Marjorie Liu continues to blow us away with her writing. From taking on the kids in NYX: NO WAY HOME to the dark and mischievous DAKEN: DARK WOLVERINE to the lovable (but deadly) X-23, Liu always manages to add a little something extra to her issues.

In an unfortunate announcement, X-23 was revealed to be ending with issue #21. The good news is Liu and Mike Perkins are the new creative team for ASTONISHING X-MEN beginning with issue #48. That issue won't be on sale until March but we couldn't wait to ask Marjorie some questions on what she has planned.

Comic Vine: You first wrote the X-Men in your X-Men: Dark Mirror novel (2005). How has the team changed in your eyes since?

Marjorie Liu: The team of Dark Mirror existed in its own universe. It was part of the Marvel U, but that story was written for fans who might not be familiar with the X-Men, and so I can't really compare them to the official team of then -- and now.

CV: Your team consists of Wolverine, Warbird, Gambit, Iceman, Northstar, Cecilia Reyes and Karma. Did you get to pick the roster or were the characters chosen by editorial?

ML: The roster was almost entirely my choice.

== TEASER ==

CV: Will the series deal with school issues from WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN or will the characters be away from the school on missions/adventures or both?

ML: There will be some references to the school, but for the most part the characters of Astonishing will be on their own, having adventures that have nothing to do with those crazy, wild students!

CV: With Northstar living with his boyfriend and Gambit getting his own apartment, how will your team be assembled when needed? Will this be an official 'squad' Wolverine will call on for specific missions?

ML: It's going to evolve into an official squad, but what we'll see in this first arc or two is a team full of men and women trying to live their own lives away from the X-Men. Not because they're sick of being X-Men, but just because that's what people do: they have a job, and then they go home from that job.

CV: Hooray for the return of Cecilia Reyes! Has her attitude on 'costumed adventuring' changed? Will you explore any feelings/past relationship with Beast?

ML: No, her attitude hasn't changed all that much. Costumed adventuring really hasn't benefited her life in any measurable way. Just the opposite, actually. As for Beast...we'll see, won't we?

CV: Will you continue your knack for capturing the friendships/relationships between characters? (Your Gambit/X-23 and X-23/Jubilee portrayals were what set the book apart from other x-titles).

ML: You're very kind. I don't know if I've got a knack for it, but I am definitely focused on deepening the bonds between these characters, and exploring their relationships to one another.

CV: I know we should look forward and X-23 is currently on the West Coast but is there a chance she might pop up? Will Gambit check up on her or at least call her?

ML: You'll see a reference to X-23 in the first issue, though I can't say that she'll pop up in the book. Never say never, though. She's definitely part of Gambit's life.

ASTONISHING X-MEN #48 is on sale March 28, 2012.