WOLVERINE #9

[ ARE YOU IRISH? ] 

I am sure that you are aware of the expression “Revenge is a dish best served cold”, right? Well, can someone please explain to me what the hell this is supposed to mean? Does it have something to do with couscous? Or maybe this comic book? This one Written by Jason Aaron; Drawn by Daniel Acuna; and Published by Marvel Comics in June 2011.

THE STORY:

Wolverine wants revenge on the shrouded organisation called the Red Right Hand – but for him to get to them; he has to get to Mystique first. Wolverine literary tears his way through San Francisco before Mystique finally reveals herself to him. However, when she does, she warns Wolverine that the Red Right Hand still has more plans’ to come. Unfortunately though, just as soon as Mystique starts to elaborate on what those ‘plans’ are, Lord Deathstrike strikes, and shoots her down, POW!

Thankfully, Mystique’s mutant ability gives her the gumption to flee the scene, thus subsequently provoking a rather lengthy chase between her, Wolverine, and Lord Deathstrike, ZOOM! Within this kafuffle, cars shriek – bullets glare – bones break – bloods spills – and claws are expunged – resulting in Wolverine to be told where the Red Right Hand are – Mystique being killed – and Lord Deathstrike getting paid.

The winner... the Hand? 

THE REVIEW:

Now this is what I would call one stylish issue of Wolverine. It has a late sixties vibe about it, one that is in a simular mould to films like ‘The French Connection’ or ‘Bullet’, with just a touch of ‘Dirty Harry’ thrown in for good measure. OK, along with this stylish sheen comes one minor gripe – i.e. the story is a tad too quick. But apart from that, this issue is bloody marvellous – and I do mean bloody.

My own personal favourite in the issue has to be Lord Deathstrike. I have to admit, I don’t think that I have seen him before – even though the name does rings a bell. But I do have to say that he has that whole mysterious air about him, and I would defiantly like to see him again in the future. To me, Lord Deathstrike appears to be like a Boba Fett type assassin, silently stalking his prey in a meticulous fashion, until finally – POW! But I could be wrong? So if anybody out there in cyblerland knows something that I don’t about this silent sentry, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line, OK?

And while I am on the subject of lines – oh no, I can feel a pun coming – that brings me to another observation about this issue, the lack of dialogue – groan! Granted, this is primarily an ‘all action issue’, but that does not necessarily mean that it has to be a ‘silent’ all action issue. Heck, I think that there is more balking than there is talking! 

Anyway, this is by the by, as all in all this is a very nice simple – maybe overtly simple – issue of Wolverine, one that I’m sure will lead into the next story arc.

Oh! I almost forgot to mention the great art by Acuna! Or did I just do that? D’OH!

THE RATING: B+