Wolverine #65 – Review

Jason Aaron (Writer), Ron Garney (Artist), and Jason Keith (Color Artist)

Before I begin this review, let me just say that it’s a shame that this is Jason Aaron’s last issue on Wolverine before Mark Millar takes over with his “Old Man Logan” arc. I have no doubt that Millar’s arc will be a solid, entertaining, and a truly original take on Wolverine, but Jason Aaron has crafted something great with the “Get Mystique!” arc. He truly “gets” both Wolverine and Mystique and has used that understanding to make an increasingly high-stakes game of cat and mouse (with a mutant twist, of course). I hope that Mr. Aaron is given the reigns to Wolverine somewhere down the road, because this might just be the most entertaining Wolverine story I have ever read. With that said, let me get on with the review.

Wolverine #65 hits all the right notes, in all the right ways, and it really is everything someone could hope for in a finale. We get the brutal, satisfying Wolverine and Mystique confrontation we have been waiting for, no strings attached. We also get a satisfying conclusion to the flashback sequences that have helped create an interesting and complimentary side-story to the main event. Nearly everything about this book, and really this arc as a whole, is top-notch and I can’t recommend this one enough. An extremely satisfying book all around.

Jason Aaron once again nails the complex dynamic between Wolverine and Mystique. We see they are more similar than one might think, while at the same time presented with stark contrasts. Aaron’s take on both characters is just superb. The story, on the surface, is incredibly simple, yet Aaron has managed to create enough layers to keep things interesting and the reader guessing. I can’t wait to see what he does next time he gets his hands on either of these characters. His dialogue is crisp, the inner monologues work extremely well, and the story moves at a brisk pace.

I wish I could have the same sort of praise for the artwork, but there was something lacking. Ron Garney and Jason Keith have done some great things in the previous issues, that’s why it’s a shame that some aspects of this book feel rushed. It’s still a very solid effort, but I can’t help but feel that an extra layer of polish would have done wonders. That said, the action flows smoothly and the fight between Wolverine and Mystique is a thing of brutal beauty, especially one particular splash page that stands above them all.

I can’t recommend this book, or this arc enough. I urge any Wolverine, Mystique, or X-Men fan to check it out. One thing is for sure, the bar has been set incredibly high for Mark Millar. Here’s hoping he delivers with “Old Man Logan.” (Grade: A)

-Kyle Posluszn