Wolverine #50 - Review and Spoilers

[Brian Cronin]

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/WOLV050_covcol.jpg

While I am not a fan of his work, one thing that stands out as a highlight with Jeph Loeb's work is his ability to write to the strengths of his artists. This is most likely why so many popular artists enjoy working with him - he appears to tailor his work to their artistic personalities, making it most likely a lot funner working with Loeb than with a writer less in sync with their work. To wit, think of how dull it must have been for David Finch, who loves to draw action scenes, to draw Ultimate X-Men and New Avengers for Brian Michael Bendis, where most of the stories involved a good deal of talking heads.

In Wolverine #50, Loeb writes to the strengths of his artist, Simone Bianchi, and the ensuing comic, while not particularly good, is at least quite pleasant to look at.

One of the typical cliched storyline in Wolverine comics was that Wolverine would remember something that was blocked out in his memories, and we'd have a little bit of info about his past. House of M cleared that whole thing right up, but Loeb does an interesting trick in this issue to open up that avenue once again, asking the question, "How do you process memory? Would you be able to tell a memory from a dream if you got all your memories all charging back at once?" He uses this trick to investigate "The Lupine," a fairly silly group of sabretooth-looking creatures that Logan has been dreaming about. Loeb fits in some amusing dialogue for Logan in the dreams, though.

Anyhow, the main gist of the story is that Wolverine comes to the X-Mansion to have it out with Sabretooth, who is currently a member of Rogue's team of X-Men. Wolverine and Rogue have a nice little moment, and then the action begins - which takes up most of the rest of the story, twelve pages in all. Here is where Bianchi shines, as most other artists with the same photo realistic style of Bianchi tend not to be able to handle sequential work well, while Bianchi handles it quite easily, only getting a "too posed" look once or twice in the comic. Still, there is a great deal of impressive sequential work during the fight sequence. There is very little writing, but plenty of impressive sequential work!

We get a flashback to the Silver Fox days mixed in, with a nice character bit regarding Logan and his own personal guilt.

Then we're back to the fight, and some cryptic questions regarding Sabretooth - HOW IS HE CONNECTED TO WOLVERINE? I MUST KNOW! I DON'T CARE IF IT TAKES FOUR ISSUES, I MUST KNOW! IT IS VERY IMPORTANT!!

So silly.

The backup story by Ed McGuinness, making his Marvel sequential debut, is silly, but it is meant to be that way, as it depicts Wolverine's first appearance, facing the Hulk, only it is from Wolverine's perspective, looking back upon it today - so we get a lot of meta jokes, like Wolverine making fun of his dialogue back then ("We had writers at Department H who told me what to say"). Then there is a real turn for the bizarre, which really looks like it was just Loeb allowing McGuinness to draw a certain cool recent Hulk/Wolverine scene. Very strange. But it was a fun little story.

All in all, there was not enough meat in the main story for me to recommend it, but the backup story was fun, and Bianchi's art was quite impressive. I did not dig the writing in this comic, but I can certainly see it selling quite well, and that is a somewhat impressive aspect of Loeb's work as well, he seems to know what will sell to an audience.

Not Recommended.

-Brian

[Brian M.]

While I enjoyed the last arc more then I think I have ever enjoyed a Wolverine story I've been looking forward to this.

I can only imagine what a Guggenhiam/Bianchi story would be like.

[riotgear]

Note to Brian-

This isn't Ed McGuinness' Marvel sequential debut, merely his return. He did the Wolverine '96 Annual, and started Deadpool Volume 3.

[Sparda]

I enjoyed the issue but sort of got ruined on my account by getting the varient, not knowint that it would be black and white....no biggie though, I got passed that and enjoyed the issue.

Plan to get the color version next week though.

[drwho]

I read this and was just mad about the back up. Here I am expecting a whole issue of Sabretooth fighting and action and we don't get that. We get something that seems like a badly paced story. Also how many things is Wolverine still not supposed to remember even though he supposedly got all his memories back. I'm a completionist and Wolvie vs Sabes fan, but I wouldnt recommend this to anyone else.

