WOLVERINE:ORIGINS #21 by Daniel Way, Steve Dillon(2008).
© Marvel

Mania Grade: C
Title: Wolverine:Origins
Issue: 21
Authors: Daniel Way, Steve Dillon
Distibutor: Marvel
Price: $2.99

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Wolverine: Origins #21

I always swear by Wolverine: Origins and argue for it. I really like the series. And yet, every time I decide to review the book, I grab an issue that I can’t recommend on its own merits. Hence, when I criticize this 21^st issue of the series, keep in mind that I enjoy Origins and stand by it as a series. After Wolverine’s drunken flashback at Captain America’s statue in the Smithsonian, the mysterious voice in the dark – likely Romulus, or someone working for him – hires the mentally-unstable mercenary Deadpool to take out the titular character. Needless to say, Deadpool agrees and sets about cracking wise and chasing Logan in and around a department store. The two trade blows, things blow up, and the book otherwise kind of blows. It’s essentially an issue-long fight that draws clear and acknowledged inspiration from the old Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote cartoons. Writer Daniel Way took the same approach in a miniseries with the Punisher and Bullseye squaring off. It was only slightly cute then, and it’s less so now.

I think part of the problem lies with Deadpool, who turns the issue into a comedy. This might work in some contexts, but after 20 issues of conspiracy, bloodshed, and character development, it feels like a throw from left field. This isn’t simply an issue of Deadpool’s dialogue, which sounds appropriately crazy. The issue’s entire approach feels like an episode of The Three Stooges or one of the aforementioned Looney Tunes shorts. If you’ve felt like Wolverine: Origins needed to lighten up, this is your issue.

Steve Dillon brings his usual brand of realism to this issue, drawing spandex-clad heroes with a straight face and no questions asked. Initially, it’s almost awkward seeing Wolverine drawn as a normal person, sans overbuilt muscles, gravity-defying hair, or simian crouch. Some characters only work better through an exaggerated lens. But, while Dillon’s style takes a little getting used to, I wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s become an integral part of Wolverine: Origins. One hopes that his stellar work continues even past this less-than-stellar issue.

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