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Wolverine #17 Review

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Sep 152012
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Wolverine

Issue #17

Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Ron Garney

Published: December 2011

When a comic opens up with a line like “is it true that kung fu related deaths are already up 200% over last year?”, I feel like I know pretty much what I can expect to get out of the following pages. Turns out, the ensuing story of Wolverine dealing with a gang war in Chinatown as the mysterious ‘black dragon’, all while trying to get to Westchester to rebuild Xavier’s school for mutants, is mostly played straight, albeit with some humour thrown in along the way. You know, before Gorilla-Man shows up, after which it’s sort of impossible not to crack a few jokes at the guy’s expense.

Despite it all, this one worked for me. Wolverine is characteristically brooding and tough, and this whole Chinatown peacekeeper gig suits him. There are enough cool elements in play to keep the story interesting: the background of the schism storyline, the Chinatown motifs, the freaking dragons, the drug war, Wolverine’s role as the Black Dragon, etc. It’s a fun diversion from larger things.

Art-wise, it’s a solid-looking book. I’ve got a bit of a thing for sketchy art where you can see the lines and imagine the artist drawing them with a flick of the wrist, and although it’s certainly not unpolished, it does feel a bit less Standard Comic Book Art than usual. The colouring is understated but effective, and the whole thing has a bleak visual tone that I think works.

Character-wise, though, the expressions don’t do much for me. There are some moments, especially during conversations between two characters, where the dialogue doesn’t totally gel with the action or facial expressions. Still, it looks good overall.

I liked this one. It seems to be gearing up for a fun adventure.

Uncanny X-Men #3 Review (Regenesis)

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Feb 132012
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Uncanny X-Men

Issue #3

Written by Kieron Gillen, Art by Carlos Pacheco

Published: February 2012

Damn, but Sinister is a chatty guy! This is something that the issue actually acknowledges through Cyclops, just before he levels a blast at the guy, which is easily deflected by the blade of his sword. Classic comic book move.

This issue deals mostly with the battle against Sinister, teased at the end of the previous issue, as he continues to monologue to anyone who will listen. This time he starts out by invoking social Darwinism. D’oh! Sinister! Don’t you know that even Darwin thinks social Darwinism is nuts?

He does, again, have some pretty neat and interesting lines: “I am the Sistine chapel of evolution. I painted holy frescoes inside myself” is wonderfully vivid and self-aggrandizing, and the issue is smart enough not to let Sinister’s dialogue get too pretentious by having other characters reply to it sarcastically. He’s still a little over-the-top egotistical for a story like this, in my opinion, but I can’t deny that he’s fun.

Sinistr’s tendency towards the cartoonish doesn’t stop the issue from presenting some genuinely challenging conflicts – and indeed, Sinister contributes greatly to that. It ends on a grim note, but one that speaks to the complexity of the situation. Fear and survival are major themes, and X-men has always been a great platform to explore them. Is Scott justified in using such tactics to ensure the survival of his species? Is it truly the only way? The question of how to deal with prejudice is a hugely relevant one, even (especially) today.

A quick recap of other things that are good about the issue: several different characters get to have some pretty badass moments, the art continues to be colourful and smooth, and the dialogue is above average. Add to that the very competent and thought-provoking conflict and moral dilemmas, and Uncanny X-Men #3 becomes absolutely worth the read.

Wolverine and the X-Men #4 Review (Regenesis)

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Feb 032012
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Wolverine and the X-Men

Issue #4

Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Nick Bradshaw

Published: March 2012

I don’t normally mention covers in my reviews, but this issue of Wolverine and the X-Men is fantastic. It gets across the madcap energy and humour that the series continues to push, and shows off some neat superpowers at the same time. It also highlights just how odd it is to see Wolverine in charge of a school full of mutant children – and how wonderfully unfitting the image is!

At last, the Jean Grey School has finally fallen into a routine. It’s a blast to sit in on some of the classes at the mutant school, to get a look at the wild and varied personalities and powers of the students there. The same appeal of Xavier’s original school is found here – it’s such a great fantasy, such a fun universe to inhabit. The just-barely-controlled madness of the place and the people within it come through on every page. There’s some funky anatomy in places, but the art is generally expressive, colourful, and full of personality too.

