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Astonishing X-Men #62 Review: Hot for Iceman!

Astonishing X-Men #63 courtesy Marvel

Astonishing X-Men #63 courtesy Marvel

Dark Iceman?

The many loves of Bobby Drake are reunited in a funny, heartbreaking issue with a hints of darkness in Astonishing X-Men #62. I had forgotten about all these women from Iceman’s past but this is not just a soap opera issue. Marjorie Liu takes Dangerous Liaisons and mutates it as Bobby’s past loves unite to his horror and the delight of some of his teammates.

Bobby is already shaken from the events of X-Tinction and the sudden reunion of loves may shake the onetime joke of the X-Men into a powerful threat! The women who pushed Bobby to reach his potential as an omega level mutant may be the only one who can save him from madness or Continue reading

Hot for Iceman in Astonishing X-Men

Astonishing X-Men #63 courtesy Marvel

Astonishing X-Men #63 courtesy Marvel

After years of what might call being the class clown Bobby Drake is really getting respect but is it going to his head? Just look at Phil Noto’s cover for June’s Astonishing X-Men #63 courtesy Marvel.

Bobby has always been an omega level mutant but he just learned to push the boundaries of his ice powers. And let’s talk about Bobby’s love life. While Iceman and Kitty Pryde shared a kiss and date in Jason Aaron’s Wolverine and the X-Men Bobby received attention from Warbird in Marjorie Liu’s Astonishing X-Men. (And how cool is it that Iceman is in multiple books! Bobby will never beat Logan’s record!)

This cover Continue reading

Anna Paquin, Ellen Page In X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

Uncanny X-Men #141 courtesy Marvel.com

Anna Paquin (True Blood) will reprise her role as Rogue in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Ellen Page will return to the franchise as Kitty Pryde. Shawn Ashmore reprises his role as Bobby Drake aka Iceman. Director Bryan Singer revealed the casting via Twitter.

Singer directed the first two X-Men films. Brett Ratner directed the X-Men: The Last Stand which was Page’s first X-film. If the film follows the classic comic book storyline Kitty is the critical character. The X-Men of the future send Kitty’s future mind into the past to prevent as assassination that will lead to the massive slaughter and enslavement of mutants and all super heroes.

Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, along with Paquin, Ashmore and Page will join the cast of X-Men: First Class (Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence) for the upcoming sequel.

Is it only a matter of time before we hear that James Marsden, Halle Berry and Daniel Cudmore are back as Cyclops, Storm and Colossus?

By Editor

Romance With Wolverine and the X-Men

Wolverine and the X-Men #25 courtesy Marvel

I was so excited by the preview art and upcoming stories in Wolverine and the X-Men that I had to divide it up in two posts. Jason Aaron mixes action and humor but let’s talk about love at the Jean Grey School.

Kitty Pryde and Bobby Drake? Quentin Quire and Idie? Toad and Husk? Jason Aaron took unlikely couples and started spinning some sweet, and often hilarious romances. And I was a devout Kitty/Colossus fan! Aaron acknowledges the Kitty/Colossus fan base.

“I know some of the hardcore X-Men fans want Kitty and Colossus, but to me, one of the big themes of Wolverine & The X-Men is change, these characters growing up. It’s a book about family, about moving from childhood into adulthood, and Kitty and Iceman fit that perfectly to me. Once they were both the X-Men kids and now they’re basically Professor X. They’re bonding over that. They’re not necessarily head over heels in love, but there’s something there they want to explore.” – Jason Aaron

Here’s what Aaron revealed about upcoming issues and how it might affect other budding sweethearts at the Jean Grey School.

Will Toad be heartbroken because “the core of issue #19 is that Husk has left the school so they’re hiring a new teacher. ”

“Even though Husk has left the main cast, her story is not over. She’ll pop up in a crazy location,” Aaron shared, “ And even though she’ll be out of the book, you can follow her on Twitter. A Twitter mini-series focusing on Husk, unfolding in real time!”