[Sparda]

I read this and was just mad about the back up. Here I am expecting a whole issue of Sabretooth fighting and action and we don't get that. We get something that seems like a badly paced story. Also how many things is Wolverine still not supposed to remember even though he supposedly got all his memories back. I'm a completionist and Wolvie vs Sabes fan, but I wouldnt recommend this to anyone else.
At least you get to enjoy it fully in color :(

[Xanrn]

Ok why does Wolverine flash to the Ultimate Universe?

Bloody wierd.

[drwho]

Ok why does Wolverine flash to the Ultimate Universe?

Bloody wierd.

They probably wanted a cool splash page, but ran out of time so they just threw in that art, or Wolverineis some multidimensional time being that is everywhere at once.

[Brian Cronin]

Note to Brian-

This isn't Ed McGuinness' Marvel sequential debut, merely his return. He did the Wolverine '96 Annual, and started Deadpool Volume 3.

It's his sequential debut under his new exclusive contract with Marvel that he signed months ago, but we've only had a couple of covers by him since then - until now.

-Brian

[mrc1214]

I enjoyed the book. A little weird but pretty good. The art was fantastic really great stuff.

[rwsmith]

Ok why does Wolverine flash to the Ultimate Universe?

Bloody wierd.

??? What do you mean "flash to the Ultimate Universe"? You mean like in a flashback? And, if so, how do you know that it's the Ultimate Universe?

[Sparda]

??? What do you mean "flash to the Ultimate Universe"? You mean like in a flashback? And, if so, how do you know that it's the Ultimate Universe?
For one thing, being ripped in two and the other, the ultimate costume. Plus it was just a bad dream.

[GrandMaster Funk]

For one thing, being ripped in two and the other, the ultimate costume. Plus it was just a bad dream.

Didn't he have the Ultimate costume in Austen's X-Men run?

[Omega Alpha]

A good issue, if not very surprising, except by Sabretooth speaking Latin. I am interested to see where does it go, since, while i don't think all Wolverine's past needs to be revealed, since we more or less know the type of things he did, his ancient rivalry with Sabretooth should have a motivation to work better, i think, and if written well, can be very good for the development of both characters.

I agree however that the back story wasn't good though, and was not really necessary.

[ivesaidway2much]

Didn't he have the Ultimate costume in Austen's X-Men run?
Was he ripped in half by the Hulk during Austen's run?

[MrPunch0]

Pretty sure it's a nod to the Ultimate Universe ...
I took it to be a tongue in cheek reference to Wolverine not fully understanding ALL the things he's done.

I don't think it was meant to be taken seriously.

[rwsmith]

Interesting. I haven't read this yet, but I'm seriously hoping Loeb did enough homework to know that Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk happened in a totally separate universe!

[The Foreigner]

They probably wanted a cool splash page, but ran out of time so they just threw in that art

Leinil Francis Yu drew the original spread and this one was re-done by McGuinness. I personally thought that it was a really lame twist to end the story with, and find any sort of connection between the 616 and Ultimate universe completely ridiculous.

And regarding the main story, Bianchi occasionally has some pretty art but his storytelling is awful. Also, I'm so bloody sick of Loeb's inner monologues that he uses to narrate every single comic he writes it's making my head hurt.

[TinMan]

Interesting. I haven't read this yet, but I'm seriously hoping Loeb did enough homework to know that Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk happened in a totally separate universe!It's completely obvious that it was meant as a joke... the whole back up with Wolverine fighting the Hulk is actually a dream Logan is having, basically reliving that first encounter with the Hulk. All the way through the story he's making satirical comments about why he's fighting him, it's blatantly obvious this story is just for fun. The proof of that? At the end of the fight the Hulk gets ahold of Wolverine and he thinks "Uh oh", then the splash page of the UU Hulk ripping UU Wolverine in half reimaged by McGuinness... then Logan wakes up in the snow and thinks "What was that? That never happened...and what was with that costume?".