Some new plot elements are introduced this issue, with the inclusion of a genetic copy of a certain villain and a flash forward to a potential future. Wolverine, too, gets some development with his dual jobs as headmaster and superhero, and the conflict is one I’m sure will be popping up again. There’s a good mix of humour and character interaction, and the more I learn about the rapidly growing cast of mutant characters, the more I want to see them going on adventures and learning about themselves.

The issue ends on a cliffhanger that comes (seemingly) out of nowhere, and I’m anxious to see it explained next time. Wolverine and the X-Men continues to be one of my favourite current ongoing series, and it’s absolutely worth reading.

Wolverine and the X-Men #3 (Regenesis) Review

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Jan 122012
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Wolverine and the X-Men

Issue #3

Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Matteo Scalera

Published: December 2011

‘Wolverine and the X-Men’ continues to hold its place as possibly my favourite comic series currently running. Each week gives me exactly what I want in an X-men series: tons of action, humour, and character moments. Issue #3 is no exception, finishing off the arc of Kade Kilgore’s attack on the school during inspection time and effectively setting up the next conflict that the Jean Grey school is poised to face.

What strikes me about the title this time around is just how good it is at showcasing the powers and personalities of so many different heroes at once. There are lots of little subplots, character relationships, and plotlines beginning here, or simply being hinted at, and as a result, it feels as though a lot is happening. Characters banter back and forth amidst the action, form bonds, clash, etc., and the combination of violence and comedy makes for an insanely fun read.

It’s the effectiveness of the humour and the zany comic book action that makes the quieter moments stand out a little more. They work too; Wolverine staring at the demolished school, complete with statue of Jean Grey, content despite all the destruction around him. The addition of the island monster, too, is an interesting one – that the school’s very grounds can now defend itself should make for some cool battle sequences in the future.

The art continues to be stunning, with a slightly cartoonish edge that makes it stand out. Characters move fluidly, and the style lends itself well to both action and the more humorous moments in the series. Expressions, too, are great.

Most importantly, the book feels like it has genuine affection and love for the history and characters of the X-Men, and it absolutely shows.

X-Club #1 (Regenesis) Review

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Jan 102012
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

X-Club

Issue #1

Written by Simon Spurrier, Art by Paul Davidson

Published: February 2012

I’m glad that Marvel seems to be getting a lot of material out of the X-men schism storyline, especially if it means we get more titles like X-Club, which is to be a miniseries revolving around the Utopia X-Men’s science team behind the scenes of Scott’s title.

What strikes me immediately about the first issue in the X-Club mini-series is its dry sense of humour. Considering it takes place in the same universe as the current Uncanny X-Men, which is more serious in tone, it’s fun to read a series that both keeps the continuity, and pokes a little fun at it as well. There are dozens of fun little asides and quirky jokes, even in the title of the issue, which is, ridiculously, “We Do Science!”

It’s this sort of tongue-in-cheek attitude that really makes the issue so enjoyable. Anything that refers to one of its lead characters as a “science bastard” with “science snark” has pretty much secured my love, but it’s the focus on the characters behind the big names like Magneto or Cyclops that really elevates the issue beyond being simply quirky.

Issue #1 mainly serves to set up these characters, the premise, and the threat of something dark and mysterious on the horizon. The full extent of the plot has not been fully revealed yet, but there’s a sense that a larger story is on the way, and issue #1 uses its time well enough to convince you to hang on for it. The characters are varied and engaging, interacting with each other in fun and interesting ways. The art, too, is smooth, with detailed backgrounds and some really cool ‘mutant’ character designs.

For me it’s a must-read, full of potential and dry humour. Time will tell if the rest of the series will be worth the wait.

Uncanny X-Men #2 (Regenesis) Review

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Dec 122011
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Uncanny X-Men

Issue #2

Written by Kieron Gillen, Art by Carlos Pacheco

Published: Janruary 2012

The Extinction Team is still in trouble, but when Sinister offers to agree to a ceasefire in what is an obvious trap, more details of Sinister’s plot for – what else – world domination come to light. Uncanny X-Men continues to be tonally opposite to Wolverine’s parallel story, but it certainly knows how to play to its strengths.

