Wolverine #1 Review

Writer: Paul Cornell

Artist: Ryan Stegman

What's happened to Wolverine? Read on to find out.

The official description from Marvel:

WOLVERINE NO MORE? After the events of KILLABLE, Wolverine has something to prove. Before he can take on Sabretooth again, he'll need to build himself back up, get better and stronger than he's ever been…but it's not as easy as he thought, and he'll soon find himself turning to other means of revenge when the normal channels don't seem to be working fast enough. Can he fight back his demons, or is this the beginning of a Wolverine who's gone to the dark side? 

The last series of Wolverine can be summed up in one word, mediocre. It's due to this that I had questionable expectations from this new series, as with Paul Cornell continuing to write Logan I was dreading that this new series would land up being exactly like the last.

Paul Cornell continues to makes changes to Wolverine, and in the process creates a very intriguing storyline. In saying that there is still a lot of similarities between the two series, as despite all the promise and speculation it was still slightly slow at times. Cornell did however add a lot of intensity to certain sequence, and added with the mysterious storyline this gives a big advantage to the series. The thing that interested me the most about this issue was the change in Wolverine's attitude, with this somewhat bad guy change giving an unique tone to the series. Added to that the fact that he doesn't appear to be under any mind control and this change makes the series all the more enthralling.

Ryan Stegman's art never fails to please, and much like it was the best thing about the launch of Superior Spider-Man it's the best part about this series launch. Stegman's style is so diverse and lively that you can't help but mulling over the pages, with his fantastic layouts making it a smooth and pleasant read. The new armour for Wolverine also catches the eye, as although I've not made up my mind whether I prefer this new look or not, it's certainly very modern looking, giving more style to the old blue and yellow.

This new series of Wolverine gets of to a decent start, and although I'm not sure just how good this series will becoming, I'm sure it won't be as bad as the last.

Rating: 7/10

The Superior Spider-Man #3 Review

Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Ryan Stegman

I still don't know what to make of this series, as it started decent, had a bad second issue, but is back to decent this time. I hope that this series will find it's feet, and keep to a certain level of quality, and that it makes the best out of what I personally feel is a bad situation.

Plot

This issue sees the new Spider-Man (Doctor Octopus) trying to convert Vulture into being good, whilst original Spider-Man, Peter Parker's ghost is still close by.

Review

This was a very good issue, and probably the best in the series so far, although that doesn't say too much. Forgetting the terrible issue from last week this issue is very fun and Dan Slott is starting to draw my interest, and thankfully it's in the right direction. I still don't think that I will be won over with Doc Ock being Spider-Man, but I do hope that he uses the ghost of Peter, and the doubt about Doc Ock's actions right, and it looks like it is. I liked how Slott continued the minor appearance from Vulture's crew in the last issue into this, making the appearance in last issue feel more justified.

Ryan Stegman continues to amaze me with his brilliant artwork, and I'm very glad that he's working on this series. As people that have read my previous Spidey reviews will know, I've been looking forward to Stegman working on this series, and I don't think I've been as excited to see an artist working on a Spidey book before, although to be fair I've only been collecting new material for three years. His artwork is simply phenomenal, and the detail in his art is brilliant. I also love the emotion that he puts into the characters, as it's not easy to show emotion on a character that wears a mask for most of the issue, but Stegman finds a way. The dramatic flair in his art is also tremendous, and there are times that it feels like watching a movie.

I knew from last issue that the Vulture would pot up sooner or later, and it's probably better that it's happened sooner. I've never been the biggest fan of Vulture as a villain, but at the same time he has been involved in some interesting story arcs. This time however was probably one of the more interesting Vulture stories, as it brought out something in Doc Ock that hasn't been seen before, or at least in the manner that this issue shows it, and it really gives more insight to his character. I won't say exactly what happened but it was a very interesting turn of events, and it's been the thing that has interested me the most about Doc Ock being Spider-Man so far. I hope that we see some more revelations from Doc Ock in this series, as it will make the series interesting, and may actually win me over slightly (although I still can't wait till Peter is Spidey again).

This also had a double effect, as it showed Peter's ghost getting dragged into Doc Ock's memories. Again I won't talk about the actual events as not to spoil the issue, but it also added an interesting feel to the issue, and like my previous statement it also shone some light on Doc Ock's characteristics. At the same time I still don't think that Peter's ghost is being handled in the best way, as he's really nothing more than a bystander, not being able to get involved (or at least the last couple of issues have shown this), and I can't help but think that it would be much better if he could, acting like a conscious.

It was also interesting to see that Carlie Cooper continued to notice the change in Peter's actions. There has to be some notion throughout the Marvel Universe that Peter has changed or it wouldn't be as effective, and I see this being a big turning point for this series, I only hope that I'm right.

