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View Full Version : WOLVERINE #175 REVIEW


Brian Wilkinson
Apr 24, 2002, 09:54 pm
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/wolv-175.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/wolv-175t.jpg" align=left alt="Wolverine #175"></a>Reviewer: Brian E. Wilkinson, bewilkinson@yahoo.ca
Quick Rating: Great!
Story Title: The Logan Files (Part 3 of 3)

You knew it was coming: Wolverine vs. Sabretooth! But was ANYONE prepared for the outcome of the battle?!?

Written by: Frank Tieri
Cover by: J.H. Williams III & Mick Gray
Penciled by: Sean Chen
Inked by: Norm Rapmund
Lettered by: Richard Starking & Comicraft's Saida Temofonte
Colored by: Avalon's Raymund Lee

The Vow
Written by: Frank Tieri
Penciled by: Georges Jeanty
Inked by: Ray Snyder
Lettered by: Richard Starking & Comicraft's Oscar Gongora
Colored by: Avalon's Raymund Lee

A Good Man
Written by: Jason Aaron
Art by: UDON Studios
Lettered by: Comicraft

Assistant Editor: Mike Raicht
Editor: Mike Marts
Editor-In-Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas

In case anyone out there doubted it, Frank Tieri is a god. No, not THE God, but A god nonetheless. Wolverine #175 is everything an X-fan could hope for and more… guts, glory, death, and a storyline that pulls readers in to a startling degree. Though I’ve always enjoyed Wolverine as a title, I never knew how good it could be until now.

In his relatively short time as a writer on this series, Tieri has shown that there is still a lot of life left in a character who has now been around for 27 years. Despite the fact that Tieri has introduced several new villains, he has also shown care for the past storylines of other writers that I have never seen before.

So, what are we facing in this issue? Well, Wolverine has once again come face to face with his arch-enemy, Sabretooth. It seems ol’Sabes has gone to a LOT of trouble to track down Logan’s loved ones rather than Logan himself, and to do his dirty work for him, Sabretooth enlists the aid of Lady Deathstrike and Omega Red. By kidnapping Amiko, Logan’s ward, Sabretooth has forced Logan into a showdown where it seems only one of them can walk out alive. Sabretooth has used all of the resources of the Weapon X program (much to their disapproval) to push the odds in his favour, including using the young mutant Leech to cancel out Wolverine’s powers! What does this all mean in a nutshell? Wolverine is in DEEP doo-doo.

Tieri begins the issue with a celebration of sorts between Sabretooth, Omega Red, and Lady Deathstrike as they gloat about working together to beat up a little guy with no powers. I had a few questions as to how and why Omega Red would be working for Sabretooth in the first place, seeing as how there was quite a lot of bad blood between them in the past. Before I could raise too much of a questioning eyebrow, Omega Red and Sabretooth discuss this aspect of their relationship showing that once again Frank Tieri has his finger on the pulse of this character. Going one step further, Tieri reminds readers what a scumbag Sabretooth as the ‘toothmonger betrays both Lady Deathstrike and Omega Red by slamming their heads together and escaping with his prize. Though this scene wasn’t integral to the story, it was important in reminding readers of the nature of Wolverine’s situation, not to mention some of the past continuity that has built up as a result of these associations. The only thing I felt a tad let down by was the lack of interaction between Lady Deathstrike and Logan. They have had a tumultuous relationship in the past, ranging from a failed relationship, a close family bond, and a near-tireless effort from Lady Deathstrike to remove the adamantium from Wolverine’s skeleton as she believed it the property of her father’s. The last time she appeared in this book was shortly after Logan lost the adamantium skeleton as a result of a conflict with Magneto. Deciding to put her grudge behind her, it seemed as though the two had a sort of truce. I’m sure Tieri has more in store for Lady D in the future and then perhaps we can see what her motivations (aside from the info and money Creed offered her for her services) were for hunting down Wolverine.

