Savage Wolverine #5 Review

Writer/Artist: Frank Cho

Although this series didn't have the best start I've ever seen for a series, it has been amazing since, being one of the best Wolverine stories that I've read since Old Man Logan, and Frank Cho has really surpassed himself. With that said it will be a shame to see Cho leave the series, but hopefully Zeb Wells, and Joe Madureira will do just as good a job.

Plot

After Hulk's arrival on the Savage Land, Wolverine, Shanna, and Amadeus Cho have to prevent the Dark Walker from becoming free.

Review

This was unfortunately a disappointing issue, and although it wasn't terrible, I expected so much more. Frank Cho has done such a good job with this story, and although it has an average start, it's been amazing since, but this issue had to be the worst in the series. It's hard to tell what Cho was thinking when he wrote this issue, as besides some decent action, and witty humour it was a dull issue, that felt more like a beginning than an ending. This was annoying, as it felt half finished, and with Cho no longer working on the series (I don't know if he will return), and the next story by Zeb Wells taking a completely different direction, I question if the story will get finished, or if it was just a waste of time. Even Cho's dialogue was far from brilliant, as although Wolverine seemed like his usual self, the Hulk seemed way out of character, and Shanna didn't really do much, with Amadeus not doing much more. With all the negative's, and positives about the writing out of the way, I'll now talk about the best thing that Cho did for this issue, the artwork. It very rarely matters if the story's good or not with Cho, as his art always delivers, and although it's always nice to have a good story to go along with his art, I could easily enjoy his art on it's own. Although Cho didn't handle Hulk well in his writing, he didn't half do a good job of drawing him, making the big green monster look the intimidating creature that he's meant to be. Cho also once again did a fabulous job of drawing the rest of the character's, and especially Wolverine, and Shanna, as they both looked amazing. Besides that Cho also did perfect job of showing the character emotions, as you could easily tell what they were feeling, whether it was seriousness on Wolverine's part, or anger, shock, and awkwardness on Hulk's.

Last issue ended with Hulk making an appearance, and I couldn't wait to see him cause havoc on the Savage Land. We didn't however get this, as Hulk really seemed to be just one big punchline in this issue, being shown as nothing more than a joke, which although funny, wasn't very respectful to the character. First of we have Hulk being attacked by one of the gorilla's that Wolverine fought last issue, with said gorilla trying to bite Hulk's head off. When Hulk actually started fighting the gorilla it wasn't too bad, but it just felt a bit of a joke, as although I know that Hulk has been compared to a gorilla in the past, there isn't any need to make him look the equal of a gorilla, even if it is from the Savage Land.

Now we did slightly get the thing that I was hoping most from the Hulk, and that was a fight between him, and Wolverine. Now I say it was a fight, but to be honest it wasn't much of one, being very one sided. Now I won't go into too much detail, as to avoid spoilers, but I was really hoping for a classic Wolverine/Hulk fight like we've seen in the past, with Hulk dominating Wolverine with his strength, and Wolverine coming back with his tactical edge, and his Adamantium claws, but we didn't get that, and it was really very disappointing. At the same time, I do understand not wanting to have a big fight between the two character's, considering they've to end the story this issue, but considering the ending we got that isn't much of an excuse, but I'll talk more about the ending later.

This issue also saw Amadeus' A.I. unit, Calvin go a little berserk, constantly trying to calculate what the best solution is. Now when Calvin was first introduced to this story I found him quite interesting, especially considering he came with Amadeus Cho, but in this issue his constant talking was a little annoying, and I wish it was less frequent. Now I understand that considering the position they were in it would be natural for Calvin to act like this, but it just took away from the mood of the issue for me. I did however once again like the humorous interaction Calvin had with Amadeus, which was once again quite funny.

