John Cassaday

(4.5 rounded up) I haven't read a ton of X-Men content, so there is probably a little nuance that I'm missing, but I really thought this was a super fun collection that felt like watching a miniseries! It's well paced, has an interesting (if slightly familiar) plot, and does a great job of hooking the reader forwards but also providing a satisfying end. Each of the main characters were ones I was familiar with in some capacity and all of them (except Scott, he just annoys me) grew on me throughout this story, especially Emma and Kitty. Also Danger was a very exciting character to get to read - I enjoy AI/sentient beings arcs like that and this one was no exception. I'm eager to read more of this storyline!… (altro)

What if the pop culture of the 20th century were actually history? That's the question Planetary tries to answer by following a group of archaeologists whose goal is to explore all the strange goings-on in their world, all of which just happen to bear an uncanny resemblance toward popular entertainment in our own.

Each issue of Planetary focuses on a particular pop cultural touchstone, whether they be superheros, pulp adventurers, or kaiju monsters, and reinterprets them through a new, and weird, lens. Though each issue is basically it's own self contained mini-movie, together they form an overarching story about conspiracy, discovery, and the strange landscape that is our shared nerd heritage.

Basically, the bigger geek you are, the more you'll appreciate Planetary. Many of pop culture's biggest names are represented here, albeit in a distorted (though still easily identifiable) manner. Planetary works not just as entertainment, but as a metatexutal exploration of that entertainment. Recommended for anyone who loves geeky things.… (altro)

Pretty good - very classic, Claremont X-Men, but using some of themes from Grant Morrison's run, immediately preceding Whedon's. If anything this was more satisfying story-wise than the first half, wrapping things up pretty well. It was _very_ fast paced, to the point that I wasn't sure that some bits really made sense (so possibly a touch too convoluted, which can be a weakness of Whedon). I think it's worth, and would repay, a re-read. The actual, very final ending seemed a little needlessly overly-tragic. I didn't quite buy that, but whatever, that's okay. It wouldn't convert anyone to the supes, but for those who have a bit of nostalgia for some of those classic, space epic stories it hits the spot.… (altro)

Good fun X-Men, with a nice classic Claremont feel. This was definitely deliberate, as it references those books directly, through Kitty Pryde's flashbacks as she returns to Xavier's. Pleasantly surprised to see Lockheed back too! It doesn't feel as crazy or creative as Morrisson's take, which preceded this one, but at the same time it's a little more consistent. The whole 'cure-for-homo-superior' thing feels like it's been done before. Also found some of the aliens and their motivations and stuff a little confusing, but suspect that'll get clearer in volume 2.

[Confused about what edition of this I read - should be this one http://www.amazon.com/Astonishing-Whedon-Cassaday-Ultimate-Collection/dp/0785161... but can't find it on GR]… (altro)