Wolverine #309 finally hits stands two weeks after issue #310. But really, is that the weirdest thing to happen in the world of superhero comics this month? Not unlike Sabretooth Reborn, this issue plays out like a sort of lost adventure as Wolverine teams with Elixir to deal with a lingering threat left over from M-Day. It's hardly a vital read for anyone but hardcore Elxir fans, but it's an enjoyable standalone issue all the same.
Writer Ivan Brandon picks up Elixir's story in the wake of the character's disillusionment with the actions of X-Force. The idea of Wolverine taking a younger X-Man under his wing and providing guidance is hardly new, other than the fact that this trainee happens to be male. Nor does Brandon's exploration of Wolverine's self-loathing really break any new ground. It's the execution that sets this book apart. The dialogue is smooth and well honed. The characterization of Elixir in particular effectively builds on past stories. While the issue sometimes relies overly much on past Wolverine continuity, Brandon's script is nonetheless tight and well-plotted.
The art goes a long way towards distinguishing the book as well. Rafael Albuquerque and Jason Latour divide up pages, which lends a harder-edge, almost Vertigo-esque approach to the pencils. The script is somber and violent, and the art enhances these qualities. The two styles don't blend perfectly (Latour's pages are a little more surreal), but individually they both work well.
It's not clear why Marvel couldn't have simply adjusted the numbering and waited until after Sabretooth Reborn was finished to ship this book. And despite the boosted page count, it's debatable whether $4.99 is a fair asking price. But those who simply crave an enjoyable, standalone Wolverine adventure likely won't be disappointed.
Source : feeds.ign.com
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