WOLVERINE #172 REVIEW

[Brian Wilkinson]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/wolv-172.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/wolv-172t.jpg" align=left alt="Wolverine #172"></a>Reviewer: Brian E. Wilkinson, bewilkinson@yahoo.ca
Quick Rating: Excellent!

'Stay Alive' comes to a close as Wolverine and Alpha Flight take on the terrible Mauvais as the fate of Canada hangs in the balance!

Writer: Frank Tieri
Artist: Sean Chen
Inks: Norm Rapmund
Letters: Richard Starkings & Comicraft's Saida Temofonte
Assistant Editor: Mike Raicht
Editor: Mike Marts
Editor-In-Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas

Though I had a few misgivings about how writer Frank Tieri chose to approach this arc in it’s first two issues, I must say that this month’s offering has exceeded all expectations. The writing is top notch, no character is left unexamined, and the art by Sean Chen flies off the page. This is Wolverine at its best.

The issue revolves around the desperate attempt by Wolverine and Alpha Flight to stop the villain, Mauvais, from wrenching spiritual control of Canada away from the mystical sources that protect it. Wasting no time on formalities, Alpha Flight quickly comes to Wolverine’s aid (and gives him a few moments breather so that he can heal up and re-enter the fray). Canada’s heroes work very well together to fight battles on all sides while doing everything they can to free the mystical forces that imprison the native spirits of Canada. A knock-down drag out fight issue, with great moments between every character and a new mystery to unravel at the end. This is the stuff great comics are made of!

In my previous reviews for this arc, I commented on my frustration for the vague and stereotypical way in which Canada often seems depicted. To his credit, Tieri shows that he has done a lot of research into some of the native culture and the spirits traditionally associated with these cultures and beautifully integrates them into the book. While I still long for the Canada I live in to be depicted properly, at least Tieri has shown a degree of care in how he writes about the country.

Though I have often expressed my appreciation for Tieri’s handling of characters who appear in this series (most of which are in character limbo awaiting a writer to use them again) I am always surprised for how well he does this. When Alpha Flight appears in this issue, it isn’t just to fight or to utter useless taunts, but rather each has at least one moment that addresses what is going on in their lives. These remarks aren’t thrown in carelessly, either, as Mauvais takes advantage of Aurora’s/Jean-Marie’s split personality and exploits it, as Sasquatch moves to care for her as it is revealed they are a couple once again. The Wolverine/Puck relationship becomes clear from the way the two characters banter back and forth (culminating with Puck inviting Wolverine out for a beer) while Shaman and Wolverine work together as old friends and allies. This, of course, makes sense given that Shaman helped Wolverine out in a previous tussle in Canada a few years ago featuring a possessed bear. Even Snowbird gets a bit of face time as Tieri acknowledges her ties to Canada and her recent resurrection. You have to admit that shows a pretty impressive knowledge of both his supporting characters lives as well as the fan interest in ‘catching up’ with old favorites. Tieri didn’t have to do this, but I really appreciate it. Though he didn’t have time to fit it into the issue, I was a little sad that there was no mention as to the current whereabouts of Northstar who was seen in the pages of X-Men just prior to the recent revamp. Guess you can’t have your cake and eat it too, huh?

You know, from the amount of time and care that Tieri devotes to Alpha Flight in this issue, one might think that perhaps Marvel has a new limited series in the works for these great characters… time will tell.

As for Mauvais himself I must say that he is quickly becoming a favorite villain of mine. He is ruthless, intelligent, and completely disgusting in the use of his powers. The amount of flesh consumed in this issue (including his own) to keep his powers fresh leaves one impressed at his determination to win at all costs. Too bad Mauvais seems to be out of the picture for quite some time, as his new Wendigo body and ‘raising the dead’ powers (which explains how Bloodscream likely came to be in his service again) as Wolverine hasn’t had such a serious challenge in a while. Speaking of Bloodscream, there is no mention or appearance either of him or Vermin who were seen accompanying Mauvais on this jaunt to Canada. When they were last seen, Bloodscream and Vermin were attacking the base camp for the ‘Stay Alive’ producers. It’s not like Tieri to keep such an obvious plot point dangling so perhaps there just wasn’t enough time and space in the issue to wrap things up. Maybe Tieri wants it that way so that he has an easy issue or two to write in the near future.

A violent issue, definitely, but it never really seems excessive despite the copious amounts of flesh-eating and bleeding that takes place. Every action seems logical and necessary and rarely does it feel over-the-top. Chen’s art works wonderfully to get a clear picture of what is happening across without revealing the specifics in gory detail. Speaking of Chen, his art has never looked better than it does in this issue. Often artists dealing with one character month after month seem to struggle with drawing many characters on page after page, but each character is given just as much attention as Wolverine. Should Chen ever feel to leave this book for another, I have full confidence that he will deliver the goods month after month.

