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.
New Avengers Annual #2
Writer: Brian Bendis
Penciler: Carlo Pagulayan; Inker: Jeff Huet
I’ve said this before and I’ll likely say it again. I really used to like this series.
The Hood storyline seemed like an honest attempt to shift the New Avengers into the real world of guns, crippling wounds and death.
But comic books being what they are (especially at Marvel right now where deaths and cataclysmic world events can be wiped away with ‘magic’), the real world of guns, crippling wounds and death failed to materialize. And because of it, I felt tremendously let down.
Though, the issue did feature a pretty funny Wolverine line, “Hungry.” Heh.
From Marvel (Preview): “Continuing directly from the pages of NEW AVENGERS #37: The Hood’s gang of super-criminals takes the fight right to the Avengers’ door!! Its wall-to-wall action and the end of an era for one Avenger and a major defection for another. This double-sized issue ties into or wraps up threads from Civil War, World War Hulk, both Avengers titles and the upcoming Secret Invasion!!” On sale January 30, 2008.
Ultimates 3 #2
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Joe Madureira
I know Jeph Loeb is considered to be a terrific writer.
Unfortunately, I have yet to find any of his stories particularly compelling, be that ‘Wolverine’ or ‘Ultimates 3.’
The stock and trade of ‘Ultimates 3,’ for instance, are shocking events and reveals. And since I prefer strong dialogue and sharp interplay, this series just isn’t doing much for me.
As for Wolverine’s appearance, I won’t say much. But suffice it so say, appear he does.
From Marvel: “The Brotherhood vs. the Ultimates… Hawkeye vs. Spider-Man… the shocker of the year rocks on! Reeling from the sneak attack by Venom, the team has no time to recover—because the evil mutant team known as The Brotherhood has launched a full–scale assault on Tony Stark’s mansion! It’s Captain America vs. Sabretooth, Iron Man vs. Mystique… and Thor vs. Valkyrie? Plus: Which mega-popular character (nope, not Spidey) makes a surprise appearance on the last page?” On sale January 30, 2008.
Marvel Zombies 2 #4
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Sean Phillips
This is so depressing.
‘Marvel Zombies’ used to be a funny, irreverent series.
Now it’s a morality play with unbelievably stupid plot devices and out-of-character actions.
It reminds me of M*A*S*H in the final seasons when, as an alleged comedy, it decided to pretentiously take on serious issues of the day.
From Marvel (Preview): “The Marvel Zombies sinister sequel delivers more mayhem, carnage, and destruction than you can shake a decapitated head at! The fate of what’s left of the human race hangs in the balance as the Civil War between the Marvel Zombies escalates.” On sale January 23, 2008.
Astonishing X-Men #24
Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: John Cassaday
Long-time readers well know that ‘Astonishing X-Men’ is my favorite X-Men comic and by far my favorite comic on the market today.
Last issue (#23) was simply one of the best X-Men comics I’ve ever read and while #24 is no longer the final Whedon/Cassaday issue (‘Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men’ will wrap up the run), I felt like a kid again as I opened the penultimate issue.
Wow, what a letdown.
I kept expecting misdirection, that wow-moment, but nothing. The issue felt disjointed, almost as if whole pages and panels were missing from my copy. And the final reveal left me shrugging my shoulders.
Perhaps I am being unfair.
The dialogue is still brilliant. Wolverine complains at one point, “Standing around talking feels a lot like standing around and talking. When does Pete get to throw me at something?” And the run is still the best thing Marvel has put out, possibly ever.
So I will wait for ‘Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men’ and keep the faith.
23 out 24 ain’t bad.
From Marvel: “Everything, from #1 to now, comes down to this. Things will change. One will not return. This is the end. Or is it?” On sale January 23, 2008.
X-Men #207
“Messiah CompleX, Chapter 13”
Writer: Mike Carey
Penciler: Chris Bachalo
Inker: Tim Townsend, Victor Olazaba, Jon Sibal, Al Vey
After 13 issues, ‘Messiah CompleX’ comes to an end.
For an X-Men crossover, this has been an incredibly uneven ride. Genuinely dreadful issues created for the sole purpose of introducing yet another X-title to the world are following by surprisingly well-crafted issues that make one believe that there might actually be something here other than corporate greed and editorial interference.
And since Mike Carey and Chris Bachalo have been responsible the lion’s share of the best issues, I had my hopes up when I sat down to the read the ‘Messiah Complex’ conclusion.
And for a conclusion, it’s not bad.
But the issue feels a bit more obligatory than revelatory. Wolverine gets his moment in the spotlight (again), someone betrays the X-Men (again) and someone dies (again). The X-Men will disband (again), that person who we thought was dead won’t really be dead (again), and Wolverine will be out for vengeance (again).
Not the worst mutant crossover by any stretch, but certainly not worth the price of admission, at least in my book.
From Marvel: “The stunning conclusion to Messiah CompleX. Everyone has an agenda, but do any trump the child’s destiny? Mutant savior or mutant destroyer, the combatants may come to regret their roles in this fight. And what becomes of the X-Men in the wake of the biggest fight of their lives? ” In stores Jan 23, 2008.
Marvel Adventures the Avengers #20
“A Mountain from an Anthill”
Writer: Marc Sumerak
Penciler: Ig Guara; Inker: Norman Lee
22 pages and all Wolverine gets to say is, “Now that’s what I call pest control.” Then, “Ow.” And finally, “Aw. How precious.”
I mean, what’s the point?
Please, please remove Wolverine from this title.
Really. It’s embarrassing.
From Marvel (Preview): The arrival of ANT-MAN! Hank Pym has gone missing from his lab at Van Dyne Industries, and it’s up to his most famous experiment—the gorgeous Giant-Girl—to track him down. But when Giant-Girl finds herself stuck in the middle of a very bizarre love triangle, it’s time for the world’s tiniest super hero to make his diminutive debut! Will he be able to prove that size doesn’t really matter? On sale Jan 16, 2008.
