Joss Whedon made me interested in X-Men comics for the first time in over a decade when he went to work on a new X-Men title, Astonishing X-Men.  You could jump right in and enjoy it but the series also rewarded long-time X-Men fans who had kept up with the canon thus far.  Whedon's first arc in Astonishing was called "Gifted" and now Marvel Knights Animation is adapting it into an animated direct-to-DVD movie.  Unfortunately, this is a "motion comic" so consider yourself warned.

The plot of "Gifted" centers on the discovery of a mutant "cure" and the larger conspiracy revolving around it (X-Men: The Last Stand took the "cure" part of the story, but dropped the greater conspiracy surrounding it).  The DVD is due out on September 28th and will retail for $14.97.  Hit the jump for the full press release.

astonishing_x-men_gifted_dvd_cover

Here's the press release:

MARVEL KNIGHTS ANIMATION:

ASTONISHING X-MEN - GIFTED

HITS THE HOME ENTERTAINMENT SHELVES FOR THE FIRST TIME

OWN IT ON DVD SEPTEMBER 28, 2010

FROM SHOUT! FACTORY

The time has come for Marvel Super Heroes CYCLOPS, EMMA FROST, SHADOWCAT, COLOSSUS, BEAST and WOLVERINE to leap from the comic book pages into every home this Fall. On September 28, 2010, Shout! Factory, in association with Marvel Knights Animation will unleash the highly anticipated DVD of ASTONISHING X-MEN – GIFTED, the first title in the multi-part ASTONISHING X-MEN home entertainment series.

Joss Whedon and John Cassaday’s Eisner award-winning take on Marvel’s mightiest mutants comes to life through the studio of comics legend Neal Adams, in the ASTONISHING X-MEN Marvel Motion Comic, adapting the acclaimed “Gifted” storyline!  Remaining true to the heritage of panel-by-panel graphic storytelling, with groundbreaking visuals, sensational soundscapes and, of course, the explosiveness of the Mighty Marvel Universe, the ASTONISHING X-MEN - GIFTED DVD features the first story arc of the ASTONISHING X-MEN 3-part series by Whedon and Cassaday. Boasting an exciting array of bonus features, this DVD invites viewers to delve deep inside the imaginative world of the Marvel Universe. A must have for collectors and loyal fans, this deluxe DVD is featured with a graphic rich cover and a unique replica of comic book-style plastic sleeve packaging that bridges the comic book to DVD concept. It is priced to own at $14.97.

Synopsis:

Professor Charles Xavier’s X-Men — the aggressive Wolverine, conflicted Beast and newly returned Kitty Pryde, led by Cyclops and Emma Frost — find themselves confronted with Dr. Kavita Rao, who has developed a controversial “mutant cure.” Now they’re up against science, prejudice and a mysterious new foe named Ord! Can the X-Men protect the world’s mutants against this powerful new alien menace and the “cure” that threatens to rid them of their unique abilities forever?

Extensive Bonus Features:

  • 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 Knights Animation
  • Marvel Super Heroes™: What The — ?
  • Artists gallery – John Cassaday
  • Additional trailers

…and More!

Direct from the pages of the critically acclaimed comic books, Marvel Knights Animation remains true to the legendary Marvel experience of sophisticated storytelling and dynamic artwork. Behind every image and every word lies the genius of Marvel’s celebrated creators like Joss Whedon, Brian Michael Bendis, Warren Ellis, Adi Granov, and John Cassaday. Marvel Knights Animation merges iconic Marvel comic book graphics and dynamic animation, utilizing some of the latest technology to provide incredible, cutting-edge, in-your-face storytelling. A wonderful hybrid that incorporates all of Marvel’s greatest talents, viewers can experience their favorite comics, as the spectacular visions of these authors and artists come alive in Marvel Knights Animation.