X-Men: Legacy #212
Writer: Mike Carey
Penciler: Scot Eaton
Inkers: John Dell & Andrew Hennessy

A silent flashback from 1999 and a dream sequence is the extent of Wolverine’s cameo. Much more than his cover appearance would suggest.

And not being a regular reader of this series, I can’t really recommend it.

Anyone out there want to bring the rest of the class up to speed?

From Marvel (Preview): “Professor X is trying to rebuild memories of his past using other people’s minds. But the past is coming back to haunt him in another way, as a swathe of tragic deaths turns out to be linked by only one factor: Brian Xavier, the Professor’s long-dead father. And solving the mystery means paying a visit to the Hellfire Club…” On sale May 29, 2008.

X-Force (Vol. 2) #4
‘Angels & Demons, Part 4’
Writer: Christopher Yost and Craig Kyle
Artist: Clayton Clay

In my excitement over Wolverine finally leading a black ops team, I failed to notice that this series is primarily about X-23.

Not a surprise since Yost and Kyle created the Wolverine clone.

Perhaps that is why I have been so disappointed by it. I expected a series about Wolverine leading a cunning team of professionals. Not a series about an emotionally-stunted killing machine coming to grips with the world around her.

So if you’ve enjoyed the run so far, this issue does not disappoint.

But if like me, you are waiting for Wolverine to take over the series, keep waiting. It’s more of the same.

From Marvel (preview): “The Purifiers have gathered the most deadly pieces of the X-Men’s past— but their plans are far from over…While Bastion continues to shape the future, Mathew Risman sets in motion an attack that will forever change two of our heroes. If the team can’t stop them from achieving their ultimate goal, mutantkind has little hope of survival.” On sale May 29, 2008.

Uncanny X-Men #498
“Divided We Stand, Part Four”
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Mike Choi

I shall ignore Cyclops and Emma in psychedelic San Francisco and instead focus on Wolverine, Nightcrawler and Colossus being tortured in Russia.

Much more fun.

Again, Brubaker and Choi deliver the goods. Great fight sequences, fun dialogue and a neat little surprise.

This is the Wolverine I like.

From Marvel (preview): “Cyclops and Emma Frost are trapped in far-out San Francisco – a city that looks and feels likes it’s the summer of ‘69. But there’s nothing groovy about this trip. Unless they can find the source of the strange transformation, Angel may lose his sanity – along with eight million other people. Meanwhile, Wolverine, Colossus and Nightcrawler face a red menace deep in the heart of Mother Russia.” On sale May 28, 2008.

Wolverine: First Class #3
“The Last Knights of Wundagore, Part One”
Writer: Fred Van Lente
Artist: Salva Espin

I really like this series.

It is respectful of the X-Men chronology circa 1981 and adds its own fun.

My favorite moment is when Wolverine snarls, “YOU KNOW, I’M OFFICIALLY TIRED OF YOU QUESTIONIN’ MY ORDERS EVERY FIVE MINUTES!” Kitty Pryde’s frustrated glower in response is just as priceless.

And the last page cliffhanger sets up for another promising issue.

From Marvel (preview): “Wolverine and Kitty Pryde travel to mysterious Mount Wundagore to seek a cure for Logan’s bestial rages from the High Evolutionary. But they soon discover they are Earth’s last hope against the ravenous hordes of the Evolutionary’s most fearsome creation — the rampaging Man-Beast!” On sale May 29, 2008.

Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men #1
Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: John Cassaday

I wanted to love this issue.

But I’ve found that when a much-awaited finale gets delayed (in this case by over three months), my enthusiasm tends to wane and in this case, major spoilers are revealed prematurely by other series that aren’t running quite as late.

So as strong as this finale is (and it is quite good), it does suffer from chronic lateness and the impact of a ‘shock ending’ that is no longer quite as shocking.

Which is a shame. Because if this issue had come out in a more timely fashion, I’m sure I would be babbling on about how great it was.

Instead, I was left somewhat disappointed, noticing the flaws more than I normally would.

Still, Joss Whedon manages certain exchanges of dialogue that are absolutely priceless such as those between Agent Brand and Beast, Kitty and Emma, and Wolverine and Armor.

So, a definite keeper. I just wish I got to keep it a few months earlier.

From Marvel (preview): “Too big to be contained in a normal issue, the grand finale of Joss Whedon and John Cassaday’s landmark run is right here! The powerlords of Breakworld bring the fight to Earth. Can the X-Men stop them from destroying the whole planet? Will the Avengers join their fight? What we do know is this: one of the X-Men won’t walk away from this fight.” On sale May 29, 2008.

Marvel Adventures The Avengers #24
“Don’t Be Hatin'”
Writer: Jeff Parker
Pencils: Ig Guara; Inks: Jay Leisten

Honestly, I may have to stop reviewing this series because it is so childish, so patronizingly childish. But Wolverine appears, so what am I going to do?

Granted this issue did have a few amusing moments, but for the most part, it’s pointless, painful and not something that will ever promote the younger audience to read Marvel comics.

So how about I ramble on a little more about my idea from last month that got such positive feedback last time.

To refresh your memories… I suggested Marvel consider a ‘Young Logan’ series that chronicles Logan’s training to become a ninja under Ogun back in the 1930s.

