Can mutant healing prevent an untimely drowning?
Paul Cornell’s Wolverine #5 is the definition of a fun book. Much like many other Marvel titles, Cornell structures his story with an intense pace that focuses on larger than life events, while simultaneously incorporating small yet interesting character moments to break-up the action. In the case of Wolverine, Cornell obviously chooses to concentrate on creating an action-packed plot, but the direction he uses with Logan is by far one of the more interesting takes on the character in a while.
With both S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents and Nick Fury Jr. moving against the lone mutant at every turn, it is up to Logan himself to discover the cause of the betrayal while surviving in one of the most perilous environment possible. The underwater Helicarrier setting for Wolverine #5 is a fantastic set-piece for Cornell’s story, especially as it allows artist Mirco Pierfederici and his colorist, Andres Mossa, plenty of opportunity to craft several beautiful pages. Perfederici’s pencils add a level of scale to the backdrops that makes clear the stakes of Logan’s predicament, both from the underwater glimpses of the sinking Helicarrier as well as from within its claustrophobic interior. One of the best images is Logan’s unwilling hand-to-claw combat against several S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents.
Logan’s unwillingness to strike out against the Agents is what defines Cornell’s take on Wolverine. Cornell’s Wolverine is much more calm, centered, and closer to multi-dimensional than any take in recent memory. The mutant’s inner monologue that plays out as he stalks through the Helicarrier shows a man long worn out by the constant (perhaps often times senseless) killing that has come to define him in the Marvel Universe. What results is a story of trying to seek balance between a man learning to accept his lethal abilities and his desire for a peaceful existence.
Paul Cornell’s direction for Wolverine is fresh and fun, and a perfect summer title to read while escaping the heat. Wolverine #5 not only pits Logan against an entire cadre S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents, but adds in the deadly possibility of an underwater death. Along with Mirco Pierfederici’s great pencils, this issue is definitely worth the attention.
Paul Cornell (W), Mirco Pierfederici (A), Marvel Comics, $3.99, June 26, 2013