 

Wolverine and the X-Men #21 courtesy Marvel

Storm will become a teacher at the school. There is an upcoming cover in which Logan and Ororo kiss! Is this the latest power couple on campus?

“I’m a huge Storm fan, so when I knew the Utopia team was breaking up, I wanted to bring her in,” said Aaron, ”I love having strong women in the book, so she joins Kitty and Rachel.”

Bobby has reached a new level of using his mutant power and confidence! Did you him kissing Kitty Pryde!

“We’ve been building for a while to Iceman and Kitty going on their first date, so we’ll see that,” teased Aaron, ”There’s something going on with Logan and Storm as well. They have a long history.”

It’s not just the staff of the Jean Grey School hooking up! The tragic Idie may bring out the softer side of snarky Kid Omega. Aaron teased the romantic forecast among the students:

“There’s a lot of stuff to come with Idie and Quentin, not all romantic in nature. There’s lots to come with Genesis, our Kid Apocalypse. Rick Remender have talked a lot about him. We’ve been shaping that story for a couple of years and have stuff planned as far as 2014. There will also be a surprising relationship with one of the kids.”

Editor Nick Lowe said to expect Pixie to appear at the school. She won’t have a big role in the book but “will have a place in the Marvel Now.”

For the entire interview and new art here’s Marvel.com link. Here’s my first post about the Wolverine and the X-Men preview including stories in Savage land, Logan’s brother and the fate of Broo and more.

By Editor

Astonishing X-Men: A Fight to the Death? A Villain Revealed!

Astonishing X-Men #54 courtesy Marvel

Marjorie Liu and Mike Perkins deliver a big revelation, big fights and set the stage for a huge showdown in this week’s Astonishing X-Men #54.

Susan Hatchi appears to be a greedy corporate type that’s oozing evil. She could have easily fit right in with the old school Hellfire Club. Hatchi has forced New Mutant Karma to attack her teammates, blew up Wolverine at Northstar’s wedding and left the rest of the team in a hellhole.

Hatchi reveals her connection to Karma and gives the team an impossible mission with deadly consequences if they fail – all to prove a point.

I give Liu huge kudos for using Wolverine in just the right dose and giving other characters equal time. Cecilia Reyes never wanted to be an X-Man but she’s caught up in an adventure with them again. With the team in a deathtrap, Reyes pushes her power to new levels while pondering if her past choices have been wrong.

While Logan is recovering Liu shows that Remy has just as many underworld connections. Hatchi’s orders take the team to Madripoor and Gambit makes a move on Logan’s ex Tyger Tiger in a move to accomplish their mission.

Tension has been building between Iceman and Northstar. Liu continues to explore what it’s like for a hero to have a loved one always in the line of fire. Jean-Paul’s husband and all of New York City is in jeopardy. Bobby and Jean-Paul’s conflict leads to a huge fight and shocking cliffhanger - has an X-Man accidently killed an X-Man?

If you want a thrilling adventure not tied to AvX and a chance to see other mutants in action then this is a great X-Men book. I’m enjoying Liu and Perkins run and I’m excited for the showdown in Madripoor next issue.

By Editor

Romancing Kitty Pryde

Wolverine and the X-Men #14 courtesy Marvel

  Fans of Kitty Pryde and Colossus are teased again in this week’s Wolverine and the X-Men #14. This AvX tie-is a slice of life with humor, drama and hope at the Jean Grey School in a world where the Phoenix Five rule and Avengers are hunted.

  Kitty and Peter split after the events of Fear Itself and Schism. This issue sees a Phoenix fueled Colossus trying to woo his way back into Kitty’s heart. The man who could have everything just wants the love of his life back. Fans like me just want our favorite mutant couple back together but Jason Aaron is making a convincing argument for Kitty and Bobby.

  Kitty’s date with Colossus gets hot but not in the way you hope. By the end I’m excited to see Kitty grow as co-headmaster of the school and develop a romance with Iceman. Bobby comes to a grim realization after an encounter with the Phoenix powered Cyclops.

  It’s amazing how many characters Jason Aaron juggles while giving them all moments that carry the stories forward. From a lovesick Toad’s “date” with Husk to Doop’s defense of the school there are surprising moments of that make you laugh and connect with the odd cast.

