Wolverine had only one actual appearance this week (December 17, 2008), two pseudo appearances and one cover only appearance. All in all, a pretty weak week in the comic shops…

What If Newer Fantastic Four (preview)
“New Fantastic Four”
Writer: Paul Tobin
Penciler: Patrick Scherberger
Inker: Craig Yeung

In the old days, ‘What If’ took on stories of import. Stories that we as readers genuinely cared about. What if Spider-Man had joined the Fantastic Four? What if Wolverine had killed the Hulk, What if Elektra had lived? More recently, the one shots have delved into alternate versions of Civil War, House of M and Fallen Son.

So forgive me if yet another New Fantastic Four story fails to spark my interest.

The story isn’t bad. Wolverine actually gets some pretty good treatment at the hands of Paul Tobin (even if the blue costumes are atrocious). But this is predictable fare that really didn’t need to be on the shelves this week or any week for that matter…

Uncanny X-Men #505 (preview)
Cover: Terry and Rachel Dodson

Wolverine graces the cover in classic Dodson-style, but fails to appear inside for the second straight issue…

Marvel Adventures: The Avengers #31 (preview)
“Good Things Come to Those Who Bait'”
Writer: Paul Tobin
Penciler: Ig Guara
Inker: Sandro Ribeiro

Another cover only appearance, but at least Wolverine gets referenced (for unpaid parking tickets?!?) inside…

X-Men: Legacy #219 (preview)
“Jagannatha'”
Writers: Mike Carey
Penciler: Phil Briones
Inker: Cam Smith

Wolverine cameos only as part of a Juggernaut memory flash…