I finally come to the thing that bugged me the most in this issue, the ending. Now I won't go into any vast details as to avoid spoilers, but this really took away from the issue, and in fact the story as a whole. It was very sudden, and abrupt, which also wasn't nice, and it really felt like it was the halfway point in a story. I will however be slightly less disappointed if this is latter developed more, preferably with Cho at the writing, and at least art helm, but it still won't make this issue better.

Final Verdict

After the marvellous issues that we've seen in this series, the opening story finished on a low, being the worst in the series so far. The Hulk was very badly used, and his presence was far from what I'd hoped it would be. It however wasn't the worst thing about this issue, as the ending was terrible, and made the story feel unfinished, which was disappointing. I would only recommend this to anyone who's been following the series so far, but otherwise I'd recommend leaving it alone, as even with the other amazing issues, it will disappoint.

Rating: 3/5

Savage Wolverine #4 Review

Writer/Artist: Frank Cho

This has been an amazing series, and although it started a little slow, it's gotten better and better. Unfortunately however due to my comic book budget I won't be able to get two Wolverine series, and although I've preferred this so far, with Frank Cho leaving both writing and artwork after this story there's no guarantee that it will be as good, and I have more faith in what I've read from Paul Cornell's Wolverine series, that in what the possible future of this one will be after Cho leaves.

Plot

Amadeus Cho persuaded the native leader to save Shanna, and they plan on using Man-Thing to do that. Also Wolverine continues his journey to the temple, and hopes to get revenge for Shanna's death on the way.

Review

This series just keeps getting better and better, as although this issue started a little slow, it was still very emotional, and when it did pick up on pace it was phenomenal. I really think that Frank Cho has done an amazing job with this story, and although I was sceptical at first, I've came to love it more and more with each passing issue. What I love about Cho's writing is that it's not only deep, and emotional, with a mysterious overtone, but it's also exciting, as he knows when to add in action, and he doesn't give small portions, as the action is epic, and amazing. I've also loved how Cho's managed to show a new side to the Savage Land, as although there's been some amazing stories told using the Savage Land as the setting, none that have as much mystery centred around the island itself. Cho's art was also phenomenal, but before getting this series I knew that it would, as whatever Cho's drawn has been amazing. The detail in Cho's art is brilliant, as everything's perfect, whether the scenery, the character's, or even the more unusual subjects, like Man-Thing. I've said this in my precious reviews, but I've loved the way he's drawn Shanna, as she doesn't just look beautiful, but also very independent. Cho also does an amazing job of showing the character's emotions, and especially in Wolverine, and Shanna, as you can see the anger, and frustration in Wolverine when he's fighting, and you can see innocents, as well as determination in Shanna as well, which is brilliant. Jason Keith's colours are also once again amazing, as they really make Cho's artwork look even better than they already are, and also add the perfect tone, and mood for this style of story.

The shocking death of Shanna in the last issue was brilliant, and very suspenseful, even if I wasn't happy with the fact that she was dead. She didn't stay dead long though, as using Man-Thing she is resurrected. This was a very interesting way of resurrecting someone, but not really knowing much about Man-Thing I don't know if he's done this in the past. I also found the way Shanna reacted after being resurrected very interesting, and the interaction between herself, Amadeus, and the native leader to be very interesting.

Besides resurrecting Shanna I didn't see much need for Man-Thing, and although his appearance was nice, it could have been much better. I did however find the question over whether this is the same Man-Thing that has featured throughout the course of the Marvel Universe as we know it, or if there are more than one. This fact was mentioned by Amadeus, and it got me curious, which is a good thing, as it adds yet another factor to the mysterious nature of this story, which is brilliant. I do however hope that Man-Thing plays a role in the next issue, as it would feel a bit unnecessary to have him in this one, as although it was a nice appearance, and that he was what brought Shanna back to life, I'm pretty sure that there could have been other methods for that.

