Wolverine: September 2005 Archives

After his 12 issue storyline concluded, I wouldn’t have expected Millar to have any juice left for Wolverine 32. This is last issue, a self contained story that didn’t really to do much after his tour de force ended. But it’s a gem of a tale. Drawn by Kaare Andrews, it takes place in a World War II concentration camp. Logan is a prisoner there, but he must have lost his memory or the will to fight, because he does nothing against his Nazi oppressors. The tale is told from the POV of the Nazi commandant, as he is slowly driven mad by Wolverine’s inability to die. The art and the writing here are superb. Andrews draws Wolverine almost 100% of the time in silhouette. It reminds me of some Spirit stories where the Spirit was wounded/unconscious and the story was about the characters surrounding him. I think Millar intended this—you’ll see when you read the dedication on the last page.

Why oh why couldn’t we have Millar do Wolverine forever? I’d hate to be following him as the writer. Nuff said.

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.