Wolverine #9 – Review

by Jason Aaron (writer), Daniel Acuna (artist), and Cory Petit (letterer)

The Story: Logan begins his bloodthirsty quest for revenge.  First target: Mystique.

The Review:  I’ve been waiting months, and it finally happened: Wolverine’s out of hell.  And by out of hell, I mean no more demons, no more demonic possession, no more fire and brimstone.  We’ve gone back to basics:  Wolverine is out for blood and will kill anyone who gets in his way.  That’s often when Aaron’s Wolverine has been at its strongest, so this alone is good news.

Thus, unsurprisingly, we get an issue with a lot of action.  First and foremost, Wolverine himself is awesome this month.  He is a bad, bad dude.  No more regret, no more deep introspection.  Logan is a one man wrecking crew and an absolute animal.  He’s scary and he’s on the hunt.  A particular favorite of mine this month is when, on a car chase with Mystique, Logan sticks his arm out a window in an attempt to deliver a drive-by clawing.  That’s the kind of Logan you get this month, and it’s very fun.

Speaking of fun: Jason Aaron’s Lord Deathstrike.  From a design stand-point, the guy oozes cool.  Who can say no to a guy dressed in a full suit and a creepy Japanese mask who happens to pack a huge assortment of guns and tech.  The feats Aaron has this character pull of this month are completely and utterly ludicrous.  So much so, that it’s impossible not to like the character.  The scene that first introduces us to him is singularly one of the most ridiculous things I have ever seen a character do in a comic book.  It actually had me say “no freaking way” out loud.  Honestly, even if you don’t buy this book, I recommend reading just those pages (2-3) the next time you pop into your comic shop.

Wolverine: Weapon-X #5 – Review

by Jason Aaron (writer), Ron Garney (art), Jason Keith (colors), and Cory Petit (letters)

The Story: Wolverine heads to an oil rig to put down Blackguard once and for all.

What’s Good: It’s clear that Aaron has a strong hold on Logan’s voice. Once again, he shows that, with some very strong internal narration this month. The captions come together into a weird mish-mash that sees Logan discussing religious beliefs, philosophy, morality, and his past with Xavier. All of this is done in that pitch-perfect, grizzled tone that we all know.Though this narration only appears in the last third or so of the issue, it feels highly personal and is executed perfectly. It makes the book feel more intimate while also causing its conclusion more grand.

Wolverine’s moralizing provides a stronger sense of closure and his revelation of his only fear was well-done. The reveal was surprisingly, almost lovably, mundane, but the manner in which Aaron spins out from this into Logan’s deeper psychology adds the needed complexity. It also leads to a kill that is particularly brutal in its simplicity.

We also get a couple little reveals that really are rather cool. One of which is perhaps a little expected, but thankfully, Aaron compensates for this by not making the scene a particularly big deal. The latter scene is a bit of a head-scratcher, but not in a bad way.

As far as Garney goes, it’s clear that he was meant to draw this series, giving everything a rather scratchy feel. Colorist Jason Keith helps bring out the best in him, making everything feel bright and really helping to give life to some truly awesome splashes involving landscape and sunsets. Certainly, the action is fast-paced, violent, and enjoyable, with a fair share of impressive explosions, pyrotechnics,… and sharks.

What’s Not So Good: While the reasons are hard to pinpoint, this issue felt a little underwhelming overall. I suppose a good part of this had to do with most of the final action scene seeing Wolverine spending the majority of it in a vehicle. This really subtracted from the visceral savagery that has defined this series. It made the final action scene, while awe-inspiring and huge, less impactful.

The first half of the book was also a bit lacking. Some of it is pointless. Why have Wolverine be apprehended by HAMMER if nothing comes of it and nothing changes? Do we need another scene of Maverick telling Logan that these are impossible odds? None of this is particularly offensive, but it feels like filler.

I also find myself again completely uninterested in the journalist, who mercifully spends this book almost as an afterthought. Aaron hasn’t really given much of a reason for me to care about her, nor enough page space to really develop plot or character-wise. It’s a shame that an entire arc is gone now, and the character is still bland and cliched.

Finally, despite my love for Garney’s take on this book, this isn’t his strongest issue. The quality here can be a little uneven; certain panels see a drop in detail, others become a little too scratchy, losing definition.

Conclusion: Not quite as awesome as I’d hoped, but things do kick up a level when the internal narration starts.

Grade: B-

-Alex Evans

Wolverine: Weapon X #4

By Jason Aaron (Writer), Ron Garney (Art), and Jason Keith (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Wolverine may be overexposed these days, but Jason Aaron’s Weapon X series is definitely a keeper.

