January Marvel Previews |
Wolverine: Evolution
Black and White Premiere Edition
Story: Jeph Loeb
Art: Simone Bianchi
cover by Simone Bianchi
Review by
Brian Grindrod
During Paul Dini’s tenure on Detective Comics, I would always stop to admire the covers as each new issue arrived at my local comic book shop. I loved the grey tone effect, realistic photo style and the gorgeous details which made those issues stand out from every other comic book that was offered for purchase. I learned that these artistic gems were rendered by Simone Bianchi. I thought that it was quite unfortunate that Bianchi was not hired by Marvel or DC comics to handle the art chores on a regular monthly title, mini-series or a graphic novel featuring one of their most recognizable franchises. Then Marvel Comics’ editor-in-chief Joe Quesada hired Simone Bianchi to do just that, and signed the prolific artist to an exclusive contract to boot. Smart move Joe Q. Smart move….
I stick with what I know and since it was Bianchi’s artwork in grey tone that impressed me on the Detective Comics covers, I purchased the black and white variant of the Wolverine: Evolution hardcover as opposed to the colored version. Not since Travis Charest’s once in a lifetime comic book artwork on X-Men/Wildcats: The Golden Age have I been so blown away by such detailed and realistic illustrations for the super-hero genre. Bianchi not only draws anatomy impressively but the fact that he can draw animals, architecture, organic and non-organic material with such distinction simply elevates the standards that the likes of Brian Bolland, Bryan Hitch and the duo of John Totleben/Stephen Bissette raised with their artwork.
Bianchi not only is an accomplished artist but he fluently controls the story with his panel designs, cinematic views and splash pages that build the script into a larger-than-life epic which you willingly lose yourself in. Artists such as Michael Turner (whose adoration by the fanboys puzzles me all the time) would benefit greatly to study under Bianchi as his apprentice. However, rest assured that Wolverine: Evolution is not simply eye-candy. Writer Jeph Loeb, whose praise by reviewers and readers has always led me to question their sanity and their integrity, forces me to admit the following about the book:
Best. Wolverine. Story. Ever.
To my utter surprise, Loeb does not forcefully hack his yesteryear ideas and outdated plots to comic book readers who have outgrown the Pre-Crisis Superman or his version of an Elliott S. Maggin penned script. While Dan Didio & Paul Levitz allowed Loeb the luxury of waxing nostalgic about the 1970s DC universe with his whimsical scripts, it appears that Marvel Comics will not tolerate any of that fanboy nonsense. I was expecting the usual Loeb mediocrity but fortunately, I entertained myself with an evening of super-hero storytelling at its best.
First, Loeb inserts plenty of action and fight scenes which are a staple of the super-hero genre. I don’t buy a Wolverine story hoping that there will be plenty of dialogue and a slow-paced script so I can get to relish Logan as a person. I’ll buy a Bendis written series if I’m in the mood for that. I want adamantium claws ripping guts, shredding faces and my personal favourite; slicing and dicing limbs. There is a spillage of blood that I expect from Canada’s favorite son and Loeb delivers in style.
Note to Jeph Loeb: Next time you write fight scenes, make sure you don’t cover the action with speech balloons. I highly doubt you make the time for pleasantries when you are trying to kill the person in front of you or when you’re bleeding like a stuffed pig and writhing in pain. -the reviewer
Second, Loeb introduces a new concept to the Wolverine mythos that is inventive and genial. I refuse to give spoilers, but suffice to say I cannot believe that there is a negative reception on behalf of fans about a race of lupines that were roaming around during the same era that Homo Sapiens came out of Africa. There have also been some resentful rumblings about a mysterious character called Romulus that is gearing up to be one of Wolverine’s fiercest foes.
I have no idea what is exactly Loeb’s intention with this concept, but before some other reviewer tries to wrongfully take credit for my theory or fans finally piece it together, I’ll mark my territory with the following; A Roman era flashback sequence is presented during the story. A colossal masked emperor judges the duels in the coliseum where we get the notion that he is Romulus. Who is Romulus? According to Roman history, Romulus is the co-founder of Rome who, along with his brother Remus, was adopted by a she-wolf when he was baby. So when you start connecting the dots between Wolverine’s newfound past, the Lupines, Romulus with ties to Wolfsbane, Feral, Sasquatch, and Wild Child, why would anybody be insulted with Loeb breathing fresh air into the old Creed/Logan connection? Change is good fanboy. It’s all good.
Third, when was the last time you read a story that left you wanting more and you just couldn’t wait for the next chapter? I haven’t felt this excited about a super-hero epic since Reign of the Superman. Loeb’s script is full of intrigue, fast-paced action, introduces a new villain and explores a facet of Wolverine that relegates it to the same level as Barry Windsor’s Smith Weapon X. I have no qualms about the hype that this is the biggest, best, and quite possibly, the last battle between Wolverine and Sabretooth. Indeed, I’m a true believer!
My review is lengthy but these days, it is rare that I enjoy a gem of a comic with such intensity. Without reservation, I give Wolverine: Evolution - Black and White Premiere Edition a rating of;
10 out of 10
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