Hmm. I am now sad about Simon MacCorkindale. Thanks for the heads-up, FJ.
Re: Whedon/Avengers, though, I am a little concerned. I mean, I did enjoy the Astonishing X-Men for the two years he wrote for 'em. Character-developmentwise, it was the Kitty Show, with everyone else around being snarky and tense with each other and well-portrayed, if somewhat conservatively regarding their personalities. Still thought it was good.
I worry that he's gonna write his own story in the Avengers universe, and find a way to kill off the nicest person in the movie in an unapologetic, and nasty fashion. "S*$# Happens, Especially To Nice People" seems to be the motto he writes by, in my view.
I worry that he's going to come up with a 'new' important character for the movieverse, when I would prefer a retell and reframe of solidly extant history...you know, in comic-fantasy-land, but still. I'd like a 'take' on it, without an extra limb grafted on just because somebody likes the way chicken legs look.
If I base it purely on what I've seen of the X-Men stuff, I will give my opinion that a similar treatment would be acceptable. Especially if there's a little bit of first-run Ultimates hardcase-Cap in there. Just a bit.