UPDATED: WHEDON & CASSADAY ON ASTONISHING FOR ANOTHER YEAR

**MattBrady** · 02-20-2005, 09:51 AM

by Richard Guion

Joss Whedon spoke extensively about his upcoming Serenity movie on Saturday at WonderCon, but also had a few words about his comic book work, first off, confirming what Marvel's solicitations for May suggested, that Astonishing X-Men #1-#12 is the creators's first year on the series.

From the panel:

Whedon and Cassaday announced at the Serenity panel that they will stick around for another year of Astonishing X-Men. Whedon said that after issue #12 ships, there will be a brief respite, followed by another 12-issues by Whedon/Cassaday. This will be capped off by Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men Annual #1 as Whedon called it.

Whedon also mentioned that the forthcoming Serenity mini-series from Dark Horse has a bunch of variant covers coming from his favorite artists. Cassaday does one of the covers featuring the Captain, Mal.

Update: When contacted by Newsarama Sunday, Marvel Editor in Chief Joe Quesada said that keeping Whedon on the title - and at Marvel - for another year came down mostly to publisher Dan Buckley and Whedon himself. "Well, negotiating is Dan Buckley's territory. On the creative end, Joss had always said he had a longer story that he wanted to tell and who am I to get in the way of that?"

Quesada added that he gets to enjoy Astonishing on two fronts: "I'm delighted as both. As a fan because I get to read these incredible stories, as EIC because I'm blessed enough to be here while both Joss and John produce this series."

But as for any teases as to where Whedon and Cassaday will take the series in Year 2? "Are you kidding? Have you ever felt the wrath of Whedon? Nope, I'm keeping my nose clear of any Astonishing spoilers."

Marxist 64 · 02-20-2005, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MattBrady
Whedon said that after issue #12 ships, there will be a brief respite

What does that mean. Two months? Three? Hopefully not too long.

Christian Otte · 02-20-2005, 10:10 AM

Sweet

.

bob_at_york · 02-20-2005, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marxist 64
What does that mean. Two months? Three? Hopefully not too long.

The break will probably occur around the same time as House of M, which Astonishing ties in with. So no problem from me. Especially if afterwards they can keep the book monthly.

Marxist 64 · 02-20-2005, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bob_at_york
The break will probably occur around the same time as House of M, which Astonishing ties in with. So no problem from me. Especially if afterwards they can keep the book monthly.

That will make it what? House of M starts in June, Astonishing 12 ships then, so about 3 months (HoM is bi-weekly). That's fine. I just hope it dosen't slip a month like with the second ard.

Moonbeam · 02-20-2005, 10:19 AM

This is fantabulous news.

I prayed for this. I'm not kidding.

Hmmm .... I think I better go to church today.

jclem3 · 02-20-2005, 10:46 AM

There is a God! Hallelujah!

I wouldn't mind a short hiatus between AXM #12 and #13 as long as Whedon and Cassaday are doing it.

This is very good news indeed.

samnoir · 02-20-2005, 10:59 AM

Maybe the break will allow Cassaday to finish off PLANETARY!

As much as I enjoy Astonishing, it's the end of Planetary that tops my list of comics I'd really like to read.

Anyone know where they post news on the Serenity movie from the panel?
________________________________________ __

SMALLVILLE, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and CHARMED MAGAZINES FOR SALE ON EBAY!

HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS POSTER FOR SALE ON EBAY! 1 cent!

VINTAGE BATTLESTAR GALACTICA COMIC and BOOKS FOR SALE ON EBAY!

Goldenboy · 02-20-2005, 10:59 AM

Yep, I'd guess the break has to do with House of M.

Tinnitus Tim · 02-20-2005, 11:05 AM

Good news for Marvel.

Dyuta · 02-20-2005, 11:19 AM

Fantastic news to open the day with... but I hope the "respite" isn't too long.

...now how about some Wonder Woman news, eh, Whedon?

bishop-m · 02-20-2005, 11:24 AM

this is the best X book to get...glad they will continue with Astonishing even longer!

ObjectionTango · 02-20-2005, 11:28 AM

Thank god ^_^. Best news ever! The current storyline has me hyped. The previous arc was gold! I'm very glad

tridon · 02-20-2005, 11:28 AM

Oh, thank-you God! YES! The best comic around is staying longer! My dreams have been answered! Hoorah!

Xaraan · 02-20-2005, 11:47 AM

sweet jeebus this is the best news I've heard

cleazer · 02-20-2005, 12:01 PM

Yeah, this is huge news. There's going to be a lot of happy comics fans.

Did you guys notice how high the Astonishing tpb placed on the January sales chart? ANytime a trade sells more than 3000 copies in its second month, you know you've got a hit on your hands. According to icv2, Astonishing is the only Marvel/DC book in the Bookscan top 50.

Quote:

Originally posted by Marxist 64
What does that mean. Two months? Three? Hopefully not too long.

I would asume that it means they'll wait as long as it takes for Cassaday to get far enough ahead on the second year's worth of issues.

COREMARK · 02-20-2005, 12:02 PM

This is great news, now if we could only clone Cassady so he could get Planetary out monthly as well.

Micko · 02-20-2005, 12:08 PM

Noooooooooooooo.

Please, bring a real writer to Astonishing.

It's not difficult: Chris Claremont, Darko Macan, Brad Meltzer, David Tischman, Peter David, Mark Millar, Joe Casey, Paul Jenkins, Daniel Way...

Fazhoul · 02-20-2005, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Micko
Noooooooooooooo.

Please, bring a real writer to Astonishing.

It's not difficult: Chris Claremont, Darko Macan, Brad Meltzer, David Tischman, Peter David, Mark Millar, Joe Casey, Paul Jenkins, Daniel Way...

And a lone voice cries out in the wilderness.

ME5 · 02-20-2005, 12:25 PM

Best. News. For. 2005. Period. (Although Ross' Justice is an infinitesimally close second!!!...

).

Lee Grice · 02-20-2005, 12:33 PM

This is terrific news - Astonishing has been a slice of heaven so far...

I'm excited about Serenity, too - both the movie and the comic.

Whedon doing the Wonder Woman movie would be a real treat but, maaaan, I'll still holding out hope that he gets the X3 gig.

Quote:

Noooooooooooooo.

Please, bring a real writer to Astonishing.

It's not difficult: Chris Claremont, Darko Macan, Brad Meltzer, David Tischman, Peter David, Mark Millar, Joe Casey, Paul Jenkins, Daniel Way...

Each to their own, I guess, but as I understand it 'Astonishing' is Whedon (and Cassaday's) baby. When they leave the title will fold.

What exactly are your problems with Whedon's writing, Micko?

Peace!

bcondray · 02-20-2005, 12:49 PM

Marvel's best book will stay thier best book for another year. ...

This really my favorite of the 4 Marvel books I buy regularly...

1. Astonishing X-Men
2. Cpt. America
3. She-Hulk
4. New Avengers(Yes, I recanted after my sniveling about what the did to Wanda..this is a very well done book...)

Bakema NL · 02-20-2005, 12:56 PM

See, people do like comics, they even want to stay on to write them. Ah well, we'll be reading them, sounds fair enough.
Nice news.

Space Canuck · 02-20-2005, 12:58 PM

Yes! I was afraid that after the Serenity announcement that Whedon would be too busy to write both. For those who are enjoying Astonishing check out the FRAY tpb from dark horse. It is a very good read and is self contained.

Oh and I guess I missed something. What is "House of M?" Links?

Space Canuck

innocentboy · 02-20-2005, 01:02 PM

CELLENT!!!