Wolverine: Revenge #1 Review: Big, Dumb Fun Done Right

Wolverine: Revenge #1 Review: Big, Dumb Fun Done Right

As a seasoned comic book enthusiast with over three decades of reading under my belt, I can confidently say that Jonathan Hickman and Greg Capullo have outdone themselves with their latest collaboration, “Wolverine: Revenge“. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill superhero comic; it’s a visceral, adrenaline-pumping ride that harks back to the glory days of 80s action cinema.


Jonathan Hickman is well-known for creating intelligent superhero comics, weaving intricate stories with the Fantastic Four, X-Men, or Avengers that showcase deep character development, thoughtful themes, and imaginative sci-fi ideas. However, don’t assume his work is only about those extensive story arcs. The debut of Wolverine: Revenge demonstrates that this limited series prioritizes intense excitement over anything else. Hickman proves with this comic book that he’s equally adept at delivering big and simple entertainment, too.

Title #1 of “Wolverine: Revenge” plunges readers into a narrative that doesn’t fit neatly into Marvel Comics’ timeline, making it too grandiose to be sandwiched among other continuity points. This liberty offers writers Jonathan Hickman and artist Greg Capullo ample room to explore an array of Marvel characters and elements without many constraints to preserve them. From the initial scenes showcasing Wolverine hunting dinosaurs in the Savage Land, through to a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, “Revenge” is all about delivering pulse-pounding action sequences that will leave even the most hardened Marvel fans stunned.

As a dedicated gamer and avid comic book reader, I can’t help but give credit to the harmonious collaboration between Hickman and Capullo. Capullo, renowned for his groundbreaking work on Spawn and a decade of gritty Batman tales that defined “metal,” is poised to deliver an equally enticing take on Wolverine. From the iconic yellow suit to clashes with dinosaurs and X-villains at their most vicious, he seizes the limelight and stamps his unique style onto these moments. Given the high body count and relentless, gory action sequences, this Wolverine comic feels like it was tailor-made for Capullo’s artistic talents. His love for intricate panel designs, expressive line work, and nailing dramatic moments guarantees that each scene in Revenge #1 is a visual masterpiece.

Amidst the action scenes, there are parts that explain the storyline, which might seem like lessons but introduce enough Marvel characters to keep readers engaged and forget their eagerness for more Wolverine action. By the end of issue #1, all the essential details about this altered reality have been made clear. There’s no complex mystery or continuing search for sci-fi artifacts; it’s a quest for revenge that wraps up in this issue, hinting at even greater things to come.

Despite its grandeur and pompous title, “Wolverine: Revenge” #1, with its mass extinction events and a star-studded lineup of X-villains, is actually a testament to the principle “less is more.” Akin to its namesake, the comic itself is lean, focused primarily on superhero violence. It succinctly sets up the story, stakes, and motivations, leaving ample room for the expressive action sequences by Capullo. The end product offers a delightful take on Wolverine that emphasizes its appealing 80s action movie vibe.

Published by Marvel Comics

On August 21, 2024

Written by Jonathan Hickman

Art by Greg Capullo and Tim Townsend

Colors by FCO Plascencia

Letters by Cory Petit

Cover by Greg Capullo, Tim Townsend, and FCO Plascencia

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2024-08-21 16:39