Leinil Francis Yu drew the original spread and this one was re-done by McGuinness. I personally thought that it was a really lame twist to end the story with, and find any sort of connection between the 616 and Ultimate universe completely ridiculous.Then I guess you missed the point of the story: satirical comedy.

And regarding the main story, Bianchi occasionally has some pretty art but his storytelling is awful. Also, I'm so bloody sick of Loeb's inner monologues that he uses to narrate every single comic he writes it's making my head hurt. What book were you reading? Bianchi's storytelling was great! I loved his work and was depressed when I got to the McGuinness back-up.

My view of the issue.

I enjoyed this issue quite a lot. I like Jeph Loeb's work a lot and I don't understand why people wanna dog on his work, he's a solid story teller and usually cooks up some good ideas (though I don't think I care for the direction this "Lupine" crap is leading... I just have a feeling it's gonna be dumb). I just chalk up to the elitist mentality that "if it sells a lot of copies, the creators are obviously sell-outs". I'm curious about the whole "you'll become me" (paraphrased) thing, I hope he doesn't reveal something stupid ala UU Cable.

Bianchi's pencils were awesome! Absolutely beautiful, I'd buy this comic even if Austen or Way was writing it, just for the art alone.

[Joe Rice]

At the shop yesterday, Deano asked me "Do I care about this?" holding up this issue. "Is there a reason I care about this? I mean, it's Wolverine, but . . ."

I replied, "I don't, so you probably don't either."

[TransformersFan]

I personally did not like Bianchis art. I dont like it when artist try to pencil comic books like they are renaissance art pieces, with faux paint strokes and gloomy dark shadowing.

McGuiness blew me away, fun and clean panels, with colour and overtly stylized movements and facial stuctures.

The story itself was; meh. The last arc was great, and now it looks like Ill be dropping this book.

Ofcourse this is all my opinion.

BTW, anyone know if McGuiness will be penciling any regular Marvel series?

[Sparda]

I personally did not like Bianchis art. I dont like it when artist try to pencil comic books like they are renaissance art pieces, with faux paint strokes and gloomy dark shadowing.

McGuiness blew me away, fun and clean panels, with colour and overtly stylized movements and facial stuctures.

The story itself was; meh. The last arc was great, and now it looks like Ill be dropping this book.

Ofcourse this is all my opinion.

BTW, anyone know if McGuiness will be penciling any regular Marvel series?
Dropping it already? At least give it a try until the arc ends. I got a feeling that this fight with sabertooth will change Logan's alliance with the X-Men and go on to join the New Avengers.

[TinMan]

I personally did not like Bianchis art. I dont like it when artist try to pencil comic books like they are renaissance art pieces, with faux paint strokes and gloomy dark shadowing. I love that crap, therefore I love Bianchi. :p

McGuiness blew me away, fun and clean panels, with colour and overtly stylized movements and facial stuctures.I didn't mind McGuiness in this back up actually, his work isn't my style, but it wasn't horrid. Way better than that friggin Ramos crap we have to put up with in X-Men for this arc. *pukes from thinking about it*

BTW, anyone know if McGuiness will be penciling any regular Marvel series? He's doing Ultimates 4 with Jeph Loeb, I know that for sure.

Dropping it already? At least give it a try until the arc ends. I got a feeling that this fight with sabertooth will change Logan's alliance with the X-Men and go on to join the New Avengers.I don't think they're gonna strip Wolverine of his X-statis, he's been an anchor for the franchise for a very long time.

[TransformersFan]

He's doing Ultimates 4 with Jeph Loeb, I know that for sure.


They havent even finished Ultimates 2 yet, by the time Ultimates 4 is out, the sun will have turned into a red dwarf.

[TinMan]

They havent even finished Ultimates 2 yet, by the time Ultimates 4 is out, the sun will have turned into a red dwarf.

Haha, yeah... they've already got Joe Mad! working on Ultimates 3 with Loeb, but I don't know if they have McGuinness working on 4 yet or if they're holding off.

I think it's funny how they went from Hitch on the first 2 installments to Mad and McGuinness for the next two, talk about a bitchflip.