I'll finish of this review by talking about the start of this issue, and the Spidey Signal. When I first spotted it on the first page I couldn't help but think that Slott has made a terrible decision, but it quickly showed that it was though out. I'm also a huge Batman fan I would be a moron if I missed the reference, and although it slightly insulted Batman it did give me a small laugh, and further on in the issue came into use, showing that Doc Ock is far from being a saint.

Final Verdict

A bad issue followed by a good one. Although this series hasn't been consistent, and is far from perfect, it is finally heading in the right direction, and I hope it gets even better, as I am a huge Spidey fan and hate seeing him used poorly. I would recommend this issue, as it's really fun and a good place for newer readers to jump on.

Rating: 4/5

The Superior Spider-Man #2 Review

Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Ryan Stegman

I've been a Spider-Man fan all my life, and along with many Spider-Man fans I have been upset with recent events. I have however came into this series trying to have as open a mind as possible, but I'm still finding it hard to like it.

Plot

This issue sees Superior Spider-Man (Doctor Octopus) trying to work out how to be Spider-Man whilst attempting to date Mary Jane, whilst the ghost of Peter Parker follows him.

Review

This wasn't a bad issue, but far from brilliant. Marvel, and Dan Slott have taken a huge gamble with this type of story, and so far it's not worked out, but that's my opinion, and it is still early days. Although I'm upset when any of my favorite characters die, I haven't been as upset as I am now. It's more with who's replaced Peter, as although Steve Rogers is the best Captain America, and Bruce Wayne the best Batman, I didn't mind it when Bucky Barnes, and Dick Grayson replaced them, as they were a good choice. It's not just the fact these characters are heroes, as I also liked Daken when he temporally replaced Wolverine. The only good thing about Doc Ock being Spider-Man is that it will keep people interested, and has the potential for good stories, even if it's not shown it so far. Besides that, this issues story wasn't that good, as despite liking the initial concept, it could have been handled a lot better, as it felt like a filler issue.

Once again Ryan Stegman produces some amazing artwork. I was really looking forward to him joining this series as I've loved his work in the past, mainly on Scarlet Spider, and Fantastic Four. Although some of the extras in crowds look a bit awkward, the main art is fabulous, and he really puts a lot of detail into his art. Although he didn't have many occasions to show quite how amazing his art can be, he did show it in a couple of sequences. The thing I liked most about Stegman's art was how he showed the difference between ghost Peter, and Doc Ock in Peter's body, as Doc Ock still carries some physical traits, as well as his character ones.

The thing I liked most about this issue was that the ghost of Peter Parker was involved. When I saw the end of last issue, and that Peter wasn't out of the picture completely I was very happy. However at the same time, after reading this issue I still think that he could have been used better. The last issue gave the impression that Peter could intervene in Doc Ock's actions, whereas in this issue Doc Ock didn't even know he was there, let alone get affected by him. I think it would have been a much better idea if Doc Ock could actually hear or see the ghost of Peter, as it would act as a conscious, and remind him of his promise. Although I liked ghost Peter's reactions to Doc Ock's acts, it didn't feel as good, cause he felt like an observer, and didn't really have any use.

The thing I disliked most was MJ. I like the character, and have always wanted her to her and Peter to get back together, but not this way. Despite the fact it's Doc Ock in Pete's body I'm surprised that MJ didn't know that something was wrong with Peter. Okay the issue did show that she noticed that he was acting differently, but she should have known that it wasn't Peter, especially considering all the weird stuff she's seen through the years. I also didn't like the fact that Doc Ock was nothing but an old perv in this issue. Okay it's understandable that an older person in a younger body, who has the chance to date a good looking women would take advantage of that, but come on this is taking it too far. The only thing good with this sequence is that it shows that Doc Ock hasn't changed that much, and that despite acting a hero, he's still a villain at heart.

The other thing I din't like was the Vulture goons making an appearance, as it felt very forced, and could have been kept for a later issue. It also could have made for a decent story, but involving it in this issue would make a possible further story less of a surprise.

The only other thing that I really liked in this issue was Carlie Cooper appearance, and what this holds for the future of this series. Although she doesn't have a huge appearance in this issue, it does show that she's still thinking of what Doc Ock (or rather Peter in Doc Ock's body) told her in The Amazing Spider-Man #700. It hold a promising future for the series, and I hope it is used to it's full advantage, as with someone like Carlie investigating this it should be interesting.

Final Verdict

This was a decent issue, but the series isn't winning me over so far. I'd only recommend this issue to die hard Spidey fans who don't want to miss an issue, but would still caution them. I'd also caution newer readers, as although some of them would like this issue, others wouldn't, and it's very much a fifty fifty gamble. I do however hope that this series gets better, and that Spider-Man is once more a brilliant series, even if it is Doc Ock.