The rest of the main story for this issue (there are three total within this month’s offering) centers largely on Creed and Logan as they continue the battle they began years ago. Artist Sean Chen almost goes over the top in bringing Tieri’s violent script to life as he depicts the two men doing everything from hacking, slashing, skinning, and even eye gouging. I do have to give a lot of credit here to both writer and artist, as THIS is the kind of conflict one would expect to see from these two men. Their hatred for each other is decades old, with neither one ever truly emerging as the true winner. They are the yin and the yang, the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the epitome of man versus his inner beast.

Chen’s art in this issue is fantastic. Not only does he handle the more violent aspects with gruesome detail, but also the emotions, the backgrounds, and the heart of this story are all brought to life with his art. Though I may praise the writing talents of Frank Tieri, fully one-half of this book and its success are due to Sean Chen. These two are an unbeatable team, and I hope to see them working together for a long time to come.

Another thing I'd like to comment on is the superb job that inker Norm Rapmund does every month with bringing this comic to life. Without his deft touch, the scenes in the forest outside the Weapon X compound and within the ruins themselves wouldn't have carried the serious tone needed to pull off such a dramatic issue. The uncertain darkness, the clever use of shadows that leaves so much up to our imaginations, and the delicate ways in which these characters are given more life all make this issue fantastic. Sometimes the effort that people like Rapmund put into their craft goes overlooked, but without their contribution it just wouldn't be the same. A fantastic job by ALL on this issue and it is sure to be one of the crown jewels in their long careers.

My favorite part of this issue surrounds the often discussed 'memory implants' that supposedly have prevented Wolverine from ever knowing about his own past. In a surprising (yet so logical I can't believe someone wouldn't have picked up on this before) move, Tieri debunks the idea of memory blocks entirely saying that Logan has repressed his memories. The blocks, in a strange twist, are entirely Logan's own fault. It DOES make sense, as Wolverine's healing factor would eventually compensate for ANY foreign material introduced into his system, even fake memories. In other words, Logan could remember at any time who he really is. Will he? Probably not, as Tieri and co. can likely milk this for all it's worth in the coming years! Still, a great twist and the perfect move to help evolve the character!

Nothing could have prepared me for what happens at the end of this issue and as I re-read it now for the third time today I still can’t believe all of the events that took place. The struggle between Wolverine and Sabretooth reaches new heights as the pair continue their battle in the abandoned Weapon X facility that helped shape Wolverine into the man he is today. On the line are the contents of the mysterious ‘Logan Files’ for which this story arc is named, and the life of Amiko. As Sean Chen draws the bloody hero and the dark tones of the scene around them emit a death-like feel, one knows that tragedy is about to strike. The conflict goes beyond description. As Wolverine cradles Amiko in his arms, his terror and grief at finding her dead overwhelms him. Weapon X have finally made a move so now Sabretooth, too, is without his healing factor. In the moments before Weapon X can end the conflict, both men inflict mortal wounds on the other. Normally, this would be no problem as each has recovered from far serious injuries, but without the benefit of the healing factor, neither is long for this world. Before he can be captured, Sabretooth teleports away but with his wounds does this mean that he is simply going to another place to die? Cornered, Wolverine takes a few steps towards Weapon X, intent on carving his way out of there. He takes one step, then another, and falls to the ground, dead. Yes, you heard me right, Wolverine is dead. A hero to his core, a man who was destined to fight his entire life has done just that. Tragedy, sorrow, and pain have followed him his whole life and now perhaps his soul can find a measure of peace.

Or not. Wolverine IS Marvel’s most popular character, after all. I’ve seen cover previews for the next two or three issues, so I think it’s safe to say he’ll be back for more. Still, I can’t wait to see how Tieri handles this experience in the wake of everything else that Logan has been through lately. Beautifully done, Frank. You are most definitely the man!

That being said (and you DID read the spoilers even though you were warned, didn’t you?), look out next month for the all-new, all-different Experiment X by Frank Tieri and Sean Chen! That’s right, Wolverine as you’ve known and loved it is no more, and next month sees a brand new direction! Who is Experiment X? Where has he come from? And why is he working for the sinister Weapon X program? Find out next month!

Okay, okay, relax. I’m just kidding! ;) Next month will see a brand new adventure for the ol’canuckle head with the title of Wolverine as always, but given the events of #175, I think it’s safe to say this will be one of his most interesting yet! You dare not miss it!

Where do you think you’re going? I’m not done yet!

Following the main story is two EXCELLENT back up stories. One is titled “The Vow” by regular series writer Frank Tieri with art by Georges Jeanty (Bishop: The Last X-Man). I must say this story impressed me just as much (if not more) than the main story this issue. It focuses on one of Wolverine’s main enemies, Matsu'o Tsurayaba, who was the man responsible for killing Wolverine’s love, Mariko several years ago. On that day, Wolverine vowed to come to Matsu'o every year on the anniversary of Mariko’s death to take another piece of him. True to his word, Wolverine has returned every year and no matter how well he thought he was prepared, Matsu'o paid the price for his actions.

Tieri does a beautiful job with this story, blending both the past events that have taken place in Wolverine with a few additions of his own. I really appreciated the effort Tieri put in here as only the first two attacks by Wolverine have actually taken place in the comics, and by including a couple of extra Tieri ensures that readers don’t feel as though Logan had forgotten about his vow as subsequent writers since those events had chosen not to touch upon them.

In a very believable way, Matsu'o seems to be expressing a degree of remorse over his past actions. Whether or not his remorse stems from taking the life of another human being or for the vengeance that Logan has exacted upon him is not clear, but what IS clear is that Matsu'o can no longer deal with it. Intending to commit suicide before Wolverine can show up and take yet another part of him away, Matsu'o readies the dagger before his chest. The clock strikes midnight, and yet Wolverine doesn’t show up. Matsu'o wonders what could have kept him from holding to his vow, and as a result, the dagger does not pierce flesh. What could this possibly mean? Is Tieri foreshadowing a future conflict between these two men? Does Matsu'o think that Logan has finally forgiven him? What will happen now? It is stories like these that convince me that Frank Tieri is the master of subplots, as this one has me drooling for more.

The art here by Georges Jeanty is beautifully done. It gives a seriousness to what Matsu'o intends to do, and the hazy way in which Matsu'o relives his past experiences with Logan have an ethereal feel. Not once do we see Logan’s face clearly as he comes for Matsu'o, almost as if he was more a demon than a man. I miss Jeanty’s art from his days on Gambit and Bishop: The Last X-Man, so it is definitely a treat to see him back in action!

The last story, “A Good Man” is by Wolverine Talent Search winner Jason Aaron with art by UDON. Before I say anything about his work, I think Aaron deserves a HUGE pat on the back for breaking into the business that most of us only dream about. I hope this is the beginning of a long and prosperous career for him, and based on this story, I think he’s off to a fine start. So Jason, wherever you are, I hope you’ve framed a copy of your story and you thank your lucky stars that you were given this opportunity. Never forget those who helped make it possible for you, and enjoy this very POSITIVE review of your work!

“A Good Man” is a simple tale, yet it is filled with the kind of optimism and tragedy that has marked Wolverine over the years. Stumbling across a middle-aged woman with a flat tire, Logan takes a moment to change her tire for her despite the fact that he is being hunted for some reason. The true meat of the story lies in the conversation between Logan and the woman about God, grief, and I suppose the road to either heaven or hell. Aaron gives readers a truly touching story as the woman asks such a simple question of Logan: “Have you ever prayed?” And in only a few short panels, Aaron takes readers briefly through some of the more dramatic moments of Logan’s life and the wonders he has seen, showing that he has indeed prayed and his scepticism that God has ever listened.

Though the story ends in tragedy (Wolverine just isn’t having much luck these days), it is an impressive look into the mind and heart of a man who fights on the side of good, but may not find redemption for his actions when his time is up. The art by UDON beautifully captures the tone and feel of the story while delivering intensity that compliments the delicate words Aaron has written.

The only negative thing I will say about this issue is that I wasn’t sure why Wolverine was in Alabama in the first place, and I didn’t know what the nature of the conflict between Logan and the three local thugs was all about. A minor thing, but after doing so many reviews, I tend to nitpick.

Though not without its flaws like any other comic, Aaron has made a fine beginning into the world of comics, and I would not be surprised to see this young talent finding more work soon. Again, congratulations, and welcome to the world of comics!

So, is this months issue of Wolverine worth your money? It is worth every penny and probably a dollar or two more at that. Readers are treated to not just ONE excellent Wolverine story, but THREE and each compliment the other so well that if this were to be Wolverine’s final issue I would leave satisfied. Kudos to Tieri, Aaron, Chen, Jeanty, and UDON for putting out what is perhaps the finest Wolverine comic in years. Pick up a copy today!

{I may be nitpicking, but if I don’t you won’t think I know everyting.}

ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xnone.jpg

STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xhalf.jpg

OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xnone.jpg

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

Icemanfan21
Apr 24, 2002, 10:38 pm
Jeez...I'm gonna have to go out and pick up this book. I have to know which is better...the book itself or your review! Anyway, good job Brian at once again convincing me to shell out even more of my meager income. Guess that's what I get for working in retail:)

Ryan Scott
Apr 24, 2002, 10:43 pm
I can't wait for EXPERIMENT X! Should be cool!
hehehe

Brian Wilkinson
Apr 25, 2002, 12:49 am
yeah, I thought it would be funny to put something in about that... TOTALLY made up, but I thought it was funny.

jasonaaron73
Apr 25, 2002, 01:24 am
So Jason, wherever you are, I hope you've framed a copy of your story and you thank your lucky stars that you were given this opportunity.

Hey, I'm right here! And yes, I am really grateful for the opportunity.


...Aaron has made a fine beginning into the world of comics, and I would not be surprised to see this young talent finding more work soon.

Thanks for the kind words, Brian. I'm working hard to prove you right.

Regarding your one complaint about my story, I felt that since I only had 8 pages to work with, I didn't have the space to go into why Wolvie was in Alabama or what kind of trouble he was in. I thought it cooler to just leave it up to the reader's imagination.

Thanks again. Glad to know I was a part (although a small one) of "the finest Wolverine comic in years."

Jason Aaron

Brian Wilkinson
Apr 25, 2002, 04:24 am
Welcome, Jason! It's great to have you here at X-Fan!

As for my 'negative' comment, I figured that the point was to get Wolvie to where he was and that the 'why' wasn't as important. That's why I didn't harp on it TOO much!

Again, welcome!

Wolverine
Apr 25, 2002, 05:15 am
My god that was an incredible issue. Wolvie is the unkillable god. See you next month.

whitedog
Apr 25, 2002, 07:29 am
I can´t wait to hold this issue in my hands ... I have to see it with my own eyes ...

Brian Wilkinson
Apr 25, 2002, 12:17 pm
It's WAY too good to pass up!

Madrox
Apr 25, 2002, 02:08 pm
I personaly didnt have a problem with it not saying why he was being chased. As its to be expected that where Wolverine goes trouble follows. Imigine him sitting in a bar and says something to **** off some rednecks (not insulting people from alabama) then they pull out there doornobs and out come the claws. and since rednecks more than anyone fear what they dont understand they sick the dogs on him.

Benjamin Ong
Apr 25, 2002, 03:16 pm
You fooled me with Experiment X, Bri... thought it's some kinda new title that X-Fan forgot to announce :D

Can't wait to get this issue!

udon-eko
Apr 25, 2002, 04:23 pm
Thanks to you all for the kind words on our art. We are glad that you have enjoyed it!

And hey Jason! We have a very fun time working on your script! Hope we can work together more in the future!

Winston
Apr 25, 2002, 06:26 pm
Marvel should give Tierie a life contract. Although the finale is going to seem meangingless next month when Logan recovers, it is still a great ending. Now, if Wolverine has been supressing his own memories, could next month be where Wolverine sees glimpses of his past through a near death experience? Either way, the new twist will have us all talking for the next days, months, years, etc.

Brian Wilkinson
Apr 26, 2002, 03:14 pm
Thanks for the kind words both for my review and for the people who made this great ish! As you can see, they DO read the reviews and your comments about them, and feedback is always helpful!

Omar A. Safi
Apr 27, 2002, 05:24 am
I got the issue but I only read the Chen part so far. The shorts at the end I haven't got to read but I imagine they'll be good. Well as for the main story, it was excellent. The battles were superb because a battle between Wolvie and 'Tooth has to be gorey and violent to the MAX (stupid pun). I liked the issue very much and I loved the scene where it shows a portion of Origin and I loved Tieri's explanation of Wolverine's long and strenuous search for his memories. Good review Brian and I'll read the rest of the issue soon. I liked the cover too. Here's a good way to describe the issue, :O.

Icemanfan21
Apr 27, 2002, 07:13 am
Hey Bri, I got the issue, read it, and loved it. That's also a very elegant way to work in the whole Origin thing. Good job Frank! Now we don't have to sit through the "Wolverine Slideshow" where he tells everybody "there's my puppy" or "that's the time I went fishing on Lake Tehatchapee" or "that's when I learned to ride a bike!" Well, see you all on wednesday after I've finished reading the new X-Comics.

jp

Maximus Prime
Apr 27, 2002, 09:47 am
yes yes yes
lets just hope that the outcome of wolvies death
uisn't a "shudder" clone
lol
frank t is god
great review brian
another great one to add to your collection
die amiko
die
lol

Sabretooth
Apr 27, 2002, 06:01 pm
Hey folks, newbie in da house! Yup, this is definately one of my all-time favorite Wolverine comics! My only problem is that the fight wasn't that great between the two. I miss the old days where superhero fights would take up the whole comic...and the fight would be huge. Like when they fought in Wolverine 90...that was sweet. Anyway, enough of my complaining, it was sweet and I can't wait to see how this is resolved. Hopefully we'll also be seeing a lot more of Omega Red because he's such an awesome character. It's a pity he isn't used very much.
:wolvie:

WEAPONX7284
Apr 28, 2002, 05:50 am
We all know Logan didn't die.The most interesting part is to see how does he comes back.With the creaters on this book I'm sure it'll be a must read.


Wrong thread, but when the blazes is Origin 6 comin' out? Any ideas?

Toño Anaya
Apr 28, 2002, 05:03 pm
Wolverine #175 was surprisingly good! I haven't picked up a Wolverine issue in a long time. Your review sums up what I feel about this book. Gosh, there are just too many earth-shattering storylines in the core X-books (and the Avengers, too!) that are happening simultaneously. Wolverine sort of brought the sanity back to reading comic books this month.

Hey! Could someone please tell me how to see through the gray spoiler space? Gracias.

Omar A. Safi
Apr 29, 2002, 02:34 am
Just highlight over it with your mouse. ;) May 1 is supposed to be the release date for Origin #6 but I knowing that series it'll probably be delayed for the third time. Well, it's had more than that but at least for the release dates I've been keeping track of.

SlymCyke
Apr 29, 2002, 03:53 am
I feel bad bringing a few negative comments into a thread that has nothing but praise for said issue, but I was really let down by this issue.

My first grip with this issue was Amiko's apparent death. I say apparent because death is never really permanent in the Marvel Universe and because there is still the possiblity she could be saved or helped by Weapon X. But, if in fact she is dead, that is so much potential lost in a character. It really is too bad how children are treated in the Marvel U. They either die, get sent to the future, grow up exceptionally fast, etc. I understand this is due to Comic Book Time, but I think that good stories and a lot of potential is lost when they just eliminate a caracter because the writer doesn't know what to do with them. A good writer would be able to handle the situation. Not that I'm saying Frank's a bad writer or that is the reason she was killed, just a point of observation in general.

The biggest let down was the "suprise" ending with Wolverine "died". I rolled my eyes exactly the same way I did when he "died" in Astonishing X-Men three. You know Marvel would never let him be killed, and future solicitations prove he won't be dead. To me, and IMHO, it's just cheap shock value that never pays off.

These two points really killed the main story for me. On the other hand, to end on a bright note, I think that both the back up stories were very well done and I enjoyed them both.

Toño Anaya
Apr 30, 2002, 05:58 pm
Originally posted by Hotrod
Just highlight over it with your mouse. ;)

Thanks kindly! I was beginning to think this was something only premium members could view. I like the gray space...I don't want to see every spoiler, that's for sure. Great!

Omar A. Safi
Apr 30, 2002, 11:43 pm
Originally posted by SlymCyke:
To me, and IMHO, it's just cheap shock value that never pays off.

These two points really killed the main story for me. On the other hand, to end on a bright note, I think that both the back up stories were very well done and I enjoyed them both.
It's not shock value cause it wasn't hinted at all before the release of the issue. It wasn't in the solicitations I believe and it wasn't suggested on the cover. I think it was just a good way to set up a story.

Yeah, I recently finished the issue cause I only read the first part and the last two additional stories were excellent. I loved the art, especially UDON's and the contest winner's story was excellent.
Originally posted by Tono:
Thanks kindly! I was beginning to think this was something only premium members could view. I like the gray space...I don't want to see every spoiler, that's for sure. Great!
You're welcome! ;)

LoganBane
May 2, 2002, 09:19 pm
I thought it was touching that Logan burried the dogs too. He always did love animals.

lightstar
May 8, 2002, 12:46 am
The only word I can use to describe this issue is "DAMN!! Even though we know Logan is not dead, the ending still was a shocker. Cant wait to see how he will be resurrected

Brett Boyko
May 8, 2002, 03:00 am
When you're right you're right. I picked up my copy last night and I have to say: Bri I was really impressed. It's a great read with great art. I don't know about everyone else but I have plans on getting my issue framed.

Brett Boyko

blue
May 10, 2002, 09:30 pm
Is anyone think that this issue was too violence?

stormwatch
May 11, 2002, 12:29 am
Originally posted by blue
Is anyone think that this issue was too violence?

Too Violent, well, I went to a fight and saw a hockey game. (sorry, took up with the battle in Ontario right now)

Great Review Brian, all three issues, were great. I really liked the "shocker" at the end, and am wondering about Sabretooth and his placement in Weapon X, truly I am. It was IMHO, an added demention to Wolverine for Wolverine, who has faced death so often, it is going to be interesting to see the aftereffects of it and just like 100 issues ago, it is a great twist to everything. I loved this anniversary issue, the hunt, the showdown, and am wondering about how all this will effect and be played outLeech and what happened with him. Amiko and if Weapon X recruits her or whatever happens with her, her funeral, if she is dead, Death surrounds wolverine, Marvel characters dying, and staying dead too, but I think her "death" would be very touching, and can't wait to see whats in store.

Otherwise, a solid issue, no complaints here.

Omar A. Safi
May 11, 2002, 04:37 am
Originally posted by Blue:
Is anyone think that this issue was too violence?
Yeah right :p. If anything, this issue was a little less violent than it should've been but still excellent.
Yeah, I'm looking forward to what happens to Leech too.