Although this hasn't been the best appearance from Amadeus, with his characteristics being slightly questionable, I've still enjoyed seeing him in this story, and it's nice that he's working as a middle man, controlling the situation, and preventing as much violence as possible. I've also liked how he has as A.I. unit called Calvin with him, as it seems that every smart person has A.I. unit these days, so why not Amadeus. Talking about smart people although this is a slightly different Amadeus we've seen in this story, it's been nice that he's been using his brain more instead of getting enthralled in the adventure, as although it would have still been nice to see that, it makes more sense for the way this story's developed, and gives a better structure. I've also loved seeing Amadeus and the native leader interacting throughout this story, and some of the things they've discussed have been interesting, and others slightly humorous.

The thing however that makes this issue the best in the series so far, and phenomenal is the Wolverine sequence, as it's nothing short of epic. Basically Wolverine's continuing the task that he, ans Shanna set on, and when natives get involved he sees that as his opportunity to get revenge. Cho can't half draw a brilliant fight sequence, as although his art in general is phenomenal, this is by far the best but, as it's very entertaining and exciting, whilst also being dramatic. The fight was also very brutal, and it's one of the best fight sequences I've seen in a Wolverine series, especially considering he's the only noticeable character involved. I won't go into detail about the fight, as I don't want to spoil it, but there were also a few surprises that made it even more exciting, making the fight even better. I also loved seeing this savage side to Wolverine, and although the story's set on the Savage Land, the fact that Wolverine is vicious, and savage, makes the title more appropriate.

The ending was also brilliant, and although I won't spoil it for anyone that doesn't know it (people who've seen the cover for the next issue will probably guess) has me really excited for the conclusion in the next issue.

Final Verdict

This series has really surprised me, and it just keeps getting better and better, with this issue being phenomenal. It's not only interesting, but keeps the mysterious nature of the story flowing smoothly, and the action sequence near the end was epic, and brutal. I would highly recommend both this issue, and the series, and at this rate I'm expecting a phenomenal conclusion.

Rating: 5/5

Savage Wolverine #3 Review

Writer/Artist: Frank Cho

I've been a huge fan of Wolverine for many years now, with the little runt being my third favourite comic book character, but I've been disappointed with his outings in the Wolverine, and Wolverine and the X-Men series' prior to the relaunched Marvel NOW! I decided to finally give this a try when the second issue was released, but haven't gotten around to reading any until now, with there now being three issues released, and one issue released in the other Wolverine series. I will however be dropping this series after issue 5, as I can only really afford one Wolverine series, and with Frank Cho leaving this series, and a brilliant writer like Paul Cornell, and artist like Alan Davis working on the other I think I'll prefer the other in the long run.

Plot

Wolverine and Shanna continue their journey to the temple, meanwhile the natives believe Amadeus Cho is their god.

Review

This series just keeps getting better and better, as Frank Cho continues to reveal more of the mystery, whilst also giving amazing, and shocking sequences. Cho has really turned me around, and I'm starting to see that he's very capable of writing a story, as well as drawing one. After finishing the first one, being not much more than satisfied, I really didn't expect the series to leap up as far in it's standard of quality, but each issue has been better than the previous, and this has been one of my favourite Wolverine stories since Jason Aaron worked on the character as a solo character (got bored of Wolverine and the X-Men which now writes), and I'm really happy to see the character treated with the respect he deserves. Cho also delivers once more on the art front, and to be honest this series is worth buying just for the art, although I'm not complaining about the story being good. The detail is phenomenal, as every single thing looks perfect, and I can't really fault anything. As I said with my review for the first issue, I loved the way he draws Shanna, and women in general, but he shows that even more, as despite drawing Shanna every beautiful again, he also draws a group of native girls, who all look amazing. Jason Keith continues to provide brilliant colours for this series, and they really suit Cho's art, making it stand out more, as well as look more beautiful than it already is.

