New Exiles #2
“Flight of the Avenging Son”
Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Tom Grummett; Inker: Scott Hanna

It is safe to say that without Chris Claremont, Wolverine never would have reached the heights of popularity that he did.

Unfortunately in recent years, Claremont has become a parody of himself. His stories are too verbose, too melodramatic and too full of mutants.

And Claremont’s handling of ‘Exiles,’ a formerly fun and irreverent series, is no different. The exposition has increased, the comedy has disappeared and mutants have taken over like never before.

So it should come as no surprise that Wolverine makes an appearance, albeit one that doesn’t really seem to suit any purpose.

Buyer beware.

From Marvel: “The Exiles have barely arrived in a new dimension before they’re struck by disaster! Sabretooth, Psylocke and Mystiq find themselves in the middle of a long-running conflict between the two most powerful figures on the African Continent, the Black Panther and Ororo. As for Rogue, her fate ends up in the hands of a young man who calls himself Gambit — but if you think that tells you what to expect from this character and this story, try again! He needs Rogue to help him save his parents — Oh, and did we mention he breathes water?” On sale Feb 13, 2008.

New Avengers #38
“The Breakup”
Writer: Brian Bendis
Artist: Michael Gaydos

Perhaps this story hit a little too close to home for me…

…which perhaps makes this a really good issue.

Wolverine appears (barely), but the breakup of Jessica Jones and Luke Cage takes center stage. And an emotional argument is the centerpiece. An argument that anyone who has been in a serious relationship can relate to.

And for the record, I agree with Luke Cage on this one, “I didn’t create this situation… This is too big not to have talked it over first.”

I expect many will take Jessica Jones’ side. Which is why this really is a terrific issue. One that shows why Bendis is one the best writers around when he wants to be.

From Marvel (preview): “The break up! Conspiracy, paranoia, betrayal may have taken their toll on the Avengers newlyweds Jessica Jones and Luke Cage. After the shocking turn of events at the end of last month’s ‘New Avengers’ Annual, has Jessica Jones turned her back on the Avengers?” On sale Feb 13, 2008.

X-Force (Vol. 2) #1
‘Angels and Demons, Part 1’
Writer: Christopher Yost and Craig Kyle
Artist: Clayton Clay

Update: X-Force #1 Commentary Track by Christopher Yost and Craig Kyle from ComicBookResources.com

I have mixed feelings about this series.

I think there is a real need for a black ops X-Men group. Especially a black ops group run by Wolverine. But the setup of this series isn’t working for me. Cyclops is building a team of killers and won’t even let Wolverine choose the lineup. And the betrayal of X-23 by Cyclops is simply unconscionable. Plus, the painted artwork by Clayton Clay doesn’t feel right for this series. And these lame purple costumes reek of a future toy line.

So I starting thinking about the old Mission: Impossible series with Phelps flipping through photographs of potential team members in the opening credits every week. That’s how I imagined this series working, with Wolverine pulling together a different lineup for every job. A different lineup that showed just how good a strategist and tactician Wolverine is.

If you agree, send Marvel editor-in-chief Joe Quesada a letter demanding that I be put on ‘X-Force’ immediately.

It’s worth a try…

From Marvel (preview): “There are lines that the X-Men have sworn never to cross. But after the shocking events of ‘Messiah CompleX,’ Cyclops realizes that some enemies need to be dealt with permanently… and the X-Men can never know about it. Enter Wolverine, Warpath, X-23 and Wolfsbane… X-Force.” On sale Feb 13, 2008.

Wolverine #62
‘Get Mystique, Part 1’
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Ron Garney

I was not expecting much out of this ‘Messiah CompleX’ epilogue. In fact, I was just plain dreading it.

But I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised.

This is a terrific first part by writer Jason Aaron (with a clever twist and a fun and interesting flashback). And the artwork by Ron Garney is top-notch for this gritty (and quite sandy) run.

Highly recommended.

Newsarama: Jason Aaron and Ron Garney on Wolverine #62
Comic Book Resources: The Mystique of Revenge, Aaron Talks Wolverine

From Marvel (preview): “In the searing aftermath of ‘Messiah CompleX,’ Wolverine has just one thing on his mind: revenge. But who is the focus of his rage, and what dark secret does he share with them? And how far over the edge is Wolverine willing to go to get what he wants?” On sale February 13, 2008.

I must admit that after all the years of running this website in near silence, it is invigorating to see other Wolverine fans leaving comments on the Wolverine Files blog posts. So I would like to encourage all visitors to join in on the fun.

That’s right. I’m talking to you.

Please view this as a personal invitation to introduce yourself to the Wolverine Files readers in the comments section below.