The Story: Wolverine and Maverick think they can take down the CEO of Blackguard before the Senate vote…

What’s Good: The best thing about Wolverine: Weapon X #4? The brutal, exciting action that takes up most of the book. Artist Ron Garney and writer Jason Aaron deliver what is easily one of the best fight scenes of the year, as Wolverine squares off against a Blackguard soldier. While I hesitate to say too much because it could easily ruin many of the highlights of the battle (Jason Aaron’s contributions in particular), I absolutely must mention how awesome Garney’s two page fight montage looks. Most of it is a prime example of the artist at his best and a great piece of evidence in favor of the argument that Garney is simply one of the best Wolverine artists around.

The slower stuff in Weapon X #4 holds up against all the action rather well. As you probably know by now, Jason Aaron writes one hell of a gruff, badass Wolverine and proves it through the dry, humorous dialogue. Ron Garney’s artwork (complimented by Jason Keith’s impressive color work) is very cinematic and does a fine job telling Jason Aaron’s story. The characters look fantastic, the action (as I mentioned) is near perfect, and the overall tone is a perfect fit for a series like Weapon X.

What’s Not So Good: Jason Aaron’s Blackguard story, while decent, continues to be predictable and fairly bland. The laser claws are cool and the basic concept behind it is sound, but nothing particularly surprising has happened (outside of one thing that happens to Maverick). Another complaint I have is that occasionally Ron Garney’s work looks a bit rushed. A few panels are oversimplified and, quite frankly, pretty rough-looking. It doesn’t hurt the overall art package too much, but it is noticeable because most of the book looks so damned good.

Conclusion: While the story leaves a bit to be desired, Wolverine: Weapon X is worth it for the action alone. If you’re a fan of Wolverine, consider the latest issue of Weapon X to be a must buy.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

Wolverine: Weapon X #3 – Review

by Jason Aaron (writer), Ron Garney (art), Jason Keith (colors), and Cory Petit (letters)

The Story: The jungle cat-and-mouse game continues between Logan and Strikeforce X.  Meanwhile, we meet the head of Blackguard and Maverick gets his hands dirty.

What’s Good: Despite my love of Jason Aaron, I almost dropped this series.  It wasn’t because it’s a bad comic, in fact it’s been pretty solid, but only due to my “Wolverine fatigue.”  Aaron seems to have been attempting to get around this through simplification, divorcing the character from the main Marvel Universe and boiling down the character to its bare essentials: he’s badass and he stabs people.  Unfortunately, while fun, this doesn’t exactly get me excited enough to add another $3.99 comic to my pile.

Thankfully, I can say that this is the best Weapon X issue to date.  Aaron has finally established a voice for this series, making it a much more engaging read.  This month, with the introduction of Blackguard’s corporate head, military contracting politics, “men in black,” conspiracies, and political corruption, the series has become much more nuanced and finds itself becoming very much a “State of Play”-styled espionage/political thriller that nonetheless features a little furry guy stabbing people in the jungle.  Either way, the series ends up feeling more intelligent and finally sucked me in.  It finally carves out its genre of choice through focusing more on the bad guys, and I can honestly say that the comic is all the better for it.

Meanwhile, as was the case last month, I can say that Ron Garney is currently drawing my favourite Wolverine.  Logan looks positively bestial, demonic even, despite Garney making his height very apparent.  Logan actually LOOKS like a Wolverine: short, stalky, and feral.  It really takes the action scenes to a new level.

What’s Not-So-Good: The reporter continues to fail to grab me as a character, despite Maverick’s badassery this month.   She appears to merely be the means of achieving that “political thriller tone,” and lack any unique or defining characteristics.  I just don’t find her to be a very strong character (as evidenced by my forgetting her name).  All the more groan-worthy is Aaron’s need to make apparent her faith in Obama’s “change platform” and the new administration.  It’s not a big deal, but honestly, at this point, any mention of Obama in my comics is like nails on a chalkboard.

Garney also appears to struggle a bit drawing her.  Granted she’s dressed entirely differently, but in the two scenes we see her in, she appears to be two different people.

Also, some readers may not be that high on the main bad guy of the series, who may seem at the moment to be a little too clichéd (the unethical, power hungry CEO).

Conclusion: Well, I like this Wolverine comic better than any of the other offerings out there.  Aaron has a clear love for the character and this title is finally coming into its own.  The best praise I can give it is saying that it’ll be staying on my pull-list.

Grade: B+

-Alex Evans

Wolverine: Weapon X #2 – Review

by Jason Aaron (writer), Ron Garney (art), Jason Keith (colors), and Cory Petit (letters)

The Story: Logan seeks out the new Blackguard Weapon X commandos as, he heads to Columbia. Meanwhile, reporter Melita Garner decides to try to figure out who exactly Wolverine is.

The Good: Jason Aaron really has a knack for Wolverine’s character. Not only does he write a great Wolverine, but it’s clear that he has a lot of affection for the character as well (“little hairy dude who likes to skewer bad guys”). Aaron writes a great Logan. The textboxes are fantastic, and Wolverine sounds like Wolverine, with a good use of Logan’s trademark, gruff slang that doesn’t become so dominant as to render Logan an unintelligent “badittude” hillbilly. Logan’s voice suits the character with its affable nature, but also sounds as if it’s clearly coming from a smart character.