Last issue ended with the native leader believing that Amadeus is their god. I found this a rather interesting, and sudden thing, but it did give the perfect continuation to Amadeus' appearance, as although he could continue fighting the natives, or even team up with Wolverine, it's more interesting to have him with the natives as it gives them more opportunity to appear, and it also splits the story into two parts nicely. Plus Wolverine has Shanna with him, so adding Amadeus would maybe be a bit much. I also like how Amadeus continues to talk to his A.I. Calvin (as in Calvin Klein), and that he doesn't seem to think of how people will see this, as others don't hear Calvin, just Amadeus talking to thin air.

I also liked that we got to learn a bit more about the natives, and their ways. Starting with my last statement in the previous paragraph, I found it interesting that the native leader found Amadeus speaking to thin air confusing, and found it amusing that Amadeus had to explain it in a simple and short way for the leader to understand (after saying all technical complicated stuff). I also liked Amadeus reaction to the way the native leader treated him, as he offered him their best women. I found this amusing as well as interesting as Amadeus was awful shy, obviously not expecting a sign of honor this way, and to be honest the way Amadeus handled this was very smart, and interesting. As I said earlier, this also gave Cho another chance to show how well he could draw women.

Also during this issue Amadeus asks the leader to tell him about the mountain, with the leader assuming that he's testing his knowledge, thinking him wise. I won't say much as to avoid spoilers, but it basically said about the Star Giant, and how he imprisoned the Dark Walker. I was happy that we finally got some back story, and although it took away from the action, it didn't half help with the development of the story. What was more interesting however was that the leader appeared to not know how people have magically appeared on the island, which also kept that mystery open, as it would spoil all the mystery if it revealed everything at once, and I was glad enough that the history of the native's revealed.

There was also yet another brilliant fight involving Wolverine, and Shanna, but this time against a group of natives. I won't go into details as the fight happens late in the issue, and I want to avoid spoilers, but it was very, very exciting, and entertaining, and by far the best fight in the story so far. Cho's art was brilliant, and with him also being thew writer, he'd know exactly what he wanted, not having to worry too much on adapting it from the script. I also loved the way the fight started, and ended, and although I won't go into details, there was both humor, and shock involved, making for a very dramatic fight sequence, as well as exciting.

Final Verdict

This series just keeps getting better, and better, and I can't believe how good it is. This issue didn't just develop the story more, it also gave us action, excitement, humour, and suspense at the same time, and I can't wait to see the next issue, and hope that Cho continues this level of quality. I would easily recommend this issue as it was brilliant, and the story is shaping up to be the best Wolverine story for a while. I'd also recommend anyone that dropped this series after issue 1 to give it another try, as it just keeps getting better, and better, and I'd be surprised if you were disappointed.

Rating: 4/5

Savage Wolverine #2 Review

Writer/Artist: Frank Cho

I've been a huge fan of Wolverine for many years now, with the little runt being my third favourite comic book character, but I've been disappointed with his outings in the Wolverine, and Wolverine and the X-Men series' prior to the relaunched Marvel NOW! I decided to finally give this a try when the second issue was released, but haven't gotten around to reading any until now, with there now being three issues released, and one issue released in the other Wolverine series. I will however be dropping this series after issue 5, as I can only really afford one Wolverine series, and with Frank Cho leaving this series, and a brilliant writer like Paul Cornell, and artist like Alan Davis working on the other I think I'll prefer the other in the long run.

Plot

After a massive fall Wolverine returns to help Shanna face the Reapers. Meanwhile Amadeus Cho has been brought to the Savage Land the same way Wolverine was.

Review

This issue was better than the first one, and Frank Cho is showing that he knows what he's doing. The issue was full of plenty of action, as well as plenty of fun, and Cho has showed that he can write a good story, as well as draw one. I also liked how Cho brought Amadeus Cho (coincidentally they have the same last name) into the series, as I've really missed seeing the character having enjoyed reading him in Incredible Hercules, Incredible Hulks, The Mighty Avengers, and Chaos War and haven't really seen him in much since, but I'll talk more about his appearance later. Cho also continues to give some breathtakingly amazing artwork, and that is the real highlight of the series. The detail is marvellous, and everything from Wolverine, to Shanna, to even the natives, with everything looking perfect. The action is also drawn perfectly, and it gives a very dynamic feel. Cho's art also shows brilliant emotion in the characters, and you can really feel what they feel, whether it's anger, joy, or embarrassed. Jason Keith's colours also heighten Cho's already brilliant art, making it look beautiful, and giving the final touch that makes it phenomenal.

