The Good
Look, it's easy to write this weekly series off because it can be viewed as a gimmick, but writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven are really making it work and they have my complete attention with this one. The first chapter included Reed Richards and Nuke, but despite including other characters, it still had a more isolated feel to it -- which is fitting since a chunk of it took place on an island -- and focused on making readers well aware of Wolverine's situation and what it means for his abilities. This chapter, however, places Logan on the offensive and gets things moving forward. We know Logan's in a terrible spot, so now it's time to find out why.
First and foremost, Steven McNiven, inker Jay Leisten, and colorist Justin Ponsor's pages are seriously admirable. Every location and all of its inhabitants are brought to life with so much depth and everything from the angles to the layouts give it more of a cinematic feeling. There's some really immersive bits in the club and the way the city is introduced does a fine job pulling you into the picture, but it's the action scenes that truly shine. The layouts work incredibly well and do a tremendous job following the strikes. They even giving you some insight into Wolverine without bogging it down with heavy-handed dialogue.
Soule has a commendable handle on Logan and, even though the X-Man's healing factor is gone, he continues to remind us that Wolvie is still the best at what he does and what he does doesn't require a healing factor or claws. We all know James Howlett can handle fodder with no problem, but it's too often writers will have him just leap and slash -- it almost seems like he's flailing instead of displaying skill. Soule, however, focuses on the fact that Logan does indeed have a ton of hand-to-hand training and something as simple as Wolverine dispatching some goons is turned into a legitimately exciting experience which showcases his technique and precision. Additionally, we all know Logan's down in the dumps right now, but instead of filling these great looking panels with blunt and unnecessary remarks, Soule's script is to the point and he allows the very talented art team to establish our emotional connection to the hero. Having Wolverine think about his savage fights with Sabretooth instead of spelling it out for us is so much more effective and the way we're harshly brought back into the moment worked extremely well.
The Bad
I'm all for seeing more from the two characters that appear in this chapter, but both show up in a far too coincidental and similar way. It's basically perfect timing on both their parts and there's very little explanation to justify it. I'm sure we'll get more information on why the cliffhanger cameo appeared at just the right time, but it was basically handled the same way as the person who appeared shortly prior to the end. As for the plot, we're given little hints and teasers about the greater picture, but it feels like there wasn't enough progress on that front. The connection to Logan and the action are thriving, but giving us just a little more to make the narrative a tad more compelling would have been very appreciated.
Doesn't impact the score: as much as I appreciate the issue, there should really be a cheaper version of this comic which comes without the commentary and director's cut. $4.99 per week is rough when so many of us are working with a limited budget.
The Verdict
DEATH OF WOLVERINE is certainly doing everything it can to earn your $4.99. The art team is top-notch and Soule clearly understands and respects the popular character. Logan may be walking a path that'll probably lead to his death, but these two chapters give me confidence that Soule will make the character go out on a strong note. The overall narrative won't blow you away just yet, but the intrigue is there, we have a good insight into Logan, the action is thrilling and does the character justice, and the cliffhanger will likely have many fans thoroughly anxious to get their hands on the next chapter. If Wolverine's going to die, I'm very glad this is the team that's handling his end. Maybe if we're lucky they'll handle his eventual return, too.