Before Joss Whedon wrote and directed The Avengers for Disney and Marvel Studios, he penned four comic book adventures titled Astonishing X-Men which likely played a key role into him landing the live-action ensemble superhero gig. Subsequently Marvel Knights Animation brought Whedon’s work to life in animated form, and now those adventures are coming to Blu-ray on November 13 in The Astonishing X-Men Blu-ray Collection courtesy of Shout! Factory.
Spanning two discs, The Astonishing X-Men Blu-ray Collection runs over five hours long and covers all four of Whedon’s stories that were originally drawn by John Cassady. These stories include:
ASTONISHING X-MEN: GIFTED Can the X-Men protect the world’s mutants against a powerful new alien menace and the “cure” that threatens to rid them of their unique abilities forever? This DVD features the first story arc of the ASTONISHING X-MEN 3-part series. Extensive bonus content includes: a conversation with Joe Quesada and Neal Adams, ASTONISHING X-MEN “Rise Up” music video, ASTONISHING X-MEN – GIFTED trailer, visual history of the characters, behind-the-scenes, Marvel Super Heroes: What The – ?, artists gallery – John Cassaday, and additional trailers.
ASTONISHING X-MEN: DANGEROUS In the second installment of the Astonishing X-Men arc, the tragic death of a student at the Xavier Institute reveals that a powerful enemy is working from inside the mansion to destroy the X-Men. It’s an enemy who knows all their weaknesses and can predict their every move. This new foe doesn’t want wealth, power or world domination – it only wants them dead. As the X-Men fight for their lives, they learn they’ve been deceived by one of their own. Even if they survive, the team will never be the same.
ASTONISHING X-MEN: TORN This third installment of the Astonishing X-Men story arc brings more action and adventure as Emma Frost’s erratic behavior has the X-Men spinning in a nonstop downward spiral. Will an unlikely union be the final straw? After secretly lying in wait for months, the new Hellfire Club makes its move!
ASTONISHING X-MEN: UNSTOPPABLE Strap yourselves in, folks! The final arc on Astonishing X-Men! After the shocking and brain-smashing events of recent issues, the X-Men are off to protect the Earth from its destruction at the hands of the Breakworld. And when it’s all over, nothing will ever be the same! No, really, we mean it! Whedon and Cassaday prove they are more than Astonishing: They are unstoppable!
Bonus features are not yet available for The Astonishing X-Men Blu-ray Collection but will be included in the set. I will pass along updates including the extras, cover art and pre-order link when available.
