Joss Whedon

ASTONISHING X-MEN VOLUME 1: GIFTED HC

Written by Joss Whedon, art by John Cassaday.

In "Gifted," Cyclops and Emma Frost re-form the X-Men with the express purpose of "astonishing" the world. But when breaking new regarding the mutant gene unexpectedly hits the airwaves, will it derail their new plans before they ever get started? As demand for the "mutant cure" reaches near-riot levels, the X-Men go head-to-head with the enigmatic Ord, with an unexpected ally — and some unexpected adversaries — tipping the scales. In "Dangerous," a tragic death at the Xavier Institue reveals a powerful enemy living among the X-Men that they could have never suspected — and no, it’s not Magneto. Things heat up in a way none of the X-Men ever dreamed, but will teamwork save the say which they can’t even depend on themselves? Collects Astonishing X-Men #1-12.

320 pages, $29.99, in stores on Dec. 21.