WOLVERINE #309

[ MY MONEY SAVER ] 

Why are not all comic books published in order? It does give the impression of some sort disorder. Wolverine jumps up. Rogue has wears a D cup. And the X-men watch that program 'Law and....' eeerrr... I forgot what it was called again! Maybe these guys might know? Writer: Ivan Branon; Artists: Rafael Albuquerque and Jason Latour; plus Publisher: Marvel Comics in August 2012.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

Have you ever eating marshmallows whilst sitting on the beach? Kind of gritty, aren't they? Gritty, fluffy and sweet. Just like this Wolverine solo-story entitled 'Underneath'. Oh! Just without the coastal winds of course. 

• Picture the scene b*tch; Wolverine is drinking at a bar, and suddenly he is propositioned by a mutant he meets.
• No. It isn't Josh. This sullen youth wants to accompany Logan on this adventure.
• It's Eva; the pretty young mutant with a scar to hide, who asks Wolverine to travel to the Salton Sea, and try his best to rectify a monstrous situation over there.
• And does Wolverine do this? Course he does. He's a fighter isn't he! Though this time that might not really be enough.

Meltdown be damned, BOOOM!

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

If I'm going to be honest with you, I really did love reading the majority of this issue. However, I did find that the dialogue at the beginning of this story, with Logan by himself, and then with him and Josh, the stand out for me. Particularly...

JOSH: No offence. You've probably killed more people than I went to high school with.

LOGAN: Depends on the High School.

Ha! Short but sweet.

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

This yarn was class throughout. Honestly, I can hardly fault it where the overall tone and sheen is concerned. Moreover, in my opinion the best thing about this issue, was how a story was told, and told in a way that lent itself to pathos, personality, and a very alternate seventies vibe that I really do dig.

Cool beans.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

I have two very small gripes about this issue: (1) Why was 309 published after 310? Any idea's people? And (2) It wasn't that clear that the boy in the bar and the boy at the school, Josh, were one of the same person; due to the muted colour pallet used on this story.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: When a story starts off on the right footing it's very hard for it to go wrong really. Take this issue for instance; it begins with Logan explaining his world to the reader, allowing the narrative to merge in with the visuals, giving us something to soak up like a sponge in water. Granted, not new as a concept -- I have to agree with that. But I don't think I've ever related so much to what Logan has said before -- especially where his 'smoking analogy' is concerned.  Lovely.

ART: When I first heard that Rafael Albuquerque and Jason Latour were going to share the art chores on this book, I thought to myself "Oh bugger! I hope they don't clash". And do you know what, not only didn't they clash, they also complemented and enhanced as well.

Truthfully, I really do enjoy their earthy styles, and love their 'day-glow' battle scene that literally kicked me in the eye with its visual dynamism -- smashing.

My only gripe with their work though has been mentioned above -- non-sign-posted characters.

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

JOSH: Just look at him God damn it. Colin Ford. Doesn't he look like he could kill you with his merest touch? Well, he was born in Nashville, Tennessee, you know. And he has worked on television too. So it is possible, isn't, it?

EVA: Although singer come actress, Amanda Bynes, has the face of an angle, you'll know if you look deep into her eyes that she has something going on underneath that dress of hers. Hmmm. Say no more.

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

Meldown Can Melt My Ass. Logan And Josh Is Here To Supply Some Special Whoop Ass Medicine.

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why? 

Whilst reading this issue a Clint Eastwood film suddenly popped into my mind -- 'Honkeytonk Man'. It tells the story of a lone musician and his nephew travelling from town to town on a fateful adventure together. It's a good film. Like this is a good comic book. Check out this song to see what I mean...

FINAL thoughts...

This issue was an issue I really loved to read. It was stylish. It was gritty. It had personality. It had flavor. Heck, the only things I weren't too keen on were small and insignificant. 

Which reminds me -- Marvel -- what are they doing at the moment, huh? Every year or so they reboot a series, change the numbers on their books, or mess about with a character that does not need messing about with. Why? I know that innovation is the key at times, and that water turns stagnant when left for too long. But once in a while it would be nice if stories and characters were allowed to grow with its audience.  

The same argument goes to DC too -- stop messing about -- none of you would be here today if the past never turned into the future. Think about it. 

MARKS out of 10? 9.2