Astonishing X-Men #25 Cover (2008) ft. Armor, Beast, Cyclops, Emma Frost, Storm & Wolverine
Artist: Simone Bianchi (All)
96 Comments - 1,612 Views - 60 Likes
Additional Images:
Digital color
Issue 25 Cover
Art Print
Panini Hardcover
Hardcover Front
FRAMED AT LAST! FRAMED AT LAST!!!
Artwork Details
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Description"Dearly beloved...we are gathered here today to bid farewell to Christopher James Nash's bank account..."At last. It has come home. My FIRST Simone Bianchi! My first notice of Simone Bianchi's genius was technically when I would browse by his Batman covers. But because I detest jumping in the middle of a comic run let alone a story run, I never picked them up. Eventually I happened upon "Black Panther, The Man Without Fear" and stared at the cover to issue 513 with a sense of familiarity. At this time I hadn't kept up with news about artists and writers therefore, I simply showed up at the comic shop in surprise of new events. Like walking into an architectural grab bag with capes everywhere. Still, something about that cover reminded me of a striking style of art. With a purchase and a read I put the thought of the book away until issue 516, an iconic collision course between the Panther and the Spider...Spiderman! Again, I admired the cover, wondered why said artist didn't draw the interior art and put the book away with its preceding issues. Finally the month came when I found issues 519 and 520...a ridiculous connecting cover with Black Panther before a coming battle between Kraven and Storm! This was when I did more than buy the book but studied the names that built it. I then learned a name that would carve a deserved place in my heart...Simone Bianchi. At this time, I had long known of the photo-realistic style of comic art through Lee Bermejo, Gabriele Dell'Otto and of course one of the inarguable greats...Alex Ross, but Simone had something more to the layers of his works I didn't see anywhere else. After collecting the Black Panther books I had to step away from comics due to budgetary horror and had missed Simone's Astonishing X-Men run completely. I had read the earlier Whedon/Cassaday issues almost up to 24 but fell off due to well...dating. (In my defense, she was eXtraordinary) Far later, I asked myself why Simone hadn't drawn any X-Men covers...well surprise surprise...he did and as biblically as any other character he touched. Ironically enough, the last issue I managed to find was issue 25, print 1...which now is the cover I own! I couldn't believe that human hands did what I was seeing and holding in the confines of a comic book issue. I stared as the team of Cyclops, Emma, Beast, Armor, Wolvie and an electrifying Storm appeared not drawn, inked and/or painted but carved, textured and polished with Renaissance precision (and if this appeared so after digital coloring, imagine how the original must be). While this cover ranks on my list as my third favorite cover Simone's ever done, it has always and will always be my number one favorite X-Men cover by him. The pure majesty of this legendary team soars with only siX team members above the world, bigger than life and twice as uncanny! Frankly, it's not only a grail for me but a piece of fine art I'm terrified to actually have! I'll never understand how this didn't end up in a museum...but sometimes even a middle-class-mutt like myself trips on good luck! Big thanks to Christopher 'Chris K.' Killackey for the sale. He is a miracle worker with great pieces and sensei patience as he allowed me to slowly chop away at this price to bring it home! Big thanks to Simone Bianchi for making something that reminds us true believers why we not only began but continue to believe in these folkloric characters! Now, if you'll eXcuse me, I have a bank account to resurrect and a museum frame to find to house this Astonishing behemoth! Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Nash of the Titans
Member Since 2020
Posted on 10/21/2020
Dermot D wrote:
This covers great - congratulations.
Thank you my friend! Just got it in today and I can't stop staring at it. It's (pun intended) a true marvel to behold!
Eric Nilsson 
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/21/2020
I think it's one of the best pieces he has created in that period;
if you will consider the size of the original art as well, maybe.... it's the best original from that period?
Huge congrats🍺🍺🍺
Nash of the Titans
Member Since 2020
Posted on 10/21/2020
Eric Nilsson wrote:
I think it's one of the best pieces he has created in that period;
if you will consider the size of the original art as well, maybe.... it's the best original from that period?
Huge congrats🍺🍺🍺
I would agree. Definitely in the top 3 at worst. But yeah, 19 inches and change by 24 inches snd change? Like I said, it's a behemoth. Lol biggest piece I've ever owned. And thanks so much! Once I get more money I can upgrade my account for bigger/better pics!
Eric Nilsson
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/21/2020
Nash of the Titans wrote:
I would agree. Definitely in the top 3 at worst. But yeah, 19 inches and change by 24 inches snd change? Like I said, it's a behemoth. Lol biggest piece I've ever owned. And thanks so much! Once I get more money I can upgrade my account for bigger/better pics!
Happy for you & good to see this piece in your collection :)
James S
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 10/21/2020
Beautiful piece of work! Glad you were able to grab one of your grails!
Nash of the Titans
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 10/21/2020
James S wrote:
Beautiful piece of work! Glad you were able to grab one of your grails!
As am I. If I can have only one Bianchi piece, I'm proud for this one to be it.
