Death of Wolverine #2 Review

Written by Charles Soule
Illustrated by Steve McNiven

I remember when I was a kid learning game of football for the first time. I sat on the bed with my dad and brother, studying a game that by all rights makes no sense.

“4 chances to go 10 yards,” my dad explained. I tried to recall the difference between a yard, meter, and kilometer, which were all confusingly similar. Adding to the confusion was the fact that yards come in many different sizes depending on your neighborhood. Sensing my bewilderment, he raised his hands and continued: “A yard is about this big.”

“Two and a half yards per chance,” I was proud of myself for having conquered division. “Wait – that’s it?” It seemed too easy but, as it turns out, four chances are not many.

The second issue of Death of Wolverine begins with Logan sitting in disguise at a nightclub, a woman on each arm, waiting to meet someone. It feels a bit out of character – the brash, impulsive brawler pulling his hair into a Steven Seagal ponytail to deceive the masses – but so goes the scene. A smarmy-looking man approaches and their business deal begins: Steven Seagal has something to offer, but the cost is information. He opens a bag to reveal a Mark IX edition Iron Man helmet, presented in exchange for an audience with the person contracting the death of Wolverine.

The manipulation works, leading Wolverine to Viper sitting atop her throne. The only problem is Viper did not put a price on his head, someone else did; she only hired Nuke to do the job for her. There is hardly time for Wolverine to process before Viper unleashes – in the literal sense, she unhands his leash – Sabretooth.

It is only right these two hash it out one last time.

More surprises are revealed in the issue, but the dramatic question remains untouched: which of Wolverine’s enemies are seeing to his death? Nuke was subcontracted by Viper who was contracted by – this is beginning to feel like this is one of those television shows where the stakes are repeatedly, artificially raised.

The miniseries only has 4 shots to tell a well-paced story, and this one was wasted with gimmicky storytelling, forced cameos, and little plot progression. Hopefully the following issue can recover the intrigue that captured readers in the first issue, and accelerate the series towards the compelling end Wolverine deserves.

Until then, we wait at 3rd and long.

Tags:

  • Jordan Calhoun is a writer in New York City. His forthcoming debut book "Piccolo Is Black" is a celebration of the common adaptations we made while non-diverse pop culture helped us form identities. He holds a B.A. in Sociology and Criminal Justice, B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Japanese, and an M.P.A. in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy. He might solve a mystery, or rewrite history. Find him on Instagram and Twitter @JordanMCalhoun

  • Show Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

comment *

  • name *

  • email *

  • website *