  Marvel NOW! is coming. Brian Michael Bendis is taking over the X-Men franchise with All-New X-Men but this issue shows why Jason Aaron should keep crafting this title that delivers heart, humor and thrills. The staff and students of the Jean Grey School deserve to stay. If the editors do cancel it the Bullpen deserves a Bamf infestation!

 By Editor

 

 

  Sometimes I feel like Avengers vs. X-Men should be title Operation Hate the X-Men.

Hulk Makes Crushed Ice Out of An X-Man?

Wolverine and the X-Men #11 courtesy Marvel

  Wolverine and the X-Men #11 may be my favorite chapter (even if it’s a tie-in) in Avengers vs. X-Men so far. The issue is packed with action and humor with AvX battles on six fronts. Jason Aaron must love a challenge because not only does he balance all these story threads but he brings on the Shiar is a big way.

  Logan is haunted by the Dark Phoenix Saga and questions if he really can be the best at what he does – if it means killing a child. Aaron writes Wolverine like no one else. Logan doesn’t know if he should save Hope or kill her to save humanity. The debate is interrupted by the Shiar Death Commandos. The alien assassination squad is on Earth to eliminate the potential joining of the Phoenix Force to its human host. The battle is brutal, inventive and reveals the true threat Hope poses.

  One of my favorite elements of Aaron’s run is how he handles Bobby Drake. The original Iceman still provides comic relief but he’s maximizing his power like never before. Bobby is an Omega level mutant and now he’s flaunting it. The Red Hulk tries to make crushed ice out of Bobby but Iceman’s new power level and cool factor smashes the Rulk.

  Kid Gladiator is a breakout new star of the series. Aaron is pitch perfect with how he writes the arrogant, brash heir to the Shiar Empire who defies his father and frustrates his classmates. Lord Kubark may have taken on more than he handle but we’ll have to wait until next issue plus his daddy dearest arrives for one helluva parent-teacher conference!

By Editor

Iceman on X-Men 4 Possibility

   A sequel to X-Men: First Class is under way but could we ever see a modern-day or future set X-Men movie. Shawn Ashmore played Bobby Drake aka Iceman. He recently spoke with Examiner.com about the potential.

  “I am still under contract to play Iceman if they make another ‘X-Men’ movie but there are so many superhero films out there right now. The market is saturated with them. I would love to come back and play that character again, though. It was really unique to sort of grow up playing a character. As I was growing up and maturing, so was the character. But it was an amazing experience and I would love to do it again. I hope that we get chance to make another ‘X-Men movie but I really do not know if we will. I guess we will just have to wait and see.”

 

X-Men #190 courtesy Marvel

   In the comic books Bobby joined Logan’s new Jean Grey School for Higher Learning in Wolverine and the X-Men. Bobby also shared a big kiss with Kitty Pryde. Bobby is an Omega level mutant who recently started reaching that potential. During Mike Carey’s X-Men run Bobby shared a dangerous relationship with Mystique.

  This Geek’s Opinion: It would be great to see Iceman back on-screen one day. I always liked Ashmore’s portrayal. Given how Bobby has developed in the comics I’d like to see that reflected on screen.

After the X-Men: First Class sequel is it time to get back to the future?

By Editor

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!

AvX: Cyclops at the Jean Grey School

 

Wolverine and the X-Men #10 courtesy Marvel.com

  Cyclops is coming to the Jean Grey School but not to be a guest professor. The Extinction team leader goes to the school in Wolverine and the X-Men #10 but will the staff and students join Scott against the Avengers?

 Schism tore X-Men apart. I can see how the return of the Phoenix will equally divide Logan’s school family of mutants. Rachel Grey has a huge connection to the entity and this could bring back feelings of her mom and make her want to support Scott.

  If that’s not enough of a reason check out this issue – the May solicit promised Iceman Vs. Red Hulk! Good thing Bobby has reached a new level of power. I’d love to see Iceman go all Omega Level and take out RULK!