Rating: 3.5/5

The Superior Spider-Man #1 Review

Writer: Dan Slott

Artist: Ryan Stegman

WARNING THIS WILL SPOIL THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #700!

After the way The Amazing Spider-Man #700 ended my high hopes for this series lowered dramatically, and I wasn't actually sure what I'd think of it, and was considering not getting it at all. I eventually decided to try this series, with the hope that it would be good, and that Peter would return as Spider-Man sooner rather than later (like I assume most Spider-Man fans who had a similar reaction to ASM #700 did).

Plot

This issue sees the introduction of the new SUPERIOR Spider-Man, Doctor Octopus (for those who didn't read ASM #700). It sees how he deals with life in Peter's body, and how he plans to be good. It also sees the introduction of a new Sinister Six, all to the bemusement of Doc Ock.

Review

This issue wasn't as bad as I dreaded it would be, and I actually quite liked it. Dan Slott did a good job of introducing this new Spider-Man for any new readers who didn't read ASM #700, but I still can't come to terms with Doc Ock as Spider-Man. This is probably the biggest issue I will have with this series for the foreseeable future, and although there'll be some people wanting to see how Slott handles Doc Ock as Spider-Man I won't be one of them. Besides that this was a decent starter issue, and although it wasn't great it eases newer readers into the series, whilst keeping current readers interested. Even if Peter was still Spider-Man I don't think this story would have been any better, but my hope for the future of this series has risen closer to what it originally was prior to ASM #700, especially with the surprise that features in this issue (don't worry I won't spoil it).

The thing I was probably most looking forward to this series was Ryan Stegman doing the art, more so after ASM #700. I've loved his art over the last year or so, and was disappointed when he stopped working on Scarlet Spider. His work on this issue was brilliant, and I really hope he stays on this series for a long time. The way he draws all the characters throughout this issue is brilliant, and the way he draws action sequences is phenomenal. I also love how he knows exactly what to draw in each panel, giving a more dramatic feel to the issue, and making it feel similar to watching a movie. The detail is also amazing, and although it's not fantastic in the panels where the characters are further into the background, the detail in the rest of the comic more than makes up for this.

This issue saw the introduction of a new Sinister Six. I initially thought that it wasn't a brilliant idea having the Sinister Six in the first issue, especially with the characters involved, but once I remembered Doc Ock's connection to the Sinister Six my mind instantly changed, and I felt it was a great idea. Besides the fact Doc Ock is planning to be a good guy now, it also shows parts of his former self whilst fighting the Sinister Six, as there's bound to be a small part of him that feels that this version of the Sinister Six is a joke compared to his former Sinister Six, and that he feels the need to stop them. Although I didn't necessarily think that the villains were good choices as members of the Sinister Six, I did like seeing them in this issue, as I've always liked Shocker, Speed Demon, Boomerang, Living Brain, Overdrive, and Beetle as individual characters, but don't think they suit being the Sinister Six.

New Sinister Six

This issue also showed how Doc Ock is utilising Peter's job at Horizon Labs to his advantage. During this he's less than pleasant to Grady Scraps (who was one of Peter's closer friends at Horizon Labs), and reassures Max Modell that his work is for good, as Max doesn't like the idea of them making weapons. Although I've felt this throughout the issue, this was the main part were I felt that someone should question "Peter"'s actions (when ever I refer to Doc Ock as Peter I will be adding " " round the word Peter, just to emphasise who I'm talking about, as I have also talked about Peter prior to the body swap), as this isn't the way Peter normally treats people, and his new attitude is easily noticeable. I hope that people will notice a change in his attitude in future issues, as I can understand Slott not wanting to confuse newer readers by adding it in this issue, but it wouldn't make sense if he didn't add it sooner or later.

"Peter", also takes Mary Jane out on a date during this issue. Although I personally have wanted to see MJ, and Peter back together for some time now, not like this. Although it makes sense that Doc Ock would take advantage of Peter's past relationship with MJ to get a beautiful girlfriend, it's not right MJ, and Peter getting back together without it being the real Peter. I did however like that it's even more obvious that Doc Ock is controlling this body, as he's thinking of other things whilst MJ is speaking, not caring what she's talking about. I also didn't understand how MJ didn't pick up on this new attitude of Peter's as besides maybe Aunt May, she's the person that knows Peter the best.

"Peter" and MJ on a Date

There was also a very shocking turn of events, which I already mentioned earlier at the end of the issue. I still won't spoil this, but I will say that that alone makes this a worth while purchase, and that it upped my rating by half a point. It also speculates the future of this series.

Final Verdict

A decent start to this new Spider-Man series, and although I personally still can't get to terms with Doc Ock as Spider-Man it was still a brilliant issue. I would highly recommend this issue to new fans, and old fans, and would also recommend it to people who have dropped Spider-Man following ASM#700, as the ending of this issue is enough to make this a worth while buy.

Rating: 4/5