under certain circumstances. All of which will be addressed in these first two arcs. Also, despite being a powerhouse of experience when it comes to this super hero gig, he’s also a bit unpredictable; his emotions get the better of him, sometimes, and that’s very interesting to play with when he’s under pressure.”

   Marvel said the arc will be the most controversial story of the year. Liu said one character will be changed forever but she has a long-term plan in mind.

 “There’s a long-term mystery playing out over the first two arcs that establishes these individual X-Men as a real team. We have fights, deaths [and] explosions, but in many ways it’s a very intimate story, and by that, I mean these characters will literally live and die based on the strength of their relationships to one another. There’s an enemy, of course, but the battle against this individual’s machinations will force the X-Men to look inward, and at each other, in ways that may be very uncomfortable, and illuminating.”

 For the entire interview and more of Mike Perkins preview art here’s the Marvel.com link.

Astonishing GLBT X-Men In Action

Astonishing X-Men #50 courtesy Marvel.com

  Marjorie Liu and Mike Perkins are the new team on Astonishing X-Men. The lineup includes Wolverine, Iceman, Gambit, Warbird, Karma and Northstar. With the cancellation of Alpha Flight I had hoped Marvel would bring Jean Paul back to the X-Men. Northstar is at the Jean Grey School and he’s continuing his relationship with boyfriend Kyle.

  I call Astonishing X-Men the title to watch for next year’s GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Comic Book. In the solicit for May’s issue Liu is keeping Karma and Northstar pivotal to the first arc.

  The mutant with mind possession power is losing control over her own. How will the X-Men stop Karma from taking control over her teammates. Northstar’s boyfriend Kyle is in danger. Will Jean Paul be forced to choose between him or his team. Plus Marvel promises that his issue’s ending will “be the most talked about moment of the year!”

The End for X-23 and Daken

X-23 #21 cover preview courtesy Marvel.com

  Marvel’s March previews mark the end for Wolverine’s children. X-23 #21 is the series finale for Laura Kinney but she will live on. Logan’s cloned daughter is joining Avengers Academy. Marvel revealed X-23 writer Marjorie Liu is taking over Astonishing X-Men with #48 in March.

 

 

 

 

 

Daken: Dark Wolverine #22 cover preview courtesy Marvel.com

  Daken: Dark Wolverine ends with issues # 22 and #23 as “Daken’s terminal disease is in its final stages.” 

  This is the final confrontation between Wolverine and his son. There no plans for Daken to appear in another series. These issues come with a parents advisory 


 

Astonishing Changes for Astonishing X-Men!

Astonishing X-Men #48 cover courtesy Marvel.com

  Marjorie Liu and Mike Perkins are the next creative team on Astonishing X-Men starting with issue #48. Marvel announced the changes today in their Next Big Thing presser. This will be Liu’s first official team book. The lineup is Wolverine, Warbird, Northstar, Gambit, Iceman, Cecelia Reyes and Karma.

“We’ve got Northstar moving back to New York and he’s going to be living with his boyfriend, Kyle,” Liu said. “Another side of it, we’ve got characters like Cecelia and Gambit circling each other and [Gambit] moving into his own apartment in Westchester.”

 Liu’s first issue will settle in the team and introduce the villains, the Marauders. Liu has added the Vanisher and Chimera to the Marauders, but did not comment on the rest of the current team line-up. The Marauders were last seen in Messiah Complex. Chimera was part of the Sisterhood of Evil Mutants. Vanisher was a uwilling member of X-Force. The Marauders have always worked for Mister Sinister but Liu confirmed Sinister will not be part of this storyline. No word on who is pulling the strings on this incarnation of the mutant mercenaries.

I’m excited to see Northstar back with the X-Men. You may have read my post on why Jean Paul should join Logan’s school. Seeing Cecilia and Karma on board is a thrill too. Warbird is a Shiar bodyguard to Kid Gladiator who just joined the Jean Grey School in Wolverine and the X-Men.

I’m a huge fan of Liu’s previous work on NYX: No Way Home, X-23 and Daken: Dark Wolverine and I’m eager to read what she will do with a larger cast in a new corner of the X-Men universe.