Rating: 3/5 – A not so Savage Wolverine.
by ComicSpectrum reviewer Shqwn Hoklas.
When you first see Richard Isanove’s work on this latest issue of Savage Wolverine, you can’t help but think of his work on the ultra popular Wolverine: Origin series from 2001 His colors on that mini-series really set that book apart, giving it a painted and high quality feel. This time, Isanove returns to the character to not only color, but also provide the story and art. Isanove is widely known for his extensive work handling the art chores on the Dark Tower series, now like the artist Jock from this series’ previous issues, Isanove is able to try his hand at writing as well.
Since it’s launch, the Savage Wolverine series has had multiple creators telling Wolverine stories that are not bogged down by continuity. Although this is the fifteenth issue of the series, there’s no ongoing storylines, no recurring characters, and no consistent themes. There’s a nice freedom to the book, but at the same time, if a story or creative team doesn’t click with the reader this series can quickly become a title that’s easy to drop. This story has so far kept my interest, but regrettably it’s not a must read. This story takes place in the 1930’s at the time of prohibition. After the last issue introduced the main characters and villains, this second part of the Wrath storyline explores the villains of the book in more detail. They’re well written characters, but are more of a threat to those close to Wolverine, rather than Wolverine himself. There’s no mutants, powers, or conspiracies in this story as Isanove chooses to tell a simpler, yet dark story.
It’s no surprise that Isanove’s art delivers for the story and setting involved. His colors will absolutely take you back to that Origin series as certain pages use that unforgettable orange/yellow palette. Unfortunately many of his faces lose detail and look rushed, which loses some of the emotional impact that the story calls for. There’s also plenty of panels within where Isanove chooses to let the colors be the only backgrounds. The final scene could have had a more foreboding feel to it if he chose to fill the backgrounds with the proper set pieces. Sadly, I’m not sure if this story will appeal to the typical Wolverine fan, as there’s not a whole lot of Wolverine being “the best there is at what he does”. It’s a solid tale, but a tale that doesn’t necessarily need a Savage Wolverine as its star.
Reviewed by: Shawn Hoklas
(shawn@comicspectrum.com)
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I agree that the main draw here is the art. This issue was a bit slow, I much preferred the 1st part of this story-arc in #14. – Bob