Marvel’s Greatest Comics: Wolverine #26-31

I wrote earlier about what a great read the Wolverine: Enemy of the State collection was (even with the missing word balloons). I was unable to contain my enthusiasm to see how this played out in Wolverine: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., and I’ve read all the issues that concludes this story. This is simply, one of the greatest Marvel comics ever made by two of the top superhero creators at the height of their form. You have Mark Millar taking Wolverine to a dark place he hasn’t been to since the Frank Miller storyline, with quotes like: “Just go limp. Let the claws do all your thinking. Forget everything that Charlie preached and let your instincts handle this.” Throw in Nick Fury, Hydra, the Hand, Elektra, and a villain who seems unstoppable—The Gorgon—and you’ve got a powder keg that explodes in each chapter. Only John Romita Jr. could keep up with Millar, channeling his inner Kirby to depict scenes like the attack on the Shield helicarrier (see inset) by Elektra and Northstar. Other impressive scenes are when Wolverine hitches a ride on a Sentinel; a showdown with the Hand in their hidden fortress; and the final fight with the Gorgon that culminates with a full page snikt! you’re never going to forget. Not since Jack Kirby has anyone knocked me out this consistently. This is Marvel comics at its purest: big, loud, unbelievable action and impossible to duplicate in any other medium. Nuff said.