As I said earlier, Amadeus Cho enters the story in this issue, and although I'd been considering getting the series prior to that, it was when I heard he was making an appearance that I decided to get the series, as I always like seeing the character. I really liked his appearance, but I wasn't too sure if he was quite to character. I'm used to reading him when he's with either Hulk, or Hercules, and during that time he's usually jokey, but due to being on his own, he isn't as much. Besides that I liked his appearance, and found it interesting that he entered the same way that Wolverine had, making me more curious about how that happens. It was also nice to see that Amadeus had a A.I. named Calvin (as in Calvin Klein), as it shows that he's been busy whilst away. I also loved that Amadeus had his own armour, and that he was prepared, showing that he doesn't need Hulk, or Hercules for protection. Amadeus also used his armour to help fight of natives, which was a very fun, and exciting sequence.

The fight between Wolverine and Shanna, against the Reaper continues in this issue, and I found it exciting, and very entertaining. With the way the last issue ended I was hoping for something like this, but you can never be too sure, as some series' have a issue finish with the start of a big fight, only to have the next issue end it real quick. What I liked about the fight was that it started just between Shanna, and the Reaper, but Wolverine comes in like the hero saving the damsel in distress, but Shanna shows that she's no damsel, and she's not in distress, which is what I like about her.

There was a fun sequence just after this were Wolverine stops to have a drink, drinking the water like a dog. I found the sequence amusing as Shanna points out that he, "shouldn't drink out of the same water you washes in." This was followed by another amusing sequence, but I won't mention anything about that, as it's really only amusing if you read it yourself, and I wouldn't want to spoil that. I will however say that I really enjoyed seeing the development of the team of Wolverine, and Shanna, and enjoyed seeing them interact, whether Shanna trying to be helpful, or have fun, or the two just plain disagreeing, and I feel that this is what makes the story fun, and dynamic.

The natives don't actually appear much in this issue, and at least not until the end, but they are still a very interesting, and mysterious group of individuals. I won't go into any details about what happened at the end of the issue, as it'd be a massive spoiler, but it was very interesting, and showed that the natives do have a big part in this story, and for a good reason. Although they didn't do a great deal in this issue, I felt that this was a good thing, as with the things that were added to this issue, as well as the fights, and the Wolverine, and Shanna sequences in general that it needed the time to build up, but I do however expect a much bigger input from them in the next issue.

Final Verdict

This was a better issue than the last, and it is showing that this story is more than just interesting, it's also exciting, and full of action. After a slightly disappointing opener, I'm happy that this series is fulfilling the promise that it showed, as this was a very fun, and entertaining issue, and Cho did a brilliant job of developing the story. I'd recommend this to anyone, and if you were disappointed with the first issue, and decided to drop it, I'd recommend giving it another shot, as it's one of the better Wolverine stories there's been in the last year.

Rating: 4/5

Savage Wolverine #1 Review

Writer/Artist: Frank Cho

I've been a huge fan of Wolverine for many years now, with the little runt being my third favourite comic book character, but I've been disappointed with his outings in the Wolverine, and Wolverine and the X-Men series' prior to the relaunched Marvel NOW! I decided to finally give this a try when the second issue was released, but haven't gotten around to reading any until now, with there now being three issues released, and one issue released in the other Wolverine series. I will however be dropping this series after issue 5, as I can only really afford one Wolverine series, and with Frank Cho leaving this series, and a brilliant writer like Paul Cornell, and artist like Alan Davis working on the other I think I'll prefer the other in the long run.

