Review: Logan #02

Posted by Joshua S. Hill

April 10, 2008

Last month I reviewed Logan #1, and … *quickly checks past review* … I really liked it. And when I got my chance to read the second issue in this new Wolverine history story, I was just as happy; which, yes, means I have some art quirks to deal with later as well.

All in all though, Mr. Vaughan, you have done it again!

We start off in the present as we did last episode, with Wolverine dealing with a fiery challenger (… oh that was just horrible!). But, as was the deal with last episode (does anyone mind that I call them episodes?) we soon are found back in Wolverine’s past, sparked by his location I would imagine.

It’s the morning after… and apparently I’m reciting a poem to you all. Let me try that again.

Kick in to the flashback, and we’re presented with Logan and his Japanese lovely, the morning after what was surely some… never mind, use your imaginations! I know most of you already have alt-tabbed! Apparently we’re dealing with a Logan who has had very little female contact, something that should surprise most of you.

Moments later… well, let’s just say, something pisses off his little-lovely and forces his healing capacity to kick in to full gear!

Grabbing her father’s sword, Atusko – that’s her name – attempts to decapitate our third player in this little flashback, American soldier boy. It doesn’t go well for her, which isn’t a total surprise, considering that regardless of what happens next, a B-29 is about to fly over and drop one of America’s “little boys” down on Japan.

Still, before that we find out that the American soldier-boy that Logan wound up with also has a mutant ability. Apparently he can’t be killed. It’s not that he heals; it’s just that he can’t be killed. He’s got some bullet wounds in his back, apparently is missing a tendon in his leg, and survives a poke in the guts from Wolverine.

However, the “big bang” I think will do away with him, even if it doesn’t fully do away with Logan. Granted, if you’ve ever felt sorry for him having to deal with the regrowth stage, this one is going to be a bitch for you.

I mentioned the art last issue and at the top, and I’ll mention it again. Dean White definitely has drawing talent; even though he’s only listed as the colorist (can someone help me out on that one?). His Logan is, from the beginning, really good, and he knows how to draw his surroundings. But his work on the supporting characters is nothing short of grotesque mockery of the human form.

There is a page, just as our soldier boy reenters the room, where you would swear it’s been done as some sort of humorous prank. Who knows, maybe this page was done sometime around April Fools. But Atsuko’s forehead is so large you could land the B-29 on it and Lieutenant Warren (finally went back and found his name) looks like he’s a gargoyle of some description.

The quality of artwork jumps back and forth, and leaves you a little taken out of the book.

Still, this is a book worthy of its predecessor, and worthy of your time. I give it another 4 out of 5, but if I could, I’d only give the artwork 3 out of 5! Go pick it up though, if you like Wolverine, or anything to do with the Marvel Universe. It’ll be worth the money paid!