The quality of the dialogue – particularly the antagonist’s speech about his backstory – is above average. The text feature several odd turns of phrase (“I am the auto-creating Frankenstein”) that are memorable and eloquent. What is less impressive, however, is the following scene in which Sinister openly admits that his monologue was only to show off, and now, X-men, you will die!

Sinister is arguably a little too self-aware to make that compelling of a villain. He struts around, freely admitting that he is being self-indulgent and egomaniacal. It’s a little too meta in places; it’s odd that he would bother telling them anything for the express purpose of gloating and drawing things out. It’s the sort of thing you know he’s going to regret later, and it makes him seem a little cartoonish at times. He’s fun, but leans towards being over the top.

There are a lot of cool involving Sinister’s lair and his clone army, which are all outfitted in cavalry uniforms to signal their commitment to the hive-mind. Those that aren’t adopt a fancy Victorian look with a black-and-red colour scheme. Each clone has little quirks in hairstyle and dress, and it makes for a visually interesting page.

Still, the concept of the clones being a hive-mind of sorts is an interesting one. It ups the stakes, because the X-men cannot merely defeat the leader – they must defeat the entire army, because Sinister is no longer only one person. It’s a conflict compelling enough to make me eager for issue 3.

Wolverine #19 (Regenesis) Second Review

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Dec 112011
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Wolverine

Issue #19

Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Ron Garney

Published: January 2012

What did I just read? Whatever it was involved a dragon puking up Wolverine at the center of the Earth and something about kung fu. I’ve been reading a lot of stories about aliens and robots lately; it’s kind of a nice (albeit very, very strange) change of pace to be scratching my head over dragons instead. It’s a little strange, but hey, at least that makes it memorable.

It’s tough to deny how much fun the issue is. As odd as it might be to read about a mucus-covered Wolverine being vomited out of a dragon’s stomach and leaping immediately into a fight, the issue is light-hearted enough to make it a charming sort of oddness. It has a real sense of humour, and the return of a certain character only adds to that. It’s silly in places, but it’s damn entertaining, and it creates a unique identity for itself.

The action is great in this issue. Dragons zoom around the panels while Wolverine and friends leap around everywhere, and the red and orange colour scheme creates a really great looking series of pages, were fire and rock are the main backgrounds. It’s a classic comic book brawl, with characters jumping all over the frames, only to head out to the pub and enjoy a beer afterwards.

The dialogue is fun and quirky, and it’s fun to watch these characters bounce off each other, or even just hang out at a bar after everything settles down. The issue ends on a cliffhanger which effectively foreshadows a bit more trouble coming Wolverine’s way. Overall, the issue is a blast to read, and should be tons of fun for any X-men fan.

Wolverine #19 (Regenesis) First Review

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Dec 112011
 

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Wolverine

Issue #19

Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Ron Garney

Published: January 2012

Finally this series is starting to get some fun injected into it! The last few issues have picked up a bit, which is good because otherwise I probably would have stopped reading. But now in this issue I was actually laughing while reading. Usually Logan is all snarl and bite along with tough guy one liners. But not today; not in this issue. Now he has some serious bantering going on and I am loving it!

Also the ending of this book was a great change of pace and this is the first story arc ending of Aaron’s that I have truly enjoyed. I don’t know why or how Jason started on a good story line for Wolverine after so many so-so issues and I don’t care. Finally! Ron Garney has been tearing it up on his art and I am really becoming a fan of his work compared to previous pencils done in this series. We have got some serious action with some aggressive art work to match the pace of the plot.

Bottom line this issue and the past few of this arc are must buy material for Wolverine fans and those who like a good read. Aaron has earned some respectability in my eyes for this recent 180 he has done in regards to writing style and character. With Garney on the art I am fully looking forward to the next issue. We received a slight tease at the end that left me wanting more. But that is what the good ones always do, leave you wanting something you can’t have; at least until next month!

Wolverine and the X-Men #2 Review

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Dec 052011
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Wolverine and the X-Men

Issue #02

Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Chris Bachalo

Published: January 2012

Coming off the worst safety inspection imaginable, Wolverine and the mutants who left with him during the X-men’s latest schism are thrown head-first into a madcap battle against a bunch of monsters with flamethrowers, led by the new Hellfire club made up of a bunch of diabolical brats. In between fighting to keep the students safe and keeping the school from completely collapsing, Wolverine definitely has his hands full in issue 2 of his new title.