[mushroom2703]

Wow, I'm suprised so many people have looked down on this issue.

As far as the main story goes, I thought it was excellent. I have to admit, I'm not particularly a fan of Loeb or his work, and onslaught reborn imo is a pretty horrible book. However, this has some great dialogue, sabretooth looks strong which i;m happy about since he's one of my favourite characters, the art is beautiful ( I can see why its not for everyone though), and overall very fun with promise. I like Sabretooth's foreshadowing at the end, and its worded in a way that it could go anywhere yet. I wonder if we'll get any eferences back to origin in this. Oh well, I thought it would be half and half on this title, but I guess this isn't what people are looking for right now from Wolvie. I miss Guggenheim and Ramos, but this was ace.

The backup was really cool too, and it was a good fun idea. I thought the ending was hilarious/excellent, and I certainly didn't see it coming though.

Take me out the back and shoot me if you want, but I actually think it'd be insanely cool if Wolvie has ALL his memories; including the ultimate universe memories now too. It just seems insane in a cool way.

[drwho]

Maybe I am just burned from reading a lot of Wolverine Origin,but the first part of the story gave me the feeling that they are trying to tell us we will actually learn something concrete between Sabes and Wolvie when in fact by the end of the story I suspect it will end up probably revealing nothing at all, or some minor thing.

[TinMan]

Maybe I am just burned from reading a lot of Wolverine Origin,but the first part of the story gave me the feeling that they are trying to tell us we will actually learn something concrete between Sabes and Wolvie when in fact by the end of the story I suspect it will end up probably revealing nothing at all, or some minor thing.

Haven't been paying attention to the interviews have ya? It's been confirmed that this six issue arc will finally reveal exactly what their connection is. That's part of the reason there's been so much hype over it, a high profile writer is handling it and working with an almost unknown artist (at least here in the states) that has amazing talent.

[Killing Intent]

I loved it. A little light on the story end of things, but hey, they said this is what it would be, I was expecting a big fight and that's what we got. My biggest problem with this book was:




WHY CAN'T ANYONE SEEM TO REMEMBER THAT SILVER FOX DIDN'T DIE THAT WAY?!?!?!?!?!



It was established like 10 years ago that she didn't die that day, yet both Way and now Loeb still depict it the same friggin way as Wolverine # 10 did. Damn it.

I thought the main story art was great. Different, but good. And I like the backup too. Not a whole lot to it, but who doesn't like seeing Wolvy tackle the Hulk? Classic stuff for any veteran Wolverine fan. And Ed McGuinnes isn't my favorite artist, but I think his work here was just fine. Lot of fun to look at. Certainly easier on the eyes than Ramos' stuff was, at least in my opinion.

[rwsmith]

I think it's funny how they went from Hitch on the first 2 installments to Mad and McGuinness for the next two, talk about a bitchflip.

I really wish McGuinness was doing Ultimate X-men after seeing him draw Wolverine in that 2-page spread.

[cable guy]

I liked it alot. I know it was nothing spectacular, but I am a sucker for a good Wolverine fight. And there is a nice base in place for the rest of the arc.

[Messiah Complex]

Remember when a 50th issue would have 3 or 4 stories, fairly self contained? Solicits said this issue would finally reveal Wolvie and Tooth's history. Now it seems like it'll be another 4 issues until we get there? Any actual revelations in this ish or just more set up?

[the_big_billbowski]

Count me in the camp of people who actually liked the issue. I like Loeb's work, the art was good, I'm a sucker for a good Wolvie, Sabertooth fight and I'm curious about their connection. I was very pleased with this issue i'll buy it for this arc at least. I'm with Killing Intent, it drives me nuts when writers gloss over the fact that Silver Fox didnt die then, and was actually a memeber of Hydra. Although I loathe that idea, I much prefer the way Loeb depicts it, but that's not how it happened. I want someone to retcon it or maybe they are just ignorning it cause it was stupid.

I happened to love the back up issue. Thought it was very funny. It was funny to see current bad ass Logan's take on the goofier early wolverine.

