After the sadness experienced last year by the ending of Astonishing X-Men and the heart-wrenching fist-pounding finality that was Serenity, and because of my unpopular disregard for all-things Buffy, I was feeling that the love-affair with Joss Wheddon was over. Now, with the new continuation of Astonishing, Wheddon restores himself once again to position of greatness.

This new comic is a bit slow, but filled with the smart and surly dialogue that makes Wheddon perfect for comics and the screen. The slowness can be attributed to his love of setups that allow the rest of the story to flow so openly.

I know you are saying, "Dude, it is a comic book, not a symphony." But, that is just because you know nothing about symphonies.

The art is by the ever faithful John Cassaday, who can draw a great Wolverine and an excellent Beast, but always pictures Emma far from the Emma of my mind. This is the too-made-up Emma who is reminiscent of a thinner, but gaining, Kirsti Alley. And, my final complaint: Why the hell wasn’t there a change of costume for this guy:

This is neither the 1780's, nor the 1980's.

This is a great start, though it is mid story, and I patiently await the next issue (but not patiently ala fans of Age of Bronze.

-Peblee

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