LOKI / WOLVERINE / PUNISHER #1 [Reviews]: Public Enemies #1

WOLVERINE #1

Not every All-New Marvel release can be a hit, and this is a prime example of a rushed and pushed-through concept with very little ingenuity. From a Marvel fan dating back to the late 80’s, the Apostle has seen his fair share of Logan makeovers, and this stinks of a bad 90s idea. The Wolverine has been human; read the 90’s crossover Fatal Attractions as an example, and thus a reason why the idea never lasts.

What makes Wolvie an interesting and different dude is that he’s the best at what he does — and that’s him being Wolverine. A human in an Iron Manesque costume is not Wolverine. I feel bad for what Marvel has given Paul Cornell (Doctor Who, Captain Britain) to work with. And that’s in no way in hell referring to this title’s one saving grace, artist Ryan Stegman (Superior Spider-Man), inker Mark Morales and colorist David Curiel. This trifecta easily made Wolverine #1 one of the best-looking comics on the shelves you’ll find this week.

So, if you can get by the fact this Wolverine would rather opt for healthy skin care than lose a few more hairs, the outstanding visuals in addition to the Superior Spidey’s presence next issue may make this worth a look…if certainly not a SNIKT.

THE PUNISHER #1

Nathan Edmondson (Who is Jake Ellis?) is on a roll at the House That Stan Built. Following his continued stellar run on Black Widow, Edmondson has once again struck gold with The Punisher #1.

This time, our favorite skull-wearing vigilante has moved away from the Mob-infested streets of New York for the City of Angels. This new lease on life only sends Frank Castle to more drug wars — only with palm trees.

I hope Frank enjoys the sun beating on his black uni’s, because the combination of Edmondson and artist Mitch Gerads(The Activity, Starborn) have injected new blood into a tired concept more suitable for the LED TV’s (or not, as exemplified by three horrendous attempts). And yet while Greg Rucka was likely, and albeit sadly, unable to finish his highly respected run the way he intended — following the shock of the b-movie mayhem of FrankenCastle — it’s great to see a worthy All-New team pick Frank up right where he left off.

Welcome back.

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