GRAPHIC NOVEL IN FOCUS: Wolverine

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Few characters in all of comic history have been as used often as Wolverine (a.k.a “Logan” or “James Howlett”), the mutant assassin turned X-man with healing factor and adamantium-laced bones. Wolverine’s life and origins have been explored with varied, wide interpretation through countless spin-off and “guest appearance” adventures, from lone vendettas to involvement with a variety of Marvel teams. The first solo run for the character, simply entitled Wolverine, was begun in 1982 featuring the writing talents of 80s-era X-Men auhtor, Chris Claremont and art of Frank Miller. The initial four-part story arc for Wolverine, collected in the trade paperback, Wolverine, is not only an epic beginning to Logan’s solo adventures in print, but also a fantastic piece of comic book literature.

Originally released in single issues from September through December, 1982, Wolverine follows the loner mutant from the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies to downtown Tokyo, as he investigates events surrounding his lost love, Mariko Yashida. Logan’s investigation leads him into trouble with Mariko’s father, husband, and an army of ninja assassins, the legendary comic ninja force, The Hand. Over the course of the 144-page story, Wolverine engages not only countless attackers but also betrayal, heartache, and his own honor.

The different plot points and surprises throughout the story are interesting in and of themselves, but the crux of the book is truly the character study of Logan himself, as he struggles with the dichotomy of honor and anger, of vengeance and valor, of his humanity and hunger for the blood of his enemies. Claremont has constructed a work of great balance, which covers both the external and internal conflicts of the Wolverine character in a way that is fascinating on all fronts, whether the action occurs against foes or revolves around Logan’s own inner turmoil.

Of course, his fantastic structure would not be as vibrant and alive were it not for the artistic offerings of Frank Miller, whose stunning art is simply iconic at this point in comic book history. Wolverine was done long before Miller’s experimental visual style on his own book, Sin City, and his simple yet vibrant style here is not only easy to follow and understand, it’s laced with subtlety and implied action. The panel structure of the book, combined with Miller’s fantastic art, truly give the book a sense of pace that make it a true “page-turner.”

Some fans tired of seeing Wolverine everywhere may not understand his popularity nor his appeal, but this book is a perfect place for them to take a “Pepsi-challenge” so-to-speak, of the character. This is the type of iconic and exploratory work that will either make one a Wolverine fan or affirm one’s lack of interest. It’s a fantastic “entry read” for those looking to explore the comic medium, and it’s a great book to return to if you’ve been in the game for a good deal of time. Wolverine has been a collection long-hailed as one of the iconic TPB’s of the Marvel Universe, and it is deserving of its place among the annals of Marvel’s best.

-- C.J. Stunkard

NOTE: A statue of Wolverine (pictured below), based on his appearance in the last issue of this tale, was released by Diamond Select Toys. Check out a full review of DST's Wolverine Statue, HERE