Similar to [b:Torn|31981|Astonishing X-Men Vol. 3 Torn|Joss Whedon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1168297832s/31981.jpg|32196] in that the book is a little weaker than the first two Astonishing compilations. Still an enjoyable read, and I found myself engaged by the story, even if a few of the probably-intended-to-be-surprises weren’t. My biggest complaint would be that the arc seemed rushed – I think we’d’ve been better served by a 9- or 10-issue treatment rather than 6 + a giant issue.
I liked the Spidey/mutant interactions, even though I didn’t get a whole lot out of the “all the other heroes” storyline. I didn’t like the Sad Thing that happened.

Oddly enough, I enjoyed the Hisako subplot. This surprised me, especially given that as far as her powers go, she might as well be a Colossus clone, and the Logan-mentors-an-Asian-girl thing has already been done. It’s this, as much as anything, that makes me want to follow the series after Whedon and Cassaday team leaves. Of course, I’m probably just setting myself up for disappointment.

To sum up: a weaker entry in the Whedon/Cassaday run, but stellar when compared to average comics. (Pretty much anything is weak compared to [b:Gifted|31979|Astonishing X-Men Vol. 1 Gifted|Joss Whedon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1250053931s/31979.jpg|154982] and [b:Dangerous|31975|Astonishing X-Men Vol. 2 Dangerous|Joss Whedon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1168297830s/31975.jpg|32190]....)