John C
Member Since 2014
2 - Posted on 10/21/2020
Outstanding. Congrats. Score one for the middleclass. Woohoo.
Nash of the Titans
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 10/21/2020
John C wrote:
Outstanding. Congrats. Score one for the middleclass. Woohoo.
Right? Again, I tripped into some good luck or it fell onto me! Either way I'll take it.
Nash of the Titans
Member Since 2020
Posted on 10/23/2020
Thanks everyone! Once ive rebuilt my finances, I'll upgrade my account so I can put up some HD pics for you guys!
William Lawson
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 10/24/2020
Simply put, I need a word to define jealousy and congratulations simultaneously. This is a masterpiece by THE Maestro. Stunning and a grail piece by anyone's imagination. LOVE it's got a good home.
Malcolm Bourne
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/28/2020
This is such an iconic and X-cellent piece of work by Simone - congratulations!!
Troy C. Punswick
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 11/10/2020
If you are going to destroy your bank account this is one of the few pieces you would do it for! Congrats on making this amazing piece yours!!!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 11/29/2020
Superb description for an extraordinary piece! Whenever I see someone take the time to compose such a detailed description, it tells me two things. One, just what a special piece it is. And two, just how much the art means to them. As a friend and fellow collector once said to me, that's what it's all about, words and pictures. Seeing somebody post a great piece of art with no write up completely boggles my mnd. It makes absolutely no sense to me that someone could spend thousands of dollars on something, and have absolutely nothing to say about it. So thanks for not only sharing such a great piece, but also for caring enough to share your story about it.
Nash of the Titans
Member Since 2020
Posted on 11/29/2020
E DLS wrote:
Superb description for an extraordinary piece! Whenever I see someone take the time to compose such a detailed description, it tells me two things. One, just what a special piece it is. And two, just how much the art means to them. As a friend and fellow collector once said to me, that's what it's all about, words and pictures. Seeing somebody post a great piece of art with no write up completely boggles my mnd. It makes absolutely no sense to me that someone could spend thousands of dollars on something, and have absolutely nothing to say about it. So thanks for not only sharing such a great piece, but also for caring enough to share your story about it.
We are in complete agreement, Eric! It makes no sense to me when cats buy pieces and just throw them up as casually as slapping a patch of paint on a wall. One of the most majestic parts of collecting art is the "why". Everything I buy has meaning to me and it's important I share why. Reading a story in regards to a piece is truly equal to enjoying the piece itself, if not more, as it allows us all to look at it damn near for the first time again! Thank you for reading my story and of course for viewing my art!
Peter Sullivan
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/12/2021
E DLS wrote:
Superb description for an extraordinary piece! Whenever I see someone take the time to compose such a detailed description, it tells me two things. One, just what a special piece it is. And two, just how much the art means to them. As a friend and fellow collector once said to me, that's what it's all about, words and pictures. Seeing somebody post a great piece of art with no write up completely boggles my mnd. It makes absolutely no sense to me that someone could spend thousands of dollars on something, and have absolutely nothing to say about it. So thanks for not only sharing such a great piece, but also for caring enough to share your story about it.
Whatever happened to just letting the art speak for itself? I have chopped off limbs and emptied my bank account many time to get artwork. I could write a novel about the backstory to artwork I will shortly be posting up.
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 11/30/2020
A truly magnificent and majestic cover, and I really enjoyed your description!
A K
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 12/12/2020
An amazing cover by an astonishing talent! Congratulations on getting this beauty!
Mark Levy
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 12/23/2020
This is an impressive piece of art with great characters, congrats!
Bob Diamond
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 2/15/2021
Wow, that is a gorgeous cover. Really special. Congrats on your good fortune!
Filmore W. Bedwick
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 2/17/2021
A Majestic work of Epic proportions done as only Simone can!
create!
Huge Congratulations obtaining this Grail with a Narrative equal to the work itself.
I love "Frankly, it's not only a grail for me but a piece of fine art I'm terrified to actually have!"
So true when we actually acquire that rarest of rares and are physically confronted with it. A Heady Experience to be sure.
I wish you a lifetime of caretaking this Gem and thank you for sharing🙏🏼
The Gweese 2
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 3/9/2021
The absolute pinnacle of simone bianchi excellence! Absolutely incredible, such a pleasure to stare at 😀
ALFREDO QUINTERO
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 3/13/2021
Wow. This is an Amazing piece. The Titans of Marvel. It's Fantastic
James Dornoff
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 3/15/2021
Love the write up on this truly Astonishing in so many ways X-Men cover. The design, detail and style from Simone is gorgeous. Huge congrats on this monumental piece.
Brian G
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 3/19/2021
WOW! What an awesome piece! Astonishing got me back into the X-Men, I remember that run being pretty good for a while. And this cover is among my favorite X-Men covers of all, it always just stood out. Such a GREAT scene. Hopefully you were able to revive your account afterward too. Congrats!
Davide G.
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 3/25/2021
As you said, museum piece and one of Simone's absolute best. Ororo's and Emma's capes alone are worth the price of admission!
