From Booklist *Starred Review* Marvel Comics scored a coup by signing Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Whedon to write one of its popular X-Men comics. This collection of the first six issues of Astonishing X-Men shows Marvel's maneuver paying off artistically as well as commercially. The strengths that made Buffy a long-running cult hit are also in play here: a group of good-looking young outcasts who use their special abilities to protect mankind; vivid characterizations conveyed through deft dialogue that veers from the inspirational to the smartass; and a perfect balancing of action, soap opera, and humor. In fact, the cast of Buffy can be viewed as analogues of individual X-Men, from Giles = Professor X through Dawn = Kitty Pryde. Few scripters from outside the industry have demonstrated the mastery of the medium that Whedon displays in this early effort, which Cassaday enhances with graceful yet dynamic artwork. In the wake of writer Grant Morrison's noble effort to desuperheroify the X-Men by replacing their garish costumes with black leather outfits, Whedon's decision to revert to their four-color roots may raise some eyebrows. But given Whedon's impressive results, it's hard to find fault with how effectively he has carried out his retro approach. Gordon FlaggCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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