It’s a fantastically fun issue. There’s some wonderfully evil dialogue delivered by the very odd antagonist of the book, which is chilling even in the midst of the casual silliness he gave off in the previous issue. Still, it does risk being forgotten in the midst of the light-hearted tone of the battle. It’s a nice little reminder of a genuine threat, but the action is just so much fun that it’s hard to worry too much or take it overly seriously.

The art continues to be unique and interesting, mixing a slightly cartoonish style with soft colours and dynamic movement.

Dialogue, too, is quirky and fun, and each character speaks with a distinctive voice. It’s impressive how much of the issue is character-driven, with Bobby in particular getting his moment to shine, and Wolverine getting off a few growling lines as the new leader of the rag-tag group of students.

There’s a sense of enthusiasm about this series that’s infectious. It feels exciting, the characters are full of personality, and the light hearted tone is engaging. It doesn’t feel fluffy in its silliness, however; the same problems of oppression, danger and dread are still there. It’s just wrapped up in a bright, fun package that tells its story with humour and affection for the characters.

Magneto: Not a Hero #1 Review

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Nov 162011
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Magneto: Not a Hero

Issue #1

Written by Skottie Young, Art by Clay Mann

Published: January 2012

Magneto has played a lot of different roles over the course of the X-men’s history. From a Malcolm X-like political figure to a straight-up terrorist, the character has a great adaptability to him, and any storyline that revolves around him trying to play the good guy has me immediately intrigued. In Not a Hero, Magneto has officially joined the X-Men, only to find himself accused of murdering an anti-mutant group. And there’s video to prove it!

The greatest strength of this particular story is in the characterization. Young’s Magneto is intelligent, threatening, and more than capable of getting things done. While he is in alliance with the X-Men, the character still feels like something of a lone wolf, going about the task of hunting down the imposter with a cool determination and a strategic mind.

The twist at the end has the potential to lead into a compelling story, but it isn’t one that got me fired up for the next issue.  In terms of actual storyline, the issue is fairly basic, employing a troublemaking doppelganger as the main source of conflict. Magneto’s competence in dealing with the imposter actually robs the issue of some tension – he discovers the imposter’s identity so soon after the initial problem has been established that there’s not really a sense of this person being a real threat.

Sprinkled throughout are some fun character moments – there’s a little banter between Captain America and Iron Man, and Emma Frost is her cool, sarcastic self. It helps, too, that the art is sleek and expressive, excusing a few panels where the characters look a little squinty. The issue is worth reading for the character interaction alone, and indeed, this has to be the main selling point of the issue. Plot-wise, there’s nothing remarkable going on yet.

Uncanny X-Men #1 (Regenesis) Review

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Nov 102011
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Uncanny X-Men

Issue #1

Written by Kieron Gillen, Art by Frank D’Armata

Published: November 2011

While Wolverine is off opening the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning, Scott’s team is in Utopia forming its own ‘extinction team.’ Prejudice isn’t going away, he argues – if the X-Men can save humankind from extinction enough times, maybe that will change. That’s his long term plan – his short term priorities involve making sure that humans fear them enough to leave them alone.

Much of the issue surrounds one of these anti-extinction battles. The battle itself is fun, with several different characters jumping in at different points to show off and Scott adeptly barking orders. Magneto in particular has some pretty cool moments. There are some nice character moments scattered throughout, and some extras at the end continue to explore the politics of Scott’s stance on humanity and mutantkind’s relationship to one another. For now he’s advocating forms of segregation, insisting that only mutants can punish mutants, etc.

The colouring and artwork continues to be lovely. Characters are distinctive, backgrounds are open and neat. There’s a sense of smoothness to it; the art avoids being overly detailed to the point of becoming cumbersome to look at. Panels aren’t cluttered and character’s faces aren’t swimming in lines. It’s my favourite type of art: simple but so, so effective.

What’s particularly interesting about this premise is how humans are going to respond to it. They’re either going to hate them more, or slowly start to reconsider their positions. Considering that prejudice is an essential part of the X-Men premise, I’m not too hopeful, but I’m excited for the conflicts that are going to arise from the shifting public perception of mutants, wheher that perception is negative or positive (I have a feeling we’ll be seeing both).

