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Wolverine: Weapon X #1 and #2 Review
By Rachel Oliver | May 28th, 2009

Wolverine. Certainly one of the most popular and well-known comic heroes (or anti-heroes, I should probably say). Combined with the fact that he was the focus of a live-action movie that was released just a few weeks ago, it should come as a shock to no one that he has a new series related to his Weapon X days. But is it any good, or is it just a forgettable cash-in on the movie?
 
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Despite what one might think from the “Weapon X” title, this story takes place in the present state of the main Marvel universe. It begins with the slaughter of villagers in Colombia by mysterious mercenaries, quickly followed by an unrelated scene in San Francisco in which Wolverine saves a reporter from armed robbers. But the relevance soon becomes clear when Wolverine meets with an old Weapon X teammate and learns of a group called Blackguard, who has acquired important files from the old Weapon X program and used them to create their own super soldiers. As the second issue starts, Wolverine is now aware that those new soldiers not only already exist, but that they’ve also been active in Colombia lately. Thus, Colombia is where he heads, and it does not take long for him to find the Blackguard super soldiers and begin a gory brawl that he may not be able to win. Meanwhile, the reporter Wolverine had previously saved is becoming dangerously curious about him.
 
I don’t particularly consider myself a fan of Wolverine, possibly out of resentment for his overexposure (something that is even joked about in the second issue). But there are times where I find it difficult to dislike the character, and this is one of them. The writing makes no attempts to glamorize him; it simply represents his famous character traits as is, which I find appealing, because it gives insight into the character without going out of the way to sell me on him. In fact, I find all of the dialogue in general to be subtle, yet effective. However, there is at least as much action as dialogue, if not more, which helps the issues to move at a quick pace. That matches Wolverine himself, so it seems to be a very appropriate story telling method for a series starring him. And speaking of the story, though it moves very quickly, the plot is decent, and it does provide believable challenges for someone who is practically invincible. Also, the reporter’s curiosity similarly leaves me a bit curious to find out what kind of role she will play in later issues.
 
The writing is not all that represents Wolverine’s character well, however. The first cover art simply depicts a gritty Wolverine with his claws out, set in an orange tone. It is drawn well, and certainly says “Wolverine,” but there is nothing particularly noteworthy beyond that. The second issue’s cover is a little more vibrant, as Wolverine is lit up by the neon green claws of his foes. I find this cover more visually appealing than the first issue’s. Both of these covers are drawn by the same artist responsible for the inner artwork, who, like the writer, does not attempt to glamorize Wolverine, and keeps in mind his ugly, hairy features throughout both books. That’s not to say the art is ugly, because there are plenty of pretty things, and even the ugliness looks good, somehow. It has more of a realistic than cartoonish style, with good attention to details and backgrounds. The action is also well-defined, making it easy to interpret it play-by-play, and without the goriness looking obnoxious.
 
I’m still not sure if I’d call myself a Wolverine fan, but since I did quite enjoy these comics, and his depiction within it, I’d say the creative team did a good job.
 
Cover: B+ (The first issue’s is just okay, but the second’s cover is pretty nice.)
Writing: A (Great characterization and dialogue. The story is decent and enjoyable.)
Art: A (Looks great. Nothing to complain about.)
 
Overall: A (It’s not perfect, but I can’t find anything majorly wrong with it, either.)
 


Wolverine, and all related characters – © 2009 Marvel Comics. All Rights Reserved.
 

Categories: Comic Review, Reviews
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