Wolverine: Black, White, And Blood #2
Readers get more bloody Wolverine goodness in Wolverine: Black, White And Blood #2, by writers Vita Ayala, Saladin Ahmed, Chris Claremont, artists Greg Land, Kev Walker, and Salvador Larocca, inker Jay Leisten, colorist Frank D’Armata, and letterer Clayton Cowles. Readers get three more short Wolverine stories, each dealing with a different time in the Canucklehead’s life.
The first story, by Ayala, Land, and Leisten, sees Wolverine sent to Canada to retrieve a scientist who has created a way to destroy the X-gene, only to run afoul of Sabretooth. The two have a wicked brawl, but Wolverine gets the doctor before he dies. The second story, by Ahmed and Walker, sees Wolverine drugged and captured by Arcade, in a race against time to save an innocent man… a race where he has to be careful not to destroy Arcade’s robots because it will make the time run out faster. Wolverine is able to overcome his bestial urges and out-think Arcade, saving the innocent. The final story, by Claremont and Larocca, sees Wolverine and Kitty Pryde in Madripoor trying to save Tyger Tiger from Sanzu, Soulscream, and Beasty-Brute. Deprived of their powers by Sanzu, the two are able to get one over on their foes and win the day.
Each of these stories is pretty good, with the one by Claremont being easily the best one. While Ayala and Ahmed are talented writers, Chris Claremont is the reason Wolverine is popular, and he does a fantastic job in his little story. Because this is Claremont, he introduces three new villains for a short story, and while that shouldn’t work, it does because, again, this is Chris Claremont. He strikes the perfect balance between action and exposition. It feels like an old-school Wolverine story, but it also feels exceptionally modern.
The other two stories are good, but they have little issues. Ayala’s story doesn’t really end- Wolverine never finds out who hired Sabretooth and is still on the hunt for the scientist’s research, which was taken. It’s a pretty weird way to end a short story that’s never going to be continued (well, as far as we know). However, it does give readers a magnificent Wolverine-Sabretooth fight, something that’s been missing for a long time. Ahmed’s story makes a big deal about Wolverine not being able to destroy the robots and having to control himself, but he actually doesn’t do that all at all, depending on his healing factor and breaking the rules to win. It still shows lateral thinking, but it also sort of makes it seem like Wolverine can’t control himself. It’s a good story, but it sends a very missed message.
Overall, the art in this one isn’t as good as the first issue, but that’s a very tough roster of artists to follow. Both Land and Larocca aren’t exactly beloved artists, with many fans taking exception with their work. However, they both do a remarkable job, especially Larocca. Walker is excellent as well. There are a lot of cool action scenes in this book, and these three do a pretty good job on them.
Wolverine: Black, White, And Blood #2 is a bit of a step back from the first issue but still very entertaining. Claremont and Larocca are the MVPs, but the other two stories have their moments, even if they aren't perfect. The art is very good but falls a bit short of the last issue. However, it’s still an action-packed ride and would entertain even the most discerning fan.
Grade: B+
