Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Death of Wolverine #1
Marvel Comics
Soule, McNiven, Leisten & Ponsor
Marvel's big event for September is a four part series that apparently will kill off Wolverine. While the comic is certainly a presentation of a big event, and it has the hype behind it, the story itself feels like something you've read before, especially in a Wolverine comic book. There's something settling about reading a comic book that feels like home, but then again, when you feel like you are reading something familiar then why should this comic book end any differently than all the rest? Overall, the presentation is good and the story is above average but it doesn't quite breakthrough to the "must read" level. This is worth a look.
The comic book is basically Wolverine running on empty. With his healing ability gone now, he struggles more and more after each battle. He's tried all the usual suspects in hopes of finding some help but he seems to be resigned to his fate. He then sets up shop on an Island to draw out his attackers as the word spreads that Wolverine is vulnerable. Interestingly, some appear to want to take him alive. From the bloodshed it doesn't appear that this applies to many of the attackers.
The book has little dialogue and captions and that works well for the book because of the artwork. Each page, including the inside of the cover and inside of the back cover presents some gorgeous artwork. The comic book gives an epic feel to the story page after page and the details don't skimp on the gore or the shock of the battle. Even the pain and anger on Wolverine's face can be easily spotted on many pages and that helps to complete the reading experience and set the stage for what's to come. It doesn't hurt that the book I packed with action and the art responds in kind.
The book is a nice package. Heavy stock cover, co-creator, Len Wein interview, McNiven sketches and notes and script page help pad the book with a dense page count. While the story only takes up the requisite number of pages the total page count is very inflated. The book does carry the heavy price point of $5, which might have some readers hesitant and justifiable so.
The comic struggles capturing Wolverine's voice. I don't mean just the accent but the way he speaks to others. It felt off but then again there isn't much of a sample size here either. I'm more upbeat that he didn't go into some long exposition about his life than I am concerned for Soule not capturing Wolverine's dialogue in a way I expect.
So Wolverine is apparently going to die. This comic starts the reader down that path. There are a lot of faceless assassins gunning for him and a C-list villain, which oddly fits. The book is a nice setup of what's to come presumably, with some fantastic artwork and plenty of back matter. It's worth checking out but doesn't quite reach anywhere near a classic reads category. Give it a shot.
3.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