Imagine something in the vein of ‘Naruto’ or ‘Runaways’ that deals with the tension over his training from an evil immortal, interactions and jealousies with other ‘forgotten’ pupils, fights with other ninja ‘schools’, Logan’s destiny as a ‘failed’ samurai…

And if you really want to appeal to today’s youth, consider a weekly black & white comic.

So how about it, Marvel? Want to give me a shot at writing this awesome new series?

Marvel?

Hello?

Is this thing on?

From Marvel (preview): “Giant-Girl hates Spider-Man. Spider-Man hates Ant-Man. Ant-Man hates Iron Man. Iron Man hates…everyone. Where is all this hate coming from? Some kind of… MONGER, perhaps? ” On sale May 21, 2008.

Mighty Avengers #14
Writer: Brian Bendis
Artist: Khoi Pham

Two very minor Wolverine cameos, but for the most part, this issue revolves around the Sentry. And considering its contents (and artist) don’t match Marvel’s description in the least, one has to wonder if this was an emergency filler issue.

And perhaps the most perplexing aspect of the whole issue is when we learn that the super-secret Skrull clones used to have super-secret meetings in super-secret bad neighborhoods.

Without changing form.

Unbelievable.

From Marvel (preview): “Where has Nick Fury been and who are the new Howling Commandos? It’s the debut of all-new characters and some surprising revelations about some classic ones as Nick starts to put his plan to stop the Invasion together. But will it be enough?” On sale May 21, 2008.

Ultimate X-Men #94
‘Absolute Power, Part 1’
Writer: Aron E. Coleite
Penciler: Mark Brooks
Inker: Jaime Mendoza & Troy Hubbs

While Aron Coleite’s first issue is already better than most of Robert Kirkman’s ‘Ultimate X-Men’ run, I am reserving judgment on the ‘Heroes’ writer for at least another issue or two.

Unfair or not, I can’t forget ‘Lost’ writer Damon Lindelhof and the fiasco that was ‘Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk’…

On the one hand, Coleite has deftly introduced the Ultimate Alpha Fight with a very neat twist. It is obvious that he either read the X-Men in the early days or did a lot of serious research.

On the other hand, this whole ethical question about the use of Banshee rings a little hollow and is introduced into the plot too quickly for me to care.

But on the whole, this is a significant upgrade over the past few years and I am intrigued to see where it’s going to go.

And to be honest, that is the point of comics. Getting your reader to buy the next issue.

From Marvel (preview): “New scribe Aron Coleite jumps aboard, fresh from his stint as one of the top writers on the hit NBC show Heroes! Regrouping after the devastating battle against Apocalypse, the X-Men encounter a new adversary which seems unstoppable. To fight it, the young mutants must ask themselves: how far are they willing to go and what are they willing to take to raise their game? The answer will test the bonds and shake the team to its very core.” On sale May 21, 2008.

Wolverine: Origins #25
“The Deep End, Conclusion”
Writer: Daniel Way
Artist: Steve Dillon

Wow. Good issue. Really good issue.

Sure I have some gripes about a few things — when do I not? But all in all, this is what a final chapter to a storyline should be.

Fulfilling. Surprising. Enjoyable.

My hat is off to you both, Daniel Way and Steve Dillon.

From Marvel (Preview): “The trap has sprung. Wolverine is Deadpool’s prisoner. But Deadpool isn’t getting paid to deliver a prisoner—he’s getting paid to take Logan out, once and for all. Is that even possible? Deadpool has found a way, but just as he’s about to pull the trigger (so to speak)…the other trap springs! Be here for the completely twisted conclusion!” On sale May 21, 2008.

Wolverine: The Amazing Immortal Man & Other Bloody Tales #1
“The Amazing Immortal Man”
Writer: David Lapham
Artist: Johnny Timmons

“The Animal Man”
Writer: David Lapham;
Artists: David Lapham, Stefano Gaudiano

“Coney Island Baby”
Writer: David Lapham;
Pencils: Kelly Goodine; Inks: Paul Neary

David Lapham (of ‘Stray Bullets’ fame) presents three 11-page Wolverine short stories, but before we get to those, let’s acknowledge the awesome cover.

The first story is an enjoyable tale of Logan’s past during the 1930s. He may be aiding and abetting crooks, but at least he has his honor this time around. Thumbs up.

The second story is more offbeat. Not especially good, I must admit, but I appreciate the attempt.

The final tale is less satisfying. It begins as a standard superhero fare and attempts a twist that doesn’t quite work.

All in all, a worthwhile read if, like me, you enjoy glimpses into Wolverine’s earliest escapades.

From Marvel (preview): “Step right up, one and all! But be forewarned, the grisly specimens on display are not intended for the faint of heart or weak of constitution! Steel yourselves for the most astonishing, most awe-inspiring and most revolting of Mother Nature’s rare mistakes! Three — count them, ladies and gentlemen, THREE — stomach-turning tales to terrify and delight are packed into this freak-show menagerie, starring that most tenacious survivor of genetic adversity, that hardy bottom-feeder at the fringes of our civil society…the hirsute, unkillable half-animal…WOOOOLVERINE!” On sale May 14, 2008.