Astonishing X-Men #23

Overall, this is the best issue of Astonishing X-Men in Whedon and Cassadays long run. I was thinking about docking this book a bullet because of the rampant delays of this title, but I came to the rationalization that it is a bit too late in the game for that. This is one of the finest penultimate chapters of a storyline and ultimately a creative run I have ever read. This is just a damn good read. Once again I am super-excited about the X-Men, and I am on the edge of my seat for the conclusion of this storyline, no matter how long it takes. Read Full Review

Obviously, I've really enjoyed the main Breakworld story that has effectively book-ended Astonishing X-Men with two classic story arcs. Whedon's television history has served this book incredibly well, as he has basically created a “season” of the X-Men, of which we are rapidly approaching the finale. Unlike many creator runs, especially on superhero titles, he has managed to weave plotlines throughout the entire series that reward those who have pledged allegiance since issue one, with a sense of epicness that a 12 issue stay on a book could never have come close to providing. This kind of meticulous plotting is rare in comics. Every single story arc from the past two years of Astonishing plays a vital role in this, the author's penultimate chapter- making every issue, every story, increasingly relevant and worthy of a second read. Read Full Review

As always, the main flaw with this issue of Astonishing X-Men is that we won't see another one for so long. I hate to think that I won't get to read another Whedonesque adventure until 2008. I think I'll use the new issue of Messiah Complex to wipe my tears away. Read Full Review

Whedon's dialogue continues to impress, especially the snide remarks between <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kitty </span>and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Emma</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Armour </span>seems to be taking the Jubilee role while partnered with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wolverine</span>. Pretty much every character gets to shine in this issue and there's plenty of action and character moments that make this a nearly perfect issue. Read Full Review

I almost feel that I shouldn't be heaping so much praise on this title, because my head tells me that I should be complaining about the lateness of its scheduling and Marvel's casual attitude to getting the book out on time. However, I'd be lying if I said that this issue wasn't one of the most enjoyable, exciting comics I've read in months, and in all honesty I'd much prefer to wait a while if it means that the Whedon/Cassaday/Martin creative team can handle every issue. If you've never read the title, this isn't the place to start, as the story won't make much sense to you at this late point. However, for those of us who have been waiting a long time for Whedon to put the cap on his entire run, this issue has me very excited, and the final page leaves me eager to read the next chapter. It's not often that you feel a palpable thrill from reading a comic book, but after putting this issue down, I couldn't wait to rave about it. Astonishing X-Men lives up to its name. Read Full Review

when all is said and done, despite the shipping issues dampening the impact of this story, the fact remains that Astonishing X-Men is a technically well put together comic book. Whedon crafts an enjoyable story with a good balance of adventure and character development. And Cassaday serves the story up in a pretty package. Astonishing X-Men continues to be the most entertaining of all the X-Men titles. Read Full Review

Setting aside the interaction of the characters and the sumptuous artwork, it's still very difficult for me to care about what happens to the inhabitants of Breakworld. As a result I feel even more detached from this story than I did from the horrendous Star Trek Presents the Danger Room Coming Alive saga. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Breakworld is a real sphincter of a planet. Blow it up already. Good riddance to bad rubbish. Read Full Review

Ultimate Goblin

Jun 29, 2023

Okay, this was actually really well-played

The Villain

Jun 01, 2016

Joss Whedon is close to wrapping up his run with the second last issue of the Unstoppable arc. Cyclops finally does something awesome. I've found him to be one of the consistently weaker characters throughout this series but this feels a bit more like the classic character.

Kenjamin

Oct 09, 2025

Art: 4/5 Story: 4/5 Total: 8/10