[sephirothskiller]

I loved this issue. Loeb does some great work. The back up issue was pretty sweet too, with the "Ultimate" nod showing that his mind is still messed up.

I enjoyed the thoughts on the Hudson's too, especially with Heather and the whiskers. She would be one of the only people whom he would ever "beg" for something to, and certainly one of the only people he would ever where whiskers for.

[mushroom2703]

Remember when a 50th issue would have 3 or 4 stories, fairly self contained? Solicits said this issue would finally reveal Wolvie and Tooth's history. Now it seems like it'll be another 4 issues until we get there? Any actual revelations in this ish or just more set up?

So in a 5-6 part story, you actually expected them to give you the big reveal? Where's the motivation to buy the rest then? I see what you're saying but I think you set yourself up to be disappointed if you honestly expected all the answers in part 1.

Also, I ignored the fact that you first criticised the book, then actually had to ask what happened, it at least made sense in a pedantic type way then.

[DoctorDoom]

I read this and was just mad about the back up. Here I am expecting a whole issue of Sabretooth fighting and action and we don't get that. We get something that seems like a badly paced story. Also how many things is Wolverine still not supposed to remember even though he supposedly got all his memories back. I'm a completionist and Wolvie vs Sabes fan, but I wouldnt recommend this to anyone else.
I liked howthis ish wasn't all fight. It spreads to the othe ishes (which for me, will make em less boring than round after round after round). But that's just me.

[brundlefly]

I read this and was just mad about the back up. Here I am expecting a whole issue of Sabretooth fighting and action and we don't get that. We get something that seems like a badly paced story. Also how many things is Wolverine still not supposed to remember even though he supposedly got all his memories back. I'm a completionist and Wolvie vs Sabes fan, but I wouldnt recommend this to anyone else.

That was my main complaint, as well. I picked this up more for Simone Bianchi's great art and was trying to give Loeb (who I am not a fan of) a chance on something new, as he hasn't written Wolvie before. Then I get cruelly swerved as, halfway through the issue, we switch to a satiristic retelling of the first Wolvie/Hulk fight with some God-awful Ed McGuinnes art instead of Bianchi. I'm tempted to drop this book just because of that bait-and-switch, but I really dig Bianchi's art in this issue and always love seeing Creed get some major screen time. However, Loeb's "this is the real secret history between them" business is totally underwhelming to me, as he's already getting stuff wrong (the aforementioned Silver Fox thing) and I could frankly care less what ORIGIN-style backstory he's hammered out as Logan and Creed's "real" history. Since this is only a 6-issue arc, I'll probably stick around for Bianchi and Creed.

[mushroom2703]

What bait and switch? The book runs its normal length with Bianchi, then gave you extra. If you don't like McGuinnes, thats a different issue, but you weren't cheated out of anything, you just got extra. They've established several times in the past that we'd be getting an extra story for the 50th as a celebration.

I can see you wanted more Bianchi, which is entirely understandable, he's awesome, but thats half the reason he's no the book, so you buy more issues to see his work. It would be odd to drop it because they gave you anextra story on top of the norm, and not because you didn't like it.

[Tien Long]

I liked this issue actually. This was the first time in a long time that I picked up a Wolverine book, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. A good beginning for a knockdown fight b/w Wolverine and Sabertooth. I was a little confused with the "non-sequitar"-esque story at the end of the issue (Do Wolverine's dreams somehow break dimensional barriers now?), but in the end, I felt the artwork was quite good.

Can't wait for the next issue.

[brundlefly]

What bait and switch? The book runs its normal length with Bianchi, then gave you extra. If you don't like McGuinnes, thats a different issue, but you weren't cheated out of anything, you just got extra. They've established several times in the past that we'd be getting an extra story for the 50th as a celebration.

I can see you wanted more Bianchi, which is entirely understandable, he's awesome, but thats half the reason he's no the book, so you buy more issues to see his work. It would be odd to drop it because they gave you anextra story on top of the norm, and not because you didn't like it.

