Must-read graphic novels are futuristic classics that shouldn't be missed. Of course, not every must-see is perfect. That's why we've rated them 1-5 on the patented "crunchy goodness" scale.

Title: Astonishing X-Men
Date: 2004-present

Vitals: Joss Whedon writes the X-men, who suddenly decide to be superheroes again after years of being too cool for matching uniforms.

Famous names: JOSS!!! WHEDON!!!! OMG Joss will you be my boyfriend? Oh, and John Cassaday.

Crunchy goodness: 4

The shit: Whedon writes the X-men with the glee of a long-time fan finally getting his hands on the toybox. The storylines are pedestrian, even by X-men standards, but the character beats and dialogue are solid gold.

Life lesson: Black leather isn't really THAT slimming. And bright yellow spandex is kinky in its own way.

Deadliest spoiler: Colossus isn't really dead. Or gay. Actually he is gay, but only in an alternate universe (otherwise known as the XXX video arcade in the alley behind the X-mansion.)

The X-Axis Review by Paul O'Brien

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