I can almost, ALMOST forgive Joss Whedon and his creative team for effectively lying to us every month and saying Astonishing X-Men was hitting stands generally three-five months before it ever did.  It's unfortunate one of the best comics ever written was subject to having the story broken up so many times in our heads.  Despite this book's doomy punctuality, what am I am now going to do is put my foot in my mouth.  Giant Size Astonishing X-Men #1 was a riveting double issue featuring the cream de la crop of Marvel Superheroes.  The Fantastic Four and some of the Avengers made cameos as one of the most heartbreaking deaths in the X-Men's history occured, that of Kitty Pryde.  What makes this death so special, is the journey this character underwent throughout her run on the X-Men.  She first appeared as a new mutant, an everyman, a thirteen year kid just trying to get by and understand herself in Chicago.  Luckily for us, she was swept into the biggest story line in X-Men history, The Dark Phoenix saga.  Kitty's evolution from a thirteen year old girl to one of the strongest and most put together female characters of the X-Men Multiverse makes her more than worthy to be Mutant of the Month.  We say good-bye to her tearfully as she sacrifices herself to save earth and the human race from the threats of the Breakworld.  We'll miss you Kitty.  May you rise again.