Unaware of the "extra story" announcement, I was operating under the assumption that the 50th anniversary double-sized issue was going to the using the same story and creative team throughout the entire book, not switching to a retelling of an old story halfway through with a different artist. Hence I saw it as a bait-and-switch, since I picked this up for Creed's role and Bianchi's art, which were both absent in the backup story. Guess I should have paid more attention to the promotional stuff for this issue.

[mushroom2703]

The solicits said:

“EVOLUTION,” PART 1
A DOUBLE-SIZED SPECIAL 50TH ISSUE! WITH SPECTACLAR WRAPAROUND COVER BY BIANCHI!
Superstar Jeph Loeb (Batman: Hush) is joined by future superstar Simone Bianchi for the biggest, best and, quite possibly, last battle between Wolverine and Sabretooth! These sworn foes have been locked in an endless grudge match that goes back longer than either can remember — or even imagine. The key to victory is eons old, and it’s certain to rock their world. Think you’ve seen Marvel’s fiercest go toe-to-toe before? Those were just warm-ups. Also featuring a 12-page backup story “PUNY LITTLE
MAN,” by Loeb and superstar Ed McGuinness (Superman/Batman): He’s big, he’s green, he’s mean, and he just got his mitts on Logan. Now THIS is gonna hurt.
48 PGS. Parental Advisory …$3.99

I haven't got my issue to hand right now, but that should figure out if there's 48pages that not only is there the back up, but the regular story is bumped up from 22 to 36. I can see what you mean though, if you expected the story to be double, I would be disappointed too, and although the McGuinness backup is cool, I probably would pick a 48 story over it if I had the choice.

[streator]

I picked this up more for Simone Bianchi's great art and was trying to give Loeb (who I am not a fan of) a chance on something new, as he hasn't written Wolvie before.

nitpicking, but i know loeb wrote wolverine in 'gambit/wolverine: victims', a miniseries with tim sale.

[brundlefly]

nitpicking, but i know loeb wrote wolverine in 'gambit/wolverine: victims', a miniseries with tim sale.

Yeah, you're right, forgot about that. That was a pretty good mini. Strange that Loeb's pairings with Sale turn out great (the aforementioned VICTIMS, plus THE LONG HALLOWEEN, DARK VICTORY, and SUPERMAN: FOR ALL SEASONS), but when he's paired with other artists (like Lee in BATMAN: HUSH or McGuiness in SUPERMAN/BATMAN), the results aren't on the same level of quality Guess we'll see how his pairing with Bianchi on Wolverine compares as it continues.

[Niro]

i liked the first part of the comic, a fight between wolverine and sabretooth is always welcome :D
but the 2nd part was jus blergh

[lonesomefool]

I thought it was below average. First off, I'll be the first to admit I have no interest in Loeb's writing usually, but since it was such a slow week I decided to give it a shot. The first story was decent, the whole "Lupine" thing was stupid, but the brief interaction between Sabretooth and Wolverine, while cliche at times, was good. The action scenes were good, although the art was too dark and muddy at times to truly make the action scenes pop. The internal dialogue by Wolverine seemed pretty "by the book" when it comes to writing Wolverine. The art by Bianchi was good, but again at times I thought it was a bit too dark and muddy during the action scenes.

The second story was horrible. No two ways around it, it was once of the worst stories I have had the displeasure of reading this year. The art by McGuennis was solid and the colorist did a good job of making the art look "vintage". The writing on the other hand was horrible, no two ways around it for me, Wolverine doing a "Directors Cut Commentary" of the fight was bad enough, but then nonsensically adding in a splash page of the Ultimate Wolverine/Hulk scene. I know a lot of people are complaing about Civil War: Return, but I thought this was much worse when it comes to back up stories.

Overall, while this issue left a bad taste in my mouth with the back-up story, I will flip through the next issue since the main storyline was good enough. However if this storyline goes where I think it is going, where Loeb is going to try and tie Sabretooth and Wolverine to these ancient creatures seen at the start of this issue I am so gone.