Plot

8 Months after an accident in the Savage Land that has Shanna, and a host of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents stranded with no way of communicating the outside world, Wolverine is randomly brought to the island through a portal, and has to find a way of the island, whilst also discovering some of it's mysteries.

Review

This was a very decent first issue, and although it wasn't as good as the first issue of the other Wolverine series, it was still good, and shows a lot of promise. Overall Frank Cho has done a very good job on this issue, and although story wise it wasn't anything startling, it was a very good start, and besides that his art was phenomenal. Now I've never seen anything Cho has written in the past, I actually don't know if he has written anything prior to this, but his art has always amazed me, and I've enjoyed seeing it on such titles as The New Avengers, and The Mighty Avengers. His writing isn't terrible, and as I said it was a very decent start, and if I had to say something tremendously positive about his writing, it's that it's much better than the last few stories in the previous Wolverine series, when Jeph Loeb, and Cullen Bunn wrote it. The story's very fun, as well as having depth, and the savage nature that a series with the name, "Savage" in it needs. I also liked that Cho gave us some back-story explanation, whilst also leaving some subjects mysterious. His art is also very well detailed, and I just love the way he draws Shanna, and the way he draws women in general. The colours from Jason Keith are also brilliant, and they really make Cho's art stand out, looking even better than it already does.

I have to be honest when I heard that Wolverine was going to be in the Savage Land I was a bit skeptical, as I've seen some terrible stories feature in the Savage Land, and although when done right it can be the setting for brilliant stories, most people screw up, and it's usually cause they can't write the characters in the setting. I was however interested in Cho's take on the Savage Land, and what I liked most was that it was on a different part of the Savage Land. It was also nice to see the story start 8 months prior, as it sets up what's about to happen very nicely. I also liked that S.H.I.E.L.D. were involved, but was happy that they exited quickly. The island itself was interesting, but the main thing I was curious about was how Wolverine got there, but I'm sure that will be explained in a later issue.

The addition of Shanna in this issue was nice, and I'm really happy to see her in this story. Although I said that previous writers haven't used the Savage Land properly doesn't mean that I don't like the characters, or creatures, and along with Ka-Zar, and sabretooth tiger Zabu the best part of the Savage Land. I also liked the way Shanna, and Wolverine meet in this issue. I won't say how, as it's a nice surprise, but I will say that it's entertaining, and one of the best parts in the issue. It was also nice that Shanna explained what happened during the 8 months she's been on the island, as you get a lot of stories that jump forward due to similar reasons, and don't get any explanation, which always annoys me.

Although Shanna's appearance was one of the nicer things about the issue, the most interesting probably had to go to the natives. There was so little told about these guys, and I think that's what made them interesting, and enigmatic. I also liked that the fight some of them had with Wolverine as it gave the chance to show what Wolverine's best at, which we unfortunately don't get as much. Due to his commitments as an Avenger, and teacher Wolverine isn't in too many positions where he can kill, so it was really nice to see it here, and I loved that Cho was able to make it gruesome, without ruining the tone of the issue.

Dinosaurs. Although Shanna, Ka-Zar, and Zabuare my favourite characters from the Savage Land, the thing I enjoy most is the dinosaurs. This issue featured two types of dinosaur like creatures, the first being what appeared to be a Velociraptor, and the other being a creature called a Reaper, which looks similar to a Pteranodon. These were brilliant in this issue, and although they didn't have a huge role, they reminded me why I like Savage Land stories. I do however hope that the dinosaurs are featured more in this story, without taking up too much plot time, but the end of this issue looks like it will.

Final Verdict

Although not a brilliant issue, this was still a very good issue, and I have a lot of faith that this series will be good. It has fun, action, and mystery, and the name Savage is appropriate, even if Wolverine isn't Savage for too long. I would still recommend this issue, as it's much better than the pre-Marvel NOW! Wolverine series, and I'm sure it'll get better.

Rating: 3/5