Talking With Dan Panosian About His New Marvel Series ‘Wolverine Paradise’

The X-Men’s Wolverine is a character on every creator’s hit list. And it just so happens that Dan Panosian — an artist born to draw him — gets his go-around with Wolverine Paradise, debuting this Wednesday, 14th October. So ahead of the release of the first issue, and my own review, I managed to catch up with Dan and discuss the new series and the rather unique location of Miami, where this series is set. Read on and find out all I could about Wolverine, Miami and his co-stars Heroes for Hire and Dazzler. You can’t get more ’70s than that! 

Olly MacNamee: While you have illustrated Wolverine many times before, I believe this is the first time you’re writing and illustrating him in the new five-issue miniseries, Wolverine Paradise. How did it feel to be handed the Marvel crown jewels, and how did you approach this project? Any intimidation?

Dan Panosian: Thanks, Olly!  It’s a dream come true. I couldn’t be happier with an opportunity like this.  He’s my favorite Marvel character from childhood. But for some strange reason, I’m not intimidated.  I thought I’d choke a little on a project like this, but so far — it’s been very fluid. Maybe I’m jinxing myself by saying that!

MacNamee: And how does Wolverine end up in Miami? It’s not a location one immediately associates with such a rugged, wild man of nature. 

Panosian: In this story, Wolverine and the X-Men have just returned to Earth from the Dark Phoenix Saga, and they’re all in dire need of some “me-time” to get their heads screwed on straight. Logan is wondering if he’s more Wolverine than Logan. He’s trying to find himself [aren’t we all?] and what better place to do so than Miami?  Okay, maybe he should have checked into a spa. But …

MacNamee: This is a story set immediately after the iconic Dark Phoenix Saga. You put Wolvie in unfamiliar territory and throw in a new bad guy to boot. What can you tell us about Crucible and why this particular era of the X-Men, other than the ‘70s, was a cool decade for mutants?

Panosian: Crucible claims to have worked with Logan during his Special Ops days. Wolverine is pretty messed up — but this guy is REALLY messed up, and he wants to take Logan on a trip down memory lane with him. Honestly, I feel sorry for both of them.  Spoiler – it doesn’t end well! For me, the late ’70s and ’80s were a magical time before cell phones, and who doesn’t like Disco?

Okay, well, pretty much everyone.

But that doesn’t seem to bother me much. I love that era. The vibe, the clothing, the music. All of it.  

MacNamee: Plus, we get Dazzler and Heroes for Hire. What roles do they play in this series?

Panosian: Dazzler is going through her own struggles. She’s balancing being a hero and a performer.  Similar to Logan, she’s trying to figure out where she fits. But she could use some help, so when she stumbles upon Logan on the boardwalk, she asks him to help her with some problems she’s having with Hammerhead.  Normally, Wolverine would make short work of a villain like that — but Crucible finds him and … that’s when her manager decides it’s time to call the Heroes For Hire!  

MacNamee: Finally then, this is a ‘70s set story, so other than the classic Chris Claremont/John Byrne run, what other inspirations have you allowed to soak into this cool-looking book?

Panosian: Pacing-wise, it’s like a late ’70s movie. Ideally, it doesn’t read like a normal Marvel comic book.  There’s plenty of (Frank) Miller influence. All the things I loved about comic books from my childhood.  And like a good movie, it intensifies as the story progresses.  By the third issue, if you were looking for action — be prepared — it’s one battle after another!  And it only gets crazier from there.  

MacNamee: Dan, thanks for your time and all the best with the book. Not that I think you’ll need it, bub.

Panosian: Ha!  Thanks, Olly.  I appreciate you taking the time to check it out. I hope you enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed working on it!  Cheers

Wolverine Paradise #1 is out on Wednesday, 14th October from Marvel.