[mushroom2703]

The second story was horrible. No two ways around it.

I liked it, so I guess there are two ways around it.

[lonesomefool]

What did you like about it, I'm seriously curious, cause I thought it was a pretty nonsensical story that, like 99% of Loeb's Superman/Batman seemed like he just wrote a story that would have cool things for the artist to draw rather than focusing on writing a good story.

[brundlefly]

I I know a lot of people are complaing about Civil War: Return, but I thought this was much worse when it comes to back up stories.

Ooh, tough call on that one. I was annoyed equally by the 'Sentry is the most powerful hero in the MU' wankfest at the end of the Return as I was by the goofy retelling of Wolvie and Hulk's first fight. Both seemed like lifeless padding to make the issues "double-sized" in size, but not in quality. Probably go with the Wolvie back-up as worse, as it gave me wince-inducing flashbacks to Loeb/McGuiness SUPERMAN/BATMAN.

However if this storyline goes where I think it is going, where Loeb is going to try and tie Sabretooth and Wolverine to these ancient creatures seen at the start of this issue I am so gone.

Ditto. That's what I'm very afraid of, too.

[Mikey Brown]

I like Loeb's writing. You can tell he really loves these characters. And he knows how to write for artists. Many writers cannot do that. I liked Superman/Batman, Batman:Hush and also thought Superman for all Seasons was one of the best Superman stories I've ever read. And I enjoyed this issue of Wolverine.

[lonesomefool]

There's telling a story and pandering to artists, while it's true that there isnt a problem with giving an artist something cool to draw, there is a problem IMO, with writing a scene JUST so the artist can draw it. That's why I really feel Loeb's writing is weak at times, a lot of the stuff in Hush felt like "Well, Jim Lee wants to draw character B, so I have to fit them in".

I expect the same for Ultimates 3, if Madureia wants to draw Ultimate Doctor Doom, he will be in the story, natural progression of the story be damned. To date the only artist I feel he hasnt done this with, and coincidentally the only Loeb stories I really like, are when he works with Tim Sale.

[dreyson]

I liked the issue. I had low expectations going in since I'm not a fan of Loeb, but he did an OK job and the art was great. The second story was rubbish.

[Will.S]

Overall, while this issue left a bad taste in my mouth with the back-up story, I will flip through the next issue since the main storyline was good enough. However if this storyline goes where I think it is going, where Loeb is going to try and tie Sabretooth and Wolverine to these ancient creatures seen at the start of this issue I am so gone.
Yeah I also hope that Jeph doesn't tie the Lupine stuff to them. Still I find it hard to hate a back-up story that was nothing more than just a fun look at Hulk and Wolverine's first meeting. I loved the art and how Dave McCaig's coloring technique made it look a bit like the old comics as well.

Anyway as for the main story, the flashback with Silver Fox and Sabertooth made for a good starting point to reference their rivalry (which does get referenced too much) and the fight between Sabertooth and Wolverine was nicely done. I think Logan is re-remembering the implant memory though since I think it's been well established that she didn't die that way. Anyway it was nice to see the bit of continuity with Rogue there to remind us that this is Mike Carey era X-Men.

Still, it's mainly a big fight scene with a clue or two put in there that might be important so the answers will obviously not come with these first issues. Simone Bianchi's art looked wonderful but I thought it lacked flow and I expected more violent gore considering these guys are hacking at each other with blades and claws.

As a starting point issue there's not much there and I hope the opening pages don't make their rivalry turn into some lame blood ties to these creatures but Jeph shows some promise here.

[kcekada]

In Wolverine #50, Loeb writes to the strengths of his artist, Simone Bianchi, and the ensuing comic, while not particularly good, is at least quite pleasant to look at.

Spot on review.

Bianchi is the ONLY reason I'm buying this title. Not a big fan of the character -- and Loeb's writing does not live up the promise of his earlier works.

This story was just another X-Men/Wolverine cliche of a times past tale with Logan, Creed, blah, blah, blah. The Hulk story was a waste of time and space.

