Those Not So Good Old Days: Reviewing ‘Wolverine’ #46

Nostalia has had an off-and-on relationship with the X-Men for many years, their status very much “on” at this moment. Just one look at the new animated series, X-Men ’97, says as much, but it’s not the only place to see this in action.

One of the consummate purveyors of this blend is the famous clawed mutant, and Wolverine #46 offers up a heady brew. This sixth chapter of the Sabretooth War comes from Benjamin Percy, Victor LaValle, Cory Smith, Oren Junior, Alex Sinclair, and Cory Petit.

A lot of heat is being thrown there. My feelings about nostalgia are really no secret within my communication circles, including my reviews. I have little time or space for it, with how much it’s being weaponized against us by every creative industry. Eyes have rolled and sighs have been unleashed every time this series has just wallowed in the typical repeating the past Wolverine stories.

Yet, there was something here.

I think part of that was the decision to do the dual scenario sequence with the real world and the Quire mindscape nostalgia. Loved the visuals and the way that Smith and Junior brought it to life panel-format-wise. Such an energy seeing the two sequences side by side, with such rough and powerful vibes resonating with each panel.

In addition, Quire playing arm-chair therapist to Sabretooth and poking at how the man was reveling in the nostalgia was pretty solid. Most times, we don’t really get a lot of depth into the intricacies of his relationship with Logan beyond the hatred. A chunk of that is because of all the memory altering — and death and blood — between them. Creed’s inability to handle his emotions (and lashing out) because he had a friend who left him sure tracks for guys like him.

Beyond that, the issue was fine as a whole. It’s another mostly quieter, moving-things-forward type of chapter. It’s interesting that this even started off with bold warnings of super-violence and gore, and quickly cooled down where the violence in this issue felt almost like “Oh yeah, that’s what this story was doing before.”

As noted above, Smith and Junior are doing another solid job in this series. A great mix of rough and smooth with a lot of depth and detail where it’s needed. A hefty feeling is there throughout, giving tangibility to the weight this story needs. Again, I really love the way the panels are set up, shifting around, and delivering some bold action energy.

Part of that is also down to the color choice that comes from Sinclair. Ringing the mindscape pieces with the purple/pink hue of Quentin’s powers is a big part of it. Another element is the color palate pulling back a bit to give things that sort of “from the past” old-timey energy. That comes from a washed out effect on those colors. Which is funny since the overall story has a more toned-down natural quality with the colors. Saving the flashier stuff for the costumes, powers, and other fantastical elements that pop up.

As clear as the emotions are on faces and in body language, they are almost even clearer in the words on the page. Petit always knows how to give a word that right kick of energy to mine what its worth. Piling on some visual flair with colors and changes to the structure so that it hits even more. Characters have a lot to say and share here, all of it pretty free and flowing around the page.

Wolverine #46 is now available from Marvel Comics.