Marvel Adventures the Avengers #21
“From Russia… with Hate!”
Writer: Marc Sumerak
Pencils: Ig Guara; Inks: Jay Leisten
I know I’m not the primary target for this series. And frankly, this was a much better issue all around with Wolverine getting some decent stage time.
But I still think that it is time for Marvel to establish a finite set of worlds for their stories to take place in such as…
-Marvel 616: The main universe.
-Ultimate: The Ultimate universe.
-Zombies: The Marvel Zombies universe.
-Marvel Adventures: Young readers Marvel universe.
-Future: The various future timelines that will never come to be.
-What If: One-shot Marvel universes of alternate timelines.
From Marvel (Preview): “The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming! Get ready to cry “Wolverine!” at the top of your lungs, ’cause Avengers Tower is about to go all “Red Dawn” when the Crimson Dynamo invades! But who is the super-spy on the armored villain’s trail…and can she be trusted?” On sale Feb 20, 2008.
Ultimate X-Men #91
‘Apocalypse, Part 2’
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Salvador Larroca
One of the better issues of ‘Ultimate X-Men’ in a while.
Wolverine shines in a leadership role (finally!) as Apocalypse takes center stage.
But, once again, the action gets a little rushed giving the feel that a seven-part story is being condensed into four issues.
From Marvel (Preview): “All hail Apocalypse! Last issue saw Sinister squirm from the grave—and now the evolutionary emperor known as Apocalypse has arrived! Superstar artist Salvador Larroca continues his run here – as the threat to the X-Men kicks into overdrive!” On sale February 19, 2008.
Ultimates 3 #3
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Joe Madureira
Really terrific cover of Wolverine getting eaten by a T. Rex.
Unfortunately, the pages within are pure melodrama.
Hawkeye pumps at least seven shots in Wolverine at point-blank range, but Captain America doesn’t think to reprimand Hawkeye until he curses at the Wasp. “Hey, watch that language, mister.” Maybe it’s just me, but shooting a fellow hero SEVEN TIMES AT POINT-BLANK RANGE seems a bit worse than cursing at a woman. Even to someone from the 1940s.
That said, if you like macho posturing, this issue is for you.
From Marvel (preview): “‘Sex, Lies, and DVD’ continues with ‘Siblings’ — the true(?) origin of Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch! What horrible secret have these two shared and how is it now exposed? Does it hold a clue to solving the murder at the Ultimates’ mansion?” On sale February 19, 2008.
Wolverine: Origins #22
“The Deep End, Part Two”
Writer: Daniel Way
Artist: Steve Dillon
Last issue was great. This issue is more of the same.
Unfortunately, a Preacher-esque lesbian scene (that got your attention, didn’t it!) in the middle upsets the rhythm just enough to derail the issue as a whole.
But on the bright side, the final page sets up what should be an interesting next issue.
From Marvel (Preview): “Deadpool has something to prove—and if he can take down Wolverine, he’ll do just that. Easier said than done, though, bub. Also, is it possible that there’s something in Deadpool’s past—something pertaining to Weapon X—that Wolverine was never meant to know? All we can say is, with the Merc With a Mouth on the case, nothing is what it seems!” On sale Feb 20, 2008.
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.