The artwork? Beautiful! Just not sure how many issues I'll stick around to look at that art.

[kcekada]

There's telling a story and pandering to artists, while it's true that there isnt a problem with giving an artist something cool to draw, there is a problem IMO, with writing a scene JUST so the artist can draw it. That's why I really feel Loeb's writing is weak at times, a lot of the stuff in Hush felt like "Well, Jim Lee wants to draw character B, so I have to fit them in".




So true.

And he also squeezes in as many "kewl" moments as he can to impress what I guess is the majority of comic readers. Too often lately, he is not able to connect these moments with a good story.

[Sophisticated_Gamer]

Lol, I thought that the whole Wolvareen vs. Hulk make fun of the Ultimate Wolvareen vs. Hulk story in the back was better art wise and story wise then the main story...

( DId that make sence?)

[brundlefly]

story in the back was better art wise and story wise then the main story...

( DId that make sence?)

No. Bianchi > McGuiness. I've never understood the appeal of McGuiness' cartoony art style.

[Sentinel K]

No. Bianchi > McGuiness. I've never understood the appeal of McGuiness' cartoony art style.

Because these are comic books?

I liked Bianchi's art for the most part (although i hated the way he drew Wolverine's mask), but I'd take McGuiness over Bianchi any day.

[Brian M.]

Lol, I thought that the whole Wolvareen vs. Hulk make fun of the Ultimate Wolvareen vs. Hulk story in the back was better art wise and story wise then the main story...

( DId that make sence?)

W O L V E R I N E


It's at the top of the F ing comic you bought and are discussing...this is why I think your screwing with us when you act retard.

[brundlefly]

Because these are comic books?

Well, that doesn't mean they have to look like a goofy 1980s Saturday morning cartoon, which is the vibe that I tend to get from his art. It's suited to a light comedy book or to Marvel Adventures, but it really detracts from any serious story or dramatic scene. See his attempt at "blood" when Wolvie cuts Hulk in the opening sequence, for example.

Eh, different strokes for different folks, I guess.

[Mitsaso]

I liked both stories in the issue, but for some reason I can't possibly believe this is gonna be the last battle EVER between Sabres and Wolvie... that's what Austen thought when he had Wolverine say that Sabre's teeth were the only thing to remain of him last time...:p

[Dusty.]

A decent first issue setup by Loeb, with great art. We'll see if this is better than just another Wolverine vrs. Sabertooth brawl.

So far Loeb's return to Marvel has produced good results. Both Heroes Reborn: The Return and Wolverine are a good start.

I liked the backup. I'm usually not the biggest fan of McGuiness. I think he's better for something exaggerated like the Hulk than he is for real looking human characters. I don't like cartooney art. It worked here, and I liked how they colored Logan's dream like they used to color comics. It felt like an old friend returned. (and I don't like the old coloring system better than today's computer stuff, but it was neat to see)

[cable guy]

I liked both stories in the issue, but for some reason I can't possibly believe this is gonna be the last battle EVER between Sabres and Wolvie... that's what Austen thought when he had Wolverine say that Sabre's teeth were the only thing to remain of him last time...:p

I didn't know it was supposed to be the final battle. I just thought it was like no other battle.

Which I find it hard to believe, it's gonna beat when Sabertooth had the Adamantium.

[Metallurgique]

Final battle? Is it ever a final battle? I don't think so.

I'd been looking forward to this issue even though I don't regularly read Logan's solo title. It promised a great deal and didn't deliver.

The book was beautiful to look at - particularly the black and white edition - but as far as story goes, I have to give it a D.

[BigBoss]

thanks brian u saved me 3:17 in cash. thats not the time its....... yea.

[sgt pepper]

The back up gave me a chuckle.

[satchmo the dragon]

Sounds lame. They need to overhaul Wolverine as a character. Sounds like too much crap has been added to him over the last few years. Kind of dismays me because I loved the getting adamantium ripped out by Magneto story as a kid.

[Pyro]

Does anyone else think the white tennis shoes Bianchi gives Sabertooth look hilarious?