Writer: Jason Aaron

Art: Ron Garney, Jason Keith, and VC’s Cory Petit

Price: $3.99

Released: April 8th, 2009

Jason Aaron kicks off his WOLVERINE run by catching up readers, tying up loose ends, and climaxing with a subtle cliffhanger that disperses a bit of suspicion and intrigue into the narrative. However, even though this issue isn’t labeled as a MAX title, it’s still very brutal and extremely graphic. So, before you take a deep dive into this series, be warned, especially if that’s not your cup of tea. But, if you’re like me and love the artistic license a more explicit title lends the reader and storyteller, then you’ve come to the right place! WOLVERINE WEAPON X #1 by Jason Aaron looks to be a gritty, hard-nosed, graphic display that’s prepared to take the Weapon X Super Soldier program into the future.

Overall, I was pleased with the opening installment. Truthfully, nothing knocked my socks off. The story itself was strong and contained just enough history to make it feel like Aaron knew what he was talking about, which is always important for any new writer jumping on a series. Furthermore, Aaron’s portrayal of Wolverine wasn’t perfect however, he actually wasn’t as big of a role as I thought he would be in the first issue donning his name. Aaron used most of the issue to set up the premise of the series, which is actually commendable. Now, the focus moving forward can be about Logan and his interactions with Blackguard. Therefore, it’s difficult to make a snap judgment on Aaron’s interpretation of Wolverine simply because he wasn’t as vital to this inaugural tale as I thought he would be.

The elements of Wolverine that Aaron made sure to highlight were his crotchety demeanor, his temperament, and his fiery rage. The normal short fuse that Wolverine has reared its ugly head as well as his propensity to be alone and downtrodden. However, some of the inner monologuing didn’t jive too well with this reviewer. Additionally, Wolverine’s tone of voice in his conversations just seemed a bit off as well. Again, it’s the first issue that was centered more on catching up new readers and progressing the narrative of the Weapon X Project in a new direction. The issue definitely did its job. Now, let’s see what Aaron can do with the next installment.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Readers, this issue has some insanely graphic images by Ron Garney that will remind you of some hardcore 80s’ action flicks that rampaged theatres for over a decade. Garney’s style is crisp, thorough, and detailed with facial expressions that emanate the gut-wrenching feeling each of these characters experienced as many of them witnessed their own demise. However, if a comic is more about the story to you, this issue points fans in the proper direction and gets everyone up to the status quo whether they’re a Wolverine fan or not. Fans will leave the issue thrilled for the next one mainly because it just started to get good right as the issue wrapped up. If you’re a diehard Wolverine fan, this is a decent start that I have no doubt will pick up as the series moves along. Therefore, I’d continue along for the ride. If you’re new to Wolverine or have never read anything Weapon X related, this is perfect for you and should be picked up immediately. Feel free to click HERE to grab the WOLVERINE WEAPON X (2009) trade by Jason Aaron and read along from home. Additionally, if you happen to think Jason Aaron is a rock star, click HERE for more of his amazing works on Amazon. I really do think you’ll enjoy the heck out of it.

8.5/10