Death of Wolverine #1

By Charles Soule, Steve McNiven and Justin Ponsor

We’re finally here, the Death of Wolverine has officially kicked off. This is an event that Marvel leaked last year, or something they were kicking around the office. As time passed it became clearer that Logan was going to bite it, at least for a little bit. So without further adieu, we can all enjoy our favorite furry Canadian in his final story (for now).

There is so much hype surrounding this event that Marvel needed to get a top notch writer to do it, and they have in Charles Soule. One of the best things about this issue, and Soule’s work on it, is the characterization of Wolverine. He’s written as a fierce character again, like he was back in the Dark Phoenix Saga. Lately Logan has been written as an Uncle Logan type, and it has been lame. Soule writes him the best he’s been written in years. The talk Logan has with Reed Richards is also very honest as well. When Wolvie tells him not to be offended that he was his last genius, Reed says “none taken, we aren’t close.” That’s just good honest conversation that sometimes gets lost in comics these days. Soule crafts an intriguing first issue that will hopefully remain consistent and entertaining as it moves on.

The art by Steve McNiven is flawless. There are really no complaints, and the fact that Justin Ponsor colors it beautifully only adds to the wonderfulness. In the opening page, we have a bloodied up Wolverine sitting on a stair in a crappy building. Bullet casings and knives are lying around and Logan is battered and bruised. This page sets the bar for the rest of the book and McNiven completely meets it. His images make everything amazing and every page is a must see. The attention to detail is also great here. As Nuke’s guys swim to the shore to find Logan, members of the team start to disappear and bloody spots in the water are all that’s left. This issue is truly a master doing some of their best work.

The Death of Wolverine is off to a fantastic start. Charles Soule turns in a great script that has great characterization. The art and colors by Steve McNiven and Justin Ponsor are such an amazing compliment to the story that should leave everyone engaged and impressed. This is killing off an iconic character the right way, with a talented team of superstars.