And to break the ice, let me start off the proceedings by introducing myself. I am Joel ‘DiG’ DiGiacomo, the curator of Wolverine Files.

To quote from Chapter 00: True Origin,

I was first introduced to Wolverine (or more accurately THE Wolverine) when I picked up Uncanny X-Men #111 at a 7-11 back in 1978. Chris Claremont and John Byrne were creating the golden era of the X-Men, and I became mesmerized by this cantankerous Canadian. After school, my best friend and I would talk endlessly about every last revelation of Wolverine’s past. I even started a notebook tracking all references of his life before he joined the X-Men. Later it became a Word document that I updated and rewrote as more and more entries sprang to life from the pages of various Marvel comics. After more than 25 years, I finally decided it was time to put it on the Web and let others enjoy the fruits of my obsessive compulsion.

So please take a moment to introduce yourself and maybe even reminisce about your first exposure to our favorite ill-tempered mutant.

-DiG…

Uncanny X-Men #495
“Divided We Stand”
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Mike Choi

Surprisingly, the aftermath of ‘Messiah CompleX’ is not as dark as one might expect.

Brubaker delivers a fairly humorous issue that finds Wolverine, Nightcrawler and Colossus on a road trip through Europe.

And Wolverine has become quite the prankster.

From Marvel (Preview): “Reeling from the events of Messiah Complex, the surviving mutants reassess Xavier’s dream amidst the rubble of the mansion. Betrayed by one of their own, and mourning the loss of former allies, is peaceful coexistence still an option? The only thing that’s certain is an uncertain future for mutantkind. Is anyone safe in a world without X-Men?” On sale February 6, 2008.

Two Wolverine pieces in last week’s ‘Wizard’ magazine, issue #197…

‘X-Force Hit List’ offers Wolverine’s thoughts on Mystique, the Purifiers, Magneto, Iron Man, Lady Deathstrike and humanity courtesy of ‘X-Force’ writers Craig Kyle and Chris Yost.

‘Wolverine: Rough Cut’ features a sneak preview of Mark Millar’s and Steve McNiven’s Wolverine run starting with ‘Wolverine’ #66. More details and sketches can be found at Wizard Online.

What If? Spider-Man vs. Wolverine
‘The Spider Who Went into the Cold’
Writer: Jeff Parker & Paul Tobin
Artist: Clayton Henry

If you’ve read the original ‘Spider-Man vs. Wolverine’ one-shot from 1987, then get ready for a surprisingly enjoyable story. And the artwork by Clayton Henry is a real treat, especially his rendering of Spider-Man’s dark spy costume.

Be advised, however, that this is more about Spider-Man than Wolverine. And as improbable as some of it may be, it still makes for a fun romp.

From Marvel (Preview): “In 1987, Peter Parker followed Wolverine to Russia, who was on the trail of a friend working for the KGB. Realizing that the KGB would eventually kill his friend, Wolverine wanted to put her out of her misery. Peter tried to stop him, but accidentally killed the friend instead. Haunted by his actions, Peter fled home into the waiting arms of Mary Jane. But WHAT IF…Peter never went home? WHAT IF…the Spider never came out of the cold?” On sale January 30, 2008.

Ultimate X-Men #90
‘Apocalypse, Part 1’
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Salvador Larroca

This issue felt a little rushed as Kirkman kicks off his final arc before Jeph Loeb realigns the entirety of the Ultimate universe.

And while Ultimate Wolverine does get to be in the spotlight briefly, the result of the sprinting through storylines the past few issues is another lackluster read. With all the fireworks in the main X-Men universe, I wonder whether ‘Ultimate X-Men’ is even necessary anymore. I find the only thing I really care about is discovering what the big plans Loeb has in store for the Ultimate universe as a whole.

From Marvel (Preview): “New series artist Salvador Larroca arrives—as Apocalypse begins! Sinister has been resurrected, the pieces are moving into place, and everything is starting to come together. Can the X-Men prevent the coming of Apocalypse? The story arc that’s been building for a year kicks off here!” On sale January 30, 2008.

Mighty Avengers #8
Writer: Brian Bendis
Penciler: Mark Bagley
Inker: Danny Miki & Allen Martinez & Victor Olazaba

Fairly innocuous crossover with the Venom-bomb story from ‘New Avengers’ #36.

Best line is from Iron Man when he discovers Wolverine has previously been a Venom host, “Wolverine?! What hasn’t he done?”

And kudos to Mark Bagley for an awesome closeup of Logan in the final pages.

From Marvel (Preview): “It’s the Mighty Avengers versus the New Avengers who have been overtaken by a symbiote virus. So, yeah, it’s Avengers versus Avengers symbiotes!! Janet gets new powers!! And the Mighty Avengers declare war on a foreign country!!” On sale January 30, 2008.