Don't come into Wolverine MAX expecting the book to push the boundaries of the label as far as sex, violence, and foul language go. The series only occasionally flaunts the freedom of the mature readers rating. But as far as I'm concerned, that's a good thing. Writer Jason Starr is proving that he cares more about pushing the popular X-Man into new territory than focusing on superficial stabbery.
Issue #2 sees Logan adrift in Japan and struggling to make sense of his current predicament even as the authorities are hunting him for his role in issue #1's plane crash. The series is quickly taking on a Bourne Identity vibe as Logan comes to terms not only with his strange powers and fighting skills, but also unexpected financial resources and business connections. Meanwhile, there's also a touch of Highlander at play as Starr explore's Logan's past via flashbacks. One interesting change to this series is that Logan's lifespan appears to be far longer than in the regular Marvel Universe. Here, the flashbacks center in feudal Japan as various clans wage war on one another.
It becomes more and more clear with each page that Starr isn't simply recycling stories like Origin and Weapon X. There are familiar characters and elements, but there's also a sense of the unknown and unexpected that one too rarely sees in a Wolverine book. Starr's characterization of Logan isn't all that new or ground-breaking. The dialogue is serviceable, but not necessarily bold or memorable. It's more the situations and general sense of mystery that set this book apart.
The art quality also improves in issue #2. Roland Boschi is firmly in his element here. He paints a grim, shadowy picture of modern Japan, with just enough touches of flash and violence to offset the shadows. His facial work isn't always completely in line with what the script calls for, but nothing too off-kilter. The improvement comes in the flashback scenes. Felix Ruiz's pencils are a better fit for Logan's samurai years, maintaining a certain level of realism but striking a more dynamic and bloody tone than the present day material.
Jesse is a writer for various IGN channels. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter, or Kicksplode on MyIGN.
Source : ign[dot]com
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