Comics:Astonishing X-Men Vol 3

Story arcs

• "Gifted" (issues #1-#6) - The first story arc focuses on the gathering of this particular team of mutants. While trying to save a group of hostages, the X-Men come up against the alien Ord. At the same time, a press conference is held to announce the discovery of a 'cure' for mutants. While investigating both of these incidents, the X-Men reunite with Colossus, who had been resurrected by Ord's alien technology to help find the 'cure.'. With Colossus' help, the team takes down Ord, but not before it is revealed that a mutant (probably an X-Man) will destroy his home planet - the Breakworld - within the next three years.

• "Dangerous" (issues #7-#12) - The team fights a murderous, self-aware personification of the "Danger Room" training facility, coined "Danger". The fight takes them to Genosha where, with the help of Charles Xavier, the X-Men are able to defeat Danger for the time being.

• "Torn" (issues #13-18) - The X-Men are manipulated by a new Hellfire Club, consisting of Cassandra Nova, Emma Frost, the enigmatic Perfection, Negasonic Teenage Warhead, and Sebastian Shaw.

Trivia

• The film X-Men: The Last Stand bears influence from the first arc of Astonishing X-Men Volume Three: "Gifted."
• Astonishing X-Men was Wizard magazine's Book of the Year in 2004.
• In Wizard magazine #173, Whedon admitted mistakes in the second story arc, saying he was so fascinated with the idea of the "new intelligence" that he neglected the action and thus prevented the story from flowing well.
• Whedon's initial contract with Marvel Comics was for 12 issues (one year) but has since been renegotiated for an additional 12. Cassaday is expected to remain with the title during Whedon's run. However, Whedon's first year ended 4 months late, in September 2005. After a break of several months, the title resumed in February 2006 with new story arc: "Torn".
• Whedon, Cassaday, and the title have been nominated for several Eisner Awards.
• Beginning with issue 13, the comic has temporarily gone from monthly to bi-monthly for the next four issues to allow more time for Whedon and Cassaday to finish each issue and to avoid further late releases.
• According to www.marvel.com's online catalog, the arc after "Torn" will be Whedon and Cassaday's final arc. Their last issue according to Whedon will be Giant Sized Astonishing X-Men #1 which will be released after issue #24
• The final panel of issue 15 is an homage to the final panel of Uncanny X-Men 132.