Laura Kinney: Wolverine #1 Review – A Marvel Fan-Favorite Finds New Purpose

As a long-time fan of Wolverine and particularly the Laura Kinney version, I’ve been eagerly awaiting a fresh start for her character. And boy, did Marvel deliver with “Laura Kinney: Wolverine“! Erica Schultz weaves an engaging tale that not only gives Laura a clear direction but also provides a fascinating insight into the post-Krakoa world. It’s like someone opened a window to a side of mutantkind we haven’t seen yet, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!

For quite some time, Laura Kinney has been a beloved character, but it seems like she hasn’t had a defined direction recently. Despite being valuable to any team she joins, it appears that she hasn’t found a distinct place within the X-Men and mutant community over the past year. However, Marvel’s new ongoing series, Laura Kinney: Wolverine, aims to rectify this situation and succeeds admirably. By the end of the first issue, Laura has a captivating goal that showcases her abilities while introducing some intriguing enigmas as well, providing an excellent kickoff for the next phase in her story.

After Krakoa’s fall, many have been grappling with their new reality, but less attention has been given to those who never reached there in the first place and their reactions. In this issue, writer Erica Schultz provides insights into these overlooked perspectives, showcasing both individuals trying to understand and cope, as well as others exploiting their grief and solitude for personal gain. This offers a comprehensive look at post-Krakoa society on a global level, providing a viewpoint that we haven’t explored much since the story ended.

Afterward, Schultz employs this perspective to guide Kinney effectively, incorporating traits similar to Laura that have been observed in other novels, while simultaneously exploiting the additional time and room to delve deeper into how Laura’s past influences her unique perspective and upcoming objectives.

As I immerse myself into the gripping world of Wolverine, the exceptional art squad led by artist Giada Belviso, colorist Rachelle Rosenberg, and letterer Cory Petit unleash the raw ferocity synonymous with these iconic characters. Crafting a formidable adversary for an invincible force like Wolverine requires creativity, and this team delivers obstacles in various forms throughout the initial issue. A particularly harrowing sequence involving acid in the eyes left me utterly spellbound.

In this fight scene, I feel there might have been a bit more depth added to it, given its exceptional execution. However, watching Laura pursue an altruistic objective was truly captivating. This narrative setup introduces a central mystery that’s intriguing, and as the last page of the issue suggests, it also provides Laura with opportunities to engage with individuals beyond her usual X-Men circle.

I’ve always found Laura Kinney fascinating, and it’s gratifying to witness her pursuing a significant long-term ambition that resonates on a personal level while delving into post-Krakoa themes from a distinctive viewpoint. Throughout this journey, she proves herself to be an unstoppable force, and I can’t wait for Wolverine enthusiasts to experience the excitement for themselves.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Originally Released by: Marvel Comics
Story By: Erica Schultz
Illustrations By: Giada Belviso
Colors By: Rachelle Rosenberg
Dialogue & Layouts By: Cory Petit

Hey there fellow comic book enthusiast! I’d love to hear your thoughts on Laura Kinney as Wolverine. We can geek out about everything comics on Threads at @mattaguilarcb or on Bluesky @knightofoa. Looking forward to our chat!

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2024-12-12 00:10