Once considered the most detached series in the X-Men family of titles, and the one operating in the fringes of 616 continuity, Astonishing has now tightened its connections to the rest of the Marvel Universe, and is starting a slow climb to become the flagship X-book thanks to the massive media attention it is receiving, and to writer Marjorie Liu.

With an exciting covert ops adventure as the backdrop, the current arc reintroduces Dr. Cecilia Reyes to the fold, promotes New Mutant Karma to the big leagues, and puts the spotlight on Canadian speedster Northstar and his relationship with civilian Kyle Jinadu. Along with fan favorites Gambit and Iceman, another cool addition to the roster is Shi'ar warrior Warbird, who makes Wolverine look like Mother Teresa, and in a subtle way provides some humorous moments. The art by Mike Perkins is not the best fit for this high-profile new direction, but overall, is a good book.