Wolverine Infinity Watch #2 // Review
Logan and Loki try to get to the new Time Stone host before the Chitauri Warbringer in Wolverine Infinity Watch #2 by writer Gerry Duggan, artist Andy MacDonald, colorist Jordie Bellaire, and letterer Cory Petit. Duggan brings the goods in this one, crafting a story full of red herrings and fun action and characterization.
In the far future, Old Thor and Phoenix Logan speculate on whether Logan and Loki will succeed. The police are after Hector, the new host of the Time Stone, when Warbringer comes in and attacks them, looking for him. Logan and Loki are able to grab him, but Warbringer thrashes Logan and goes after Loki and Hector. What follows is a clever bit of subterfuge and a twist ending that pits Logan and Loki against an enemy that may destroy them.
This comic is a masterpiece of momentum. Duggan kicks into high gear nearly right away and never really lets up. This is extremely effective with a plot as simple as this one. There's really not too much that needs explaining, but Duggan is able to fit the required little exposition without ever sacrificing the pacing of the book. The breakneck pacing of the book is perfect for this kind of story, perfectly matching what’s on the page. It makes readers feel like they're there.
Logan and Loki both do what they do best in the struggle against Warbringer, and it shows what a good team they are together. Duggan keeps their whole relationship light, but with just enough of an edge to let readers know that this is a temporary partnership. They are an interesting dichotomy, and one of the joys of the book so far is watching them play off each other. The surprise ending twist works excellent with the way the book has been paced and introduces a new player into the quest for the Infinity Stones, one that's familiar to readers of Duggan's other recent cosmic Marvel books.
Andy MacDonald's art plays a significant role in the sense of momentum this book has. His action scenes are kinetic, and he's able to capture the feeling of motion as Logan and Loki grab Hector from the midst of a police chase in a flying boat. His use of manga style speed lines in each action scene is a perfect effect for the type of script Duggan gave him.
Wolverine Infinity Watch #2 doesn't really add much new to the story, but it doesn't need to. The fun of this book is Logan and Loki getting thrown into bigger and bigger situations, and this issue delivers on that in spades. The pacing really puts the reader into the chase and Duggan keeps things action-packed throughout. MacDonald's art perfectly captures the breathless momentum of the book. He delivers excellent action while also doing wonderfully expressive character work with everyone in this book. Two issues in and this book remain stellar.