John Espinoza
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 6/14/2021
I like Simon's take on Wolverine's head piece. It looks a little like Batman's cowl which in theory should strike fear in criminal mutants.
Pat L
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 7/10/2021
I cannot say anything about this piece that everyone else hasn't already, but what an amazing cover!
Miki Annamanthadoo
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 7/11/2021
This is amazing, astonishing and even uncanny!
Johnny M
Member Since 2014
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 7/12/2021
I don't know how I missed ths one! It's incredible. Congrats.
Bob Kopman
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 7/22/2021
Congrats on being able to get something that is so important to you. It's a spectacular piece.
Kevin A
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 7/26/2021
Original art always looks better in person, and because of that, I think my brain would explode if I ever laid eyes up this. Fantastic piece.
Kirk Dilbeck (3-Wishes and Patron-of-art)
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 7/28/2021
Simone is not only an incredibly nice guy but an incredible talent! Huge congrats on this! Hell to the No indeed!
Matthew DiTullio
Member Since 2019
CAF Administrator
1 - Posted on 7/29/2021
Every time you comment "WOW great piece" I remeber that you have possibly one of the great pieces ever haha still stuns me
Vik V
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 8/18/2021
Fantastic cover by an fantastic artist. And your description is great, too. Congrats
Canada Jones
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 8/21/2021
WOW Congrats here!! Incredible Bianchi Cover!!!
Doctor Fantastic
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 9/20/2021
There's so much to love about this! I really enjoyed reading your description, too- thanks for sharing!
Carl Elvis
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 9/25/2021
It really doesn't get any better than that, congrats!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 10/6/2021
How'd I miss this?! This deserves a Ric Flair exclamation - woooo!! One of Bianchi's best, and that's saying something, to say the least :) Your scan is solid but definitely gotta be one of those that you can't really get the whole experience to unless you see it in person. I'm sure you've spent many an hour poring over it - I know I would. It's laid out perfectly, and I love the tonal elements throughout. The earth and space background is next level, too. And I've always been a a fan of Bianchi's Cyke! And in your description you also mentioned the Bianchi cover I have - Black Panther/Spidey faceoff in BPMWF #516. That was cool to see :) HUGE congrats, Nash - comment #68 logged!
Andrew Rallis
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 10/13/2021
I see what you mean about the layers of composition here - you can actually feel their costumes against the skin... incredible!
Kenneth Carter
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 10/17/2021
Wow! Way to persevere for an amazing cover!!
Aidan (Re-Legion ) Lacy
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 11/19/2021
WOW !!! WOW !!! WOW !!! The art of the highest heavens has fallen into the correct caretakers hands
simone ravagli
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 11/25/2021
In my opinion one of the most gorgeous three/four piece ever realized by Simone. Masterpiece.
Andrea F.
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 12/9/2021
Oustanding cover!! Such a beautiful piece of art by Simone!! Congrats!
Peter Venkman
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 1/1/2022
To the departed (Christopher James Nash's bank account), may it rest in peace !
Phill R
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 1/16/2022
The detail in this cover is absolutely incredible!! What a sweet, sweet piece!
William Lawson
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 1/17/2022
If it counted everytime I looked at this, your views would be substansially higher :)
Ken Martin
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 2/26/2022
This is fantastic! It must be amazing to get to see it in person on a daily basis.
Ernest Benevides
Member Since 2022
1 - Posted on 4/3/2022
Love the opening line in your description. We've all been there. An absolutely stunning piece. Would be a grail piece for anyone. Unbelievable. Green with envy. Very well done, sir. Huge congrats!!!
Spidey-Man4444 .
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 7/9/2022
There's covers, and then there's this!!!
Wow!!! What a gorgeous cover by Simone Bianchi!!!
Congrats on getting this beauty!!!
Robert C
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 10/23/2022
Stellar cover!
<haha -- I'm here all week. Tip your server!>
William Lawson
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 11/14/2022
I just go digging through all my stuff looking for parts of this to appease myself LOL...you rule. Damn this is pretty.
S. H!!
Member Since 2023
1 - Posted on 8/15/2023
This is such a recognizable cover. Whenever I think of this arc this is the image that comes to mind. I have the hardcover that uses this as the cover art as well haha. It must be awesome looking at it up close and it must have been exciting to get it.
William Lawson
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 3/8/2024
Just stopping by for a WOW moment. Thought I'd say hi. :) This is simply the best.
Ernest Benevides
Member Since 2022
1 - Posted on 5/10/2024
🤣🤣Loving that first line in your description. We've all been there. An epic piece, beautifully detailed and deliciously inked. Just amazing. There's worse ways to go bankrupt. A very hearty congratulations!!
Alex B
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 7/10/2024
I agree this belongs in a museum : imho, it's simply the best Bianchi piece ever and one of the best X-Men covers ever. Breathtaking doesn't cover it. Huge congrats !!!
Michael Weigant
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 9/20/2024
Wow,how did I miss this, as I"m a big fan of Simones work but haven't found the right piece at the right time you know.Perhaps at OAX I'll find one.Congrats on this beauty my friend!
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