Marjorie Liu To Take Over Astonishing X-Men In March

News

It seems like it wasn’t too long ago that Greg Pak was being announced as the new writer for Astonishing X-Men, but apparently that was just intended for a transitional arc during Regenesis, and not the new ongoing creative team. Today Marvel did a press conference announcing the new ongoing team for the title, beginning with March’s #48. X-23 writer Marjorie Liu and artist Mike Perkins (Captain America, The Stand) will be the new ongoing creative team, and Marvel has confirmed that it will be an ‘open-ended’ run, which means that they have no planned final issue in sight.

The title will take place in the current Regenesis era of X-Men, and will take place on Wolverine’s side of things. The roster is set to be Northstar, Gambit, Cecilia Reyes, Iceman, Karma, and the new Warbird from Wolverine and the X-Men. Those who read Liu’s X-23 and notice Gambit and Cecilia on the roster will be happy to know that she’s viewing this title much in the same vein as the soon to be cancelled solo book, which featured Gambit extensively. On top of that, editor Nick Lowe is saying that the book will feature the biggest surprises since the first twelve issues by Joss Whedon, and that “We want to put the Astonishing in Astonishing X-Men here.”

The first arc will feature the X-Men fighting against the Marauders, though without Sinister as he’s busy on the west coast. Gambit will be getting an apartment, while Northstar moves in with his boyfriend. And Lowe says that the book will be more adult than Jason Aaron’s Wolverine, with more violence.

Unfortunately, X-23 will not be coming along for the ride. Partially due to Wolverine’s new mantra of no kids on the battlefield, and also in part due to her being a member of the Avengers Academy on the west coast.

A lifelong reader and self proclaimed continuity guru, Grey is the Editor in Chief of Comics Nexus. Known for his love of Booster Gold, Spider-Girl (the real one), Stephanie Brown, and The Boys. Don't miss The Gold Standard.