Wolverine #17 (Regenesis) Review

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Nov 052011
 

by Joshua Frank, CMRO Contributing Writer

Wolverine

Issue #17

Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Ron Garney

Published: December 2011

After reading the review of Wolverine #16 by my fellow writer Nick Walden, I figured I would read and review the next issue Wolverine #17. Having not read the previous issue this comic is the start of a new story Arc in which Logan is planning on returning to the east coast to restart the original X-men academy. For some reason this is a surprise to everyone who keeps questioning where he got the money to do this. But before he leaves from San Francisco he is side tracked, by his mentor Mister PO, who has one last task for him to complete before he leaves. The story is real simple to follow and is a good place for new wolverine readers to begin reading. Since this it is not a first issue, however, it doesn’t give you any of the back-story of any of the characters featured, so you have to take it upon yourself to find out who these people are.

The art style is decent enough, the colors are nice and you will really like the look the artist give to china town. No real complaints for what I read through. If there were any complaints I have about this issue it would be that it felt a little short and the ending is rather abrupt. But all in all I would recommend this comic to both new and old readers who are fans of wolverine.

Wolverine and the X-Men #1(Regenesis) Review

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Nov 022011
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Wolverine and the X-Men

Issue #1

Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Chris Bachalo

Published: October 2011

The X-men have split! While Scott Summers intends to take a more aggressive approach with the members choosing to stay with him, Wolverine’s new series involves the former X-men reopening the Westchester school first founded by Charles Xavier. Kids should be allowed to be kids, he reasons, hoping to give the mutants that followed him a chance to live in peace with each other and nurture their powers.

It’s oddly touching that Wolverine is the one to take this path, and even he seems surprised at the prospect. Looking awkward in a suit and tie, he and Kitty Pryde play hosts to what might be the worst safety inspection ever, since the new school, engineered by Hank McCoy, is full of bugs and bizarre glitches, not to mention packed full of students with mutant powers!

This first issue is light, but it gets across a great sense of affection for the X-Men and its history. The school, while a definite work-in-progress, is still an absolutely fascinating place to be. The building inspection subplot is effective at both introducing us to the chaos of the new school and reminding the audience of the prejudice of the outside world.

The art is very squinty, but there’s something unique about it that makes it stand out from your average comic book artwork. There’s a good sense of each character’s quirks in the way they’re drawn, from Wolverine’s hunch to Kitty’s somewhat awkward thin-ness. It’s got a lot of personality to it.

The issue ends with things in shambles, naturally, and also contains some pretty cute extras, including a syllabus of course titles and extra-curricular activities for the new school. Overall, it’s a good start for the new title, full of humour and chaos.

X-Men: Regenesis Review

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Oct 222011
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

X-Men: Regenesis

Written by Kieron Gillen, Art by Billy Tan

Published: October 2011

The X-men are being split in two. One side is led by Cyclops, who believes that new mutants must train and be prepared for the battles that are inescapable. On the other, Wolverine makes plans to re-open the Westchester school, hoping to allow young mutants the chance to grow up in relative peace. The book ends with the question, ‘Whose side are YOU on?’ and it’s to the book’s credit that both arguments are equally compelling.

This one-shot documents the split as it happens, as Wolverine and Cyclops go about recruiting members to their side. What’s interesting is that we get a chance to see each character’s thought process and their motivation for why they choose the side they do. It’s a wonderfully character-driven piece, and it’s gratifying to see so many characters all being given these little moments to emote.

Throughout the negotiations, images of a tribal battle between Logan and Scott are used as a metaphor for their disagreement and the different sides that are forming. Characters surround them in a circle, walking to one side or another as the fight grows more and more violent. It gets across the sense of something shattering happening – the scale of these scenes, especially in the final pages, is impressive. It lends some action and excitement to a one-shot that is mostly comprised of people talking to one another.

Still, the ‘talking’ bits are the main appeal of the story. There’s a lot going on here, and it makes for good dramatic fare precisely because these are characters with so much history interacting with each other. Who sides with who, and why? It’s interesting that we get an entire one-shot dedicating to answering this question, and it accomplishes precisely what it sets out to do.

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