From 2001 on, Austen wrote several issues of "War Machine". The miniseries drew controversy not only for its violent content, but also because it debuted the day after the September 11, 2001 attacks. In 2003, Austen followed up with "War Machine 2.0", which Austen also noted was serendipitously published the day after U.S. President George W. Bush's March 17, 2003, ultimatum to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq, prompting Austen to jokingly comment, "I feel like I should stop doing this book so the world will stay at peace." Using the creative liberties in the alternate universe in which the series is set, Austen wrote Rhodes' boss Tony Stark as more pacifist and business-minded than his mainstream counterpart, and Rhodes himself as the proactive protector. In the early 2000s, Austen started working regularly for Marvel Comics, writing and illustrating "U.S. War Machine", illustrating "Elektra", and writing a number of series, including "Uncanny X-Men", "Captain America", and "The Avengers". His two-year run on "Uncanny X-Men" was his most lengthy writing assignment to date, but not well received by fans of the franchise.