What would an issue of Wolverine be without a little bit of mystery thrown in to whet the appetites of its many fans? Mauvais could have had a victory of sorts over Wolverine, but chooses to let him go as “the dark path your life is about to take is far worse…” than what he can do to him. Talk about a great tease! This makes me even more eager for the next issue, not to mention the upcoming 'Origin Quest' storyline currently in the works. Just as Paul Jenkins is doing over in the Origin mini-series, Frank Tieri leaves his readers desperately wanting more. The main advantage that Tieri has over Jenkins at the moment is that his book comes out on time. ;)

Favorite, yet kind of sad, moment: Sasquatch stepping in for the deceased Colossus with the old ‘fastball special’. I miss good ol’ Piotr…

There is no better argument for Wolverine as one of the best comics that Marvel has to offer than when it is written by Frank Tieri and drawn by Sean Chen. The action is fast-paced, the stories engaging, and above all a cast that continues to delight month after month. If you’re loving this series as much as I am, then be sure to pick up the new Weapon X series by Frank Tieri and Georges (Deadpool) Jeanty, coming this summer!

ART:
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STORY:
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OVERALL:
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Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics (http://www.x-worldcomics.com/x/bstore/newbooksmain.html) and save!

[Kim S. August]

great review Brian. The Alpha Flight details helped this newbie and there are many things you address that I would, if I could so eleoquently.

I'm curious about how you would like to see your native soil depicted.

A highlight of the issue for me was the push of native american mysticism; I love how Frank tied Mauvais into the French-Indian war and thus paved the way to use the Marvel variant of the Gods of the Great White North (unless of course they truly do exist. I don't know, but I'd like to know more about them.)

I agree with so many things you said here about Tieri's writing and how he brings fans up to speed whenever he introduces some long lost Marvel U character. Yes, Alpha Flight was a bit confusing to me, I only know the slighest bit of history regarding them...but a second read clarified things quite nicely.

That's the other thing I love about Frank's writing, the fact that you keep finding things when you go back to read the book.

rambling on here, but very well done Brian. I seriously couldn't have said it better myself.

Loganteamx :wolvie:

[Steven Paul]

Great Review, and I agree with you, Tieri gave all of Alpha Flight moments to shine. And I think this issue is a great example of just how great a writer he is. (Can't wait until the Weapon X Ongoing)

[Kim S. August]

Originally posted by Kjata
I second that Teri is very good on wolvie. I hope he stays on for a good 2 or 3 years. I'd love see them on the book longer than that. Afterall, Hama was on for about 6 years. :D

[Steven Paul]

The longer Tieri is on Wolverine the better. I havn't enjoyed the title this much in a very, very long time.

[Monolith]

Now that Tieri's leaving Iron Man and Deadpool, does this mean we can expect a new Alpha Flight series along with the Weapon X Program title? Probably not, but a guy can hope, eh?

[deanna]

I really enjoyed this issue, and the team action was great. Tieri and Chen made Alpha Flight work and look cool, and I'm talking about the superhero team that used to be the butt of many jokes a few years back.
The team panels here really made me think back to the days of similar action in the X-books. You know what I'm talking about--the whole team going at the foe, the clever banter back and forth, etc. The whole Alpha Flight sequence just took me back to those times when I was growing up and starting to read the X-books.
A lot of people have said they love Tieri's writing style. I agree, but Sean Chen's art also helps make Wolverine the great book that it is. Just the way he draws some of the characters--it's amazing. They looks so realistic, and he portrays their emotions well. You could really feel Aurora's pain when she was laying on the ground crying, and Logan's exhaustion on the first page when he's in the middle of getting a beating.
I think Wolverine is one of the better books Marvel puts out. All the people who say that the company publishes too many X-books should read Wolverine before calling for its cancellation.

[Brian Wilkinson]

Well, in my opinion, Canada isn't a WHOLE lot different than the U.S. Everything comes out the same day here (and I mean everything) and our cultures are so intertwined that we may as well be one.

What bothers me is that Canada is always shown in perpetual winter. Yet parts of the states are farther North than I am in Canada. 90% of the Canadian population is near the U.S. border and while we DO get winter, it isn't very extreme (most of the time). I just hate it when I see things like Northern Lights over Toronto (a city with 4 million people) on the covers of comics. Or people 'dressing warm' despite whatever the current season is.


Go to a POPULATED center for pete's sake! We AREN'T in the middle of nowhere or a deep forest.

End Rant.

:wolvie:

[Kim S. August]

Originally posted by The7thParallel
Well, in my opinion, Canada isn't a WHOLE lot different than the U.S. Everything comes out the same day here (and I mean everything) and our cultures are so intertwined that we may as well be one.

What bothers me is that Canada is always shown in perpetual winter. Yet parts of the states are farther North than I am in Canada. 90% of the Canadian population is near the U.S. border and while we DO get winter, it isn't very extreme (most of the time). I just hate it when I see things like Northern Lights over Toronto (a city with 4 million people) on the covers of comics. Or people 'dressing warm' despite whatever the current season is.