The massive action scene at the end with Wolverine fighting a pair of “Adamantium Men” was high-paced and thoroughly enjoyable. Much as Aaron has a clear grasp of the Wolverine character, he’s also showing a real talent for plotting out action.  The blow-by-blow, move-by-move frame sequencing is incredibly fluid, and natural.  It’s clearly well thought-out and logical, while also thrilling and indisputably “superheroic.” One frame led very naturally to another despite the speed. It’s good work.

Aaron also infuses the comic with a little humor. Logan’s booze-riddled existence is as much a laugh in this issue as it was last month. However, the real highlight is during the big brawl at the end. Wolverine does his trademark roar, looking to rush into combat; yet only to end in a hilarious frame of him scampering off into the distance, running right by his opponents, who are as stunned as the reader.

Art-wise, this is a solid comic, which, for better or for worse, has that sleak “Marvel comic” look.  Nothing distinct or stand-out, but nothing to complain about either.  That said, when the script calls for it, Garney can draw one helluva scary-looking Wolverine. Somehow, Logan’s small stature has been highlighted by Garney, and yet that only leads to him looking more bestial and frightening.

The Not-so-Good: There’s only one big downfall in this issue.  Despite occupying half the issue, the Adamantium Men just aren’t very compelling right now.  I know Wolverine despises anything Weapon X, but I still wish we could see a little more personality or character from these commandos. Right now, they’re simply lame.

Even the art design of these guys is just not that interesting. In an effort to alleviate their blandness as adversaries, Garney tries to make them look more “inhuman” as they have glowing neon-green eyes and similarly colored “energy claws.” Unfortunately, to me, it just ends up looking a little unnecessary.  Shiny eyes don’t make for menacing, compelling villains.  Somehow, it just looks silly and contrived.

That said, for all my whining, I’m sure this will soon be a non-issue.  The commandos mention having a mysterious “boss,” who will probably end up being the real adversary of this arc.

Conclusion: Right now, this is probably the best Wolverine comic on the stands, and at issue #2, the most accessible. With tThat said, fans of Aaron’s breakthrough “Scalped” will also find a lot to love.  In Logan’s rough demeanor and alcohol-swilling ways, the ties are quite clear and it’s more obvious than ever that Jason Aaron was the right man for this job.

Grade: B

-Alex Evans

Wolverine: Weapon X #1

By Jason Aaron (Writer), Ron Garney (Artist), and Jason Keith (Colorist)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: At first, like any sane person, I really wanted to dismiss Weapon X as something that I need not waste my time reading or reviewing. I mean, at first glance, it seems to have all the trappings of what would pretty much be THE ultimate Marvel cash-in series. In my mind I thought, “It stars Wolverine, launches just weeks before a film starring the character hits theaters, and is subtitled “Weapon X” (which just so happens to be an integral part of the Wolverine movie)…yep…” Then I noticed that the creative team attached to the book is the same team responsible for “Get Mystique!” one of my favorite Wolverine stories of all time. Suddenly, Wolverine: Weapon X became a must read series…

The Story: After getting a tip from Maverick, Wolverine heads off to investigate the latest attempt at resurrecting the Weapon X program. It turns out that a private military contractor recently bought Weapon X files off the black market and is looking to give it’s mercenaries a boost. The investigation into the facility hosting the experiments triggers some old memories of Wolverine’s time as part of the program…

What’s Good: Jason Aaron and Ron Garney waste no time establishing the gritty, violent tone Wolverine: Weapon X will have. Both the visuals and the writing do a fantastic job of tapping into the dark side of Marvel’s main mutant. While it’s definitely too early to tell just which directions the first arc will take, it’s obviously going to be a brutal, bloody affair. And I, for one, could not be more pleased about that.

What’s Not So Good: I guess my biggest complaint is that the debut of Weapon X is very much a textbook example of how a standard first issue should play out. The first threads of a plot are introduced, Wolverine’s character is established, and off he goes with a purpose. The formula works, that’s for sure, but I wish the series would have hit the ground running a bit harder. I mean damn near everyone is already familiar with Wolverine on some level, so why not just get to it? Sure, it’s a blast reading Aaron’s take on Wolverine no matter what the character is doing. And sure, I couldn’t be much happier with Garney’s distinct visual style. But I wish things moved forward a bit more from a plot perspective instead of spending so much time establishing Wolverine as a badass…most people already know that he is.

Conclusion: I really like the first issue of Weapon X, especially on a technical level, I just wish it had a bit more substance. That said, what substance there is has some interesting storytelling potential that, under the control of Jason Aaron, Ron Garney, and Jason Keith, should be in good hands. I look forward to see what happens next.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny