Brett Boyko
May 6, 2002, 04:03 pm
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/ew-red1t.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/ew-red1t.jpg" align=left alt="Elektra & Wolverine: The Redeemer #1"></a>Reviewer: Brett Boyko, virgoblac@hotmail.com
Quick Rating: Excellent!
Story Title: Chapter One
Elektra makes a mistake during an assassination as she leaves a witness. Logan is ‘recruited’ to protect this teenage girl in exchange for his lost memories. But what secret does this girl hold to Wolverine’s past?
Written by: Greg Rucka
Art by: Yoshitaka Amano
Editor: Jennifer Lee
Senior Editor: Axel Alonso
Editor in Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
If I said, Elektra and Wolverine: The Redeemer , was anything less than EXQUISITE I’d be a liar.
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect with this mini-series. When you put two of the most fascinating characters from the Marvel Universe together (in my opinion) you don’t always get a great read. It always seems one overshadows the other or the novelty of a team-up doesn’t translate into a great story. Not only did Rucka and Amano achieve a perfectly balanced tale between Elektra and Wolverine they created a visually breathtaking book to do it in. One word: wow.
Here’s the tale so far:
Elektra is hired to assassinate a wealthy and powerful scientist. In doing so his daughter, Avery, witnesses everything. This is eerie, as Elektra seems to be re-enacting the event where she as a child witnessed her own father’s murder. I honestly got a shiver down my spine reading this. The particular passage was complimented by one of the most haunting depictions of Elektra I’ve ever seen. Portrayed in black a white with an expression of pure calm as she killed. It accentuates the mood of the moment perfectly.
Though, Elektra and Wolverine: The Redeemer, is written like an illustrated book more than a graphic novel Rucka turns this fully to his advantage. As Elektra scales the side of a penthouse suite we know exactly what she’s thinking. She tells us of her concerns, fears and excitement. Since we don’t have pics we’re forced to rely on the written word a bit more. This gives us the full flavour of Elektra, which isn’t always conveyed in other series.
Wolverine is the perfect balance to Elektra. Recruited by the same people who experimented on him Logan soon finds himself an unwilling bodyguard. Amano gives Wolverine a very ‘devil-like’ appearance (I mention this later) that Rucka plays on. His thoughts are tortured and contemplative (like a fallen angel) as he watches Avery interact with her mother and as he wonders if Avery might be his daughter. Yet as Wolverine battles Elektra his mind is clear and concise. He even remarks how Elektra knows what "she is doing" and how he "respects" that. Probably one of the most complicated figures in Marvel history and yet we understand his desperate need for answers and his feeling of isolation. Rucka makes someone very complicated appear very simple. I like this.
One more thing: Wolverine can go toe-to-toe with anyone. Even Elektra. So if you think a fight that’s predominantly written is boring - you’re in for shock. When it’s all said and done Rucka makes it clear: it’s not just the story that’s important but how you tell it.
Meanwhile … Yoshitaka Amano (Sandman: The Dream Hunters, Final Fantasy, Vampire Hunter D) has put together some spectacular work for this book. I have to say that I’m impressed with Amano’s interpretation of Wolverine. With medusa-like hair, vacant eyes and wild arcing lines Logan looks very much like a modern day "devil". Not only does he have his usual ‘intensity’ it’s tempered with warm rich tones. The result is an unholy looking Logan with warmth the rest of the characters are missing.
My favorite spread is with Logan shielding Avery from an explosion. You have two pages filled with vibrant unending colour with the darkest portrayal of Logan I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen a lot of Wolverine in my life. More than I’d ever care to admit. But this is the first time I’ve seen an artist interpret Logan in an abstract way and make it work. Not only does it work it works with groundwork Rucka has laid out.
It’s also interesting that Elektra is portrayed in a black costume instead of her traditional red one. Where Wolverine has colour, Elektra is only in black and white with the occasional blue highlight. Her look in this book is very much like angel of death: beautiful, dark and speaking of peace that comes from the grave.
What can I say? I’m impressed.
Before you think I’ve gone totally fan-boy there is one flaw with the book. With the two-page spreads the crease of the book bi-sects the art. So ideally you can’t see the full picture without breaking the spine of the book. Which is took bad because half of the art in this book should be hanging in the Louvre’.
But is it worth shelling out the cash? Definitely!!! Don’t consider this just another comic. Consider Elektra & Wolverine: The Redeemer fine art. Get your own copy and show the world you're nothing less than a connoisseur.
{Just remember I could be wrong. No matter how statistically improbable that may be.}
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/xfull.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/xfull.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/xfull.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://www.x-worldcomics.com/x/bstore/newbooksmain.html)
Quick Rating: Excellent!
Story Title: Chapter One
Elektra makes a mistake during an assassination as she leaves a witness. Logan is ‘recruited’ to protect this teenage girl in exchange for his lost memories. But what secret does this girl hold to Wolverine’s past?
Written by: Greg Rucka
Art by: Yoshitaka Amano
Editor: Jennifer Lee
Senior Editor: Axel Alonso
Editor in Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
If I said, Elektra and Wolverine: The Redeemer , was anything less than EXQUISITE I’d be a liar.
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect with this mini-series. When you put two of the most fascinating characters from the Marvel Universe together (in my opinion) you don’t always get a great read. It always seems one overshadows the other or the novelty of a team-up doesn’t translate into a great story. Not only did Rucka and Amano achieve a perfectly balanced tale between Elektra and Wolverine they created a visually breathtaking book to do it in. One word: wow.
Here’s the tale so far:
Elektra is hired to assassinate a wealthy and powerful scientist. In doing so his daughter, Avery, witnesses everything. This is eerie, as Elektra seems to be re-enacting the event where she as a child witnessed her own father’s murder. I honestly got a shiver down my spine reading this. The particular passage was complimented by one of the most haunting depictions of Elektra I’ve ever seen. Portrayed in black a white with an expression of pure calm as she killed. It accentuates the mood of the moment perfectly.
Though, Elektra and Wolverine: The Redeemer, is written like an illustrated book more than a graphic novel Rucka turns this fully to his advantage. As Elektra scales the side of a penthouse suite we know exactly what she’s thinking. She tells us of her concerns, fears and excitement. Since we don’t have pics we’re forced to rely on the written word a bit more. This gives us the full flavour of Elektra, which isn’t always conveyed in other series.
Wolverine is the perfect balance to Elektra. Recruited by the same people who experimented on him Logan soon finds himself an unwilling bodyguard. Amano gives Wolverine a very ‘devil-like’ appearance (I mention this later) that Rucka plays on. His thoughts are tortured and contemplative (like a fallen angel) as he watches Avery interact with her mother and as he wonders if Avery might be his daughter. Yet as Wolverine battles Elektra his mind is clear and concise. He even remarks how Elektra knows what "she is doing" and how he "respects" that. Probably one of the most complicated figures in Marvel history and yet we understand his desperate need for answers and his feeling of isolation. Rucka makes someone very complicated appear very simple. I like this.
One more thing: Wolverine can go toe-to-toe with anyone. Even Elektra. So if you think a fight that’s predominantly written is boring - you’re in for shock. When it’s all said and done Rucka makes it clear: it’s not just the story that’s important but how you tell it.
Meanwhile … Yoshitaka Amano (Sandman: The Dream Hunters, Final Fantasy, Vampire Hunter D) has put together some spectacular work for this book. I have to say that I’m impressed with Amano’s interpretation of Wolverine. With medusa-like hair, vacant eyes and wild arcing lines Logan looks very much like a modern day "devil". Not only does he have his usual ‘intensity’ it’s tempered with warm rich tones. The result is an unholy looking Logan with warmth the rest of the characters are missing.
My favorite spread is with Logan shielding Avery from an explosion. You have two pages filled with vibrant unending colour with the darkest portrayal of Logan I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen a lot of Wolverine in my life. More than I’d ever care to admit. But this is the first time I’ve seen an artist interpret Logan in an abstract way and make it work. Not only does it work it works with groundwork Rucka has laid out.
It’s also interesting that Elektra is portrayed in a black costume instead of her traditional red one. Where Wolverine has colour, Elektra is only in black and white with the occasional blue highlight. Her look in this book is very much like angel of death: beautiful, dark and speaking of peace that comes from the grave.
What can I say? I’m impressed.
Before you think I’ve gone totally fan-boy there is one flaw with the book. With the two-page spreads the crease of the book bi-sects the art. So ideally you can’t see the full picture without breaking the spine of the book. Which is took bad because half of the art in this book should be hanging in the Louvre’.
But is it worth shelling out the cash? Definitely!!! Don’t consider this just another comic. Consider Elektra & Wolverine: The Redeemer fine art. Get your own copy and show the world you're nothing less than a connoisseur.
{Just remember I could be wrong. No matter how statistically improbable that may be.}
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/xfull.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/xfull.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/xfull.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://www.x-worldcomics.com/x/bstore/newbooksmain.html)