Origin II #2 Review

Writer: Keiron Gillen

Artist: Adam Kubert

What will happen when Wolverine and Sabretooth meet for the first time? Read on to find out.

The official description from Marvel:

Without his family, Logan struggles to continue on. Meanwhile, word of a clawed wild man in the woods has reached civilization and the hunt to capture him first begins! And enter…CREED!

I had my doubts about this series prior to it's launch, but after reading the first issue them doubts faded away, turning into tons of optimism. The symbolic nature simply amazed me, and despite it not having quite the same feel as the original Origin series, it was still very interesting in it's own unique way.

Keiron Gillen did however not quite follow up on that with this issue, as despite producing some decent plot developments, it felt more like a filler issue, meant purely to set up future events. On the other hand Gillen did do a terrific job of introducing both Sabretooth and Mr. Sinister to the series, as although it had already been announced that they'd feature in this series, it was nice to see them début. Overall however I didn't feel that Wolverine was featured enough in this issue and despite having tremendous set-up, there wasn't really much story wise that made it feel special.

Adam Kubert did however once again produce some fantastic artwork, with his art easily being the best thing about this issue. Much like the first issue Kubert's layouts were simply outstanding, giving a lot of depth as well as a lively tone to the issue. I also loved how Kubert handled the facial expressions, and especially on the likes of Mr. Sinister and Sabretooth, as it gave a eerie atmosphere to the issue. Added to this the dynamic action sequence and the spectacular colours from Frank Martin and it's hard to consider the art anything short of phenomenal.

Origin II has some brilliant development points in this issue, and it's future does look very promising, but as for this issue itself it was slightly lacking in certain parts, and if it wasn't for the intensity added by Sabretooth and Mr. Sinister I doubt it's be as good as it is. I still however recommend giving it a read, especially if you read the first issue.

Rating: 7/10

Origin II #1 Review

Writer: Kieron Gillen

Artist: Adam Kubert

Can Origin II live up to the awesomeness of Origin? Read on to find out.

The official description from Marvel:

Part 1 of 5! A few years after the events of ORIGIN finds James Howlett running with the wolves…until something unexpected brings him back into the world of Follow the first "X-Man" as he finds his way back to civilization and falls afoul of someone Sinister, who's just discovering mutantkind and the horrors he can visit on them. Plus, discover the secret behind James' greatest enemy! At some point, the mutant who will become The Wolverine must choose: is he man or is he beast? An all-new chapter in the secret origin of one of Marvel's most mysterious characters is revealed starting this November, by superstars Kieron Gillen (YOUNG AVENGERS, IRON MAN) and Adam Kubert (AVENGERS, UNCANNY X-MEN, WOLVERINE)!

It is very hard to follow on from something that has had such great love over the years, and that is why I don’t envy Kieron Gillen being the person to continue  with Wolverine’s origin story.

I was however very surprised by the work that Gillen produced in this issue, as despite it being very different from Paul Jenkin’s style of storytelling, it still managed to intrigue me. What I especially liked about Gillen’s writing in this issue was the symbolism that he added, as while the lack of dialogue made the issue much quicker to lead, the tone of this style added a lot more depth to Wolverine as a character. I also loved the teasers that Gillen would add to the issue, as due to the lack of dialogue this would add the much needed suspense and drama.

The best part about the issue however had to be Adam Kubert’s artwork, with Kubert following in the footsteps of his brother Andy brilliantly. Now anyone who’s seen both Adam and Andy’s artwork in the past will know that they both have very different styles, and that is evident in this issue. The thing I loved most about Kubert’s art had to be the layout, as due to the lack of dialogue it need to be much more impactful than a regular comic book layout. Kubert would also add a lot of emotion, as well as gore to the issue, with his style matching the story’s tone perfectly.

The opening issue of Origin II may not be quite as good as the opening of Origin, but it is still a terrific issue, and if Gillen and Kubert continue to produce this level of work they could easily surpass the quality of the first series.

Rating: 8/10