Go to a POPULATED center for pete's sake! We AREN'T in the middle of nowhere or a deep forest.

End Rant.

:wolvie:

Oh Brian, I so understand what you're saying.

I've been to Toronto and know that area of Canada is a lot like NY (hey the film studios wouldn't use it as a stand in, if it wasn't). I forget what time of year I went (this was 14 years ago mind), but I was very surprised that the clatch of people I was with actually were talking like Bob and Doug McKenzie. This was one small group. There are many times NY has been misrepresented too...

Of course, with someone like Frank, I believe Canada will be in good hands as long as he's writing.

Loganteamx offers shoulder to lean on...even though she's south of the Great White North.

[Brian Wilkinson]

it's not that I mind that Canada is used, and if they need to use it in such a way to show the wilderness aspect, well, parts of the states could fit that bill just as easily. I'd just like a wider perspective, that's all.

Tieri handled it well, especially in the last issue, but unfortunately I'm just a bitter... BITTER... canuck. ;)

[Kim S. August]

Originally posted by The7thParallel
it's not that I mind that Canada is used, and if they need to use it in such a way to show the wilderness aspect, well, parts of the states could fit that bill just as easily. I'd just like a wider perspective, that's all.

Tieri handled it well, especially in the last issue, but unfortunately I'm just a bitter... BITTER... canuck. ;)

Sorry, I suppose I wasn't clear in my reply to this. I did SEE the wider perspective as far as city and the part of Canada I was in.
As far as the guys I was hanging out with, I'm sure they didn't say "Eh" at the end of every sentence once I left, but whatever, I enjoyed Toronto and seeing more of Canada besides the wilderness. But I have to confess my bitter Canuck friend, that Canada's wilderness is very appealing to me. But I know there's more and I don't blame ya for wanting to see more. Maybe you can suggest this to Frank in the future?

LTX one more time :)

[ahab26]

Originally posted by Monolith
Now that Tieri's leaving Iron Man and Deadpool, does this mean we can expect a new Alpha Flight series along with the Weapon X Program title? Probably not, but a guy can hope, eh?

Nothing would make me happier, but when I asked Frank about the possibility, he said he really didn't have any good ideas for them for a series. Bummer.

[Brian Wilkinson]

That's too bad... a new Alpha series would have a lot of interesting possibilites. Maybe another writer will read the issue and get inspired!

You never know!

[ShaggyDiz]

I'm sorry everyone, but I'm in disagreement with Wolverine 172. The art is nicely done. I am in dissaproval over this whole arc. For one, Mauvis is finally gone. Woohoo, thank god for that. If there is one thing about Tieri's writing, is that he seems to only be able to write fighting scenes. Cause that's what this whole arc has been.
Fighting.
Scenes.
On nearly every.
Single.
Page.
Except for a brief time in issue 170, with the execs and cast of that 'Survivor' rip (which was a good idea, but where has it gone?). I read 171, and said to myself "Oh great, if Alpha Flight is coming, then it's more fighting. *sigh*'. Low and behold, more fighting.
Now I do like fighting, and Wolverine is known to be a good fighter. But a comic isn't just about non-stop fighting. Take a look around. Other comics are doing fine with minimal fighting (I believe I'm ranting right now, so I'll finish quickly). I'm just saying there is more to comics.
I really enjoyed the start of Tieri's run. I really did. It all went sour starting with 169, though. Since then, I really don't know what to make of this. I honestly don't. I not gonna tell people to listen to me, cause I see that everyone else loves this. I used to love it. Hopefully this next arc changes my perception(which includes my favorite villain, OMEGA RED!!!). If not, then I don't know what else to do with the beloved Wolverine.
Peace.

[Brian Wilkinson]

everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, and you've certainly given good reasons for yours. It's too bad you aren't enjoying the book, and while some of your points are valid, it's too bad you weren't able to get into this arc. I must confess that I wasn't totally 'in' until this last issue, but I still think this is Wolverine at his best.

[alphafanphil]

I loved this issue. This for me, has been the best writing of Alpha Flight since Byrne. If almost felt like an issue of AF guest starring Wolvie.

Alpha Waves - The Alpha Flight mailing list - http://hammer.prohosting.com/~awaves/

[ShaggyDiz]

Hey, like I said, I'll give this next arc a try. Wolverine is one of my favorite characters, and this is Wolverine at his best, kicking evil's collective asses, but I just feel nothing coming out of these recent issues. It's as if there is not much of anything happening besides constant fighting. Enough complaining for now, I'm missing Star Trek: TNG.

Oh, Popbot #1 was a very interesting, if slow issue with Kieth and Wood trying to establish everyone for possibly meeting in the near future. So if you like bad mouth rock and roll kitties and bunches of sex robots, then this is for you.

Ok, done that.
Peace.