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A review by nancyotoole
Astonishing X-Men - Volume 5: Ghost Box by
2.0
I tried to go into Ghost Box with low expectations. I knew that it just couldn't live up to Joss Whedon's consistently entertaining run, and the artwork wasn't going to be like John Cassaday's. Still, Ghost Box left me feeling disappointed, not just because it's not as good as the first four volumes in the series, but because there are some moments that really show potential. It just never really lives up to that potential.
Simone Bianchi's highly detailed art style seems to have left readers divided, and I'm no exception. There are moments when it's really beautiful, especially on some of the double page spreads. At the same time, it doesn't always work. Some of the outfits and hairstyles adorned by the X-men look ridiculously dated. This is especially true when the characters are dressed in civilian clothes. I was also not a fan of Storm's battle lingerie outfit (which, you can tell from the character designs in the back, comes complete with a thong!). On a less superficial level, Bianchi's artwork doesn't seem suited to fight scenes at all. The angles he chooses can often be hard to follow.
Warren Ellis's writing is also pretty uneven. There are some fascinating moments, like when Cyclopes and Storm lament over how complicated things have become since the early days. At the two issues which explore parallel universes are pretty cool. Unfortunately, the main storyline fluctuates between confusing and just plain dull. Also, there are some moments with the dialogue is just plain weird, such as the several panels when the X-men discuss the fact that Cyclops is okay with swearing now.
Astonishing X-men: Ghost Box may have it's moments, but the uneven story, dialogue, and artwork ultimately misses the mark. I'll probably grab the next collection or two from my library, but if it doesn't shape up, I'll be moving on to better things.
Simone Bianchi's highly detailed art style seems to have left readers divided, and I'm no exception. There are moments when it's really beautiful, especially on some of the double page spreads. At the same time, it doesn't always work. Some of the outfits and hairstyles adorned by the X-men look ridiculously dated. This is especially true when the characters are dressed in civilian clothes. I was also not a fan of Storm's battle lingerie outfit (which, you can tell from the character designs in the back, comes complete with a thong!). On a less superficial level, Bianchi's artwork doesn't seem suited to fight scenes at all. The angles he chooses can often be hard to follow.
Warren Ellis's writing is also pretty uneven. There are some fascinating moments, like when Cyclopes and Storm lament over how complicated things have become since the early days. At the two issues which explore parallel universes are pretty cool. Unfortunately, the main storyline fluctuates between confusing and just plain dull. Also, there are some moments with the dialogue is just plain weird, such as the several panels when the X-men discuss the fact that Cyclops is okay with swearing now.
Astonishing X-men: Ghost Box may have it's moments, but the uneven story, dialogue, and artwork ultimately misses the mark. I'll probably grab the next collection or two from my library, but if it doesn't shape up, I'll be moving on to better things.