Comic Review: Wolverine #1 (2024) – A Bloody Return to Roots
The new launch under the From The Ashes initiative brings us another solo chapter in Logan’s story – and while it’s not a groundbreaking debut, Wolverine #1 is a strong, brutal, and characteristically "Wolverine" return. Written by Saladin Ahmed and illustrated by Martín Cóccolo, this creative duo delivers exactly what fans expect from a series starring the sharpest mutant around.
The Wolf Who Knows His Shadow
The story wastes no time – right from the first pages, we’re thrown into a brutal confrontation. Wolverine is running with a wolf pack, which, while not zoologically accurate (no clear alpha pair), effectively reflects the primal, instinctive nature of the character. This symbolic pairing of man and beast returns in the final battle, wrapping the narrative with a satisfying thematic arc.
Though the early dialogue feels a bit stilted and overstuffed, things improve significantly as the issue progresses. Ahmed strikes a balance between Logan’s classic gruff voice and his more modern sensibility. The result is a version of Wolverine that isn’t just a nostalgic clone of his former self, but a believable character shaped by his past – and the wounds that still haven’t healed.
Blood, Claws, and... Cyber
The biggest surprise in this issue is the return of Cyber – one of Wolverine’s less frequently used, but intriguing adversaries. While his confrontation with Logan feels a bit too easy, his brutal presence (and genuinely graphic aesthetic) leaves an impression. Cóccolo’s illustrations shine here – dynamic, clean, and full of expressive energy. The use of cold, harsh color palettes stands out especially, perfectly matching the bleak tone of the story.
It's also worth mentioning the strong pairing of Logan and Nightcrawler. Their interactions feel natural and highlight the unique bond they share despite their differences. While Kurt doesn’t have a major role, his presence enriches the narrative – always a plus when the X-Men get to have their moments without coffee shop backdrops or existential monologues.
A Strong Start, with a Hint of Uncertainty
Story-wise, there’s nothing particularly revolutionary here – it’s a classic, action-driven opening chapter for a longer arc – but the atmosphere and character work elevate it above other From The Ashes debuts. While there are moments of unnecessary exaggeration (especially in portraying background racism – too blunt, too one-note), the issue overall stays grounded.
The ending delivers a solid cliffhanger and a digital bonus scene teasing future developments. If Ahmed can maintain this level and avoid narrative stagnation, we might be looking at one of the stronger modern Wolverine series.
Conclusion
Wolverine #1 (2024) is a juicy, brutal return to form. Not without its flaws, but full of character, visually striking, and promising more to come. For Logan fans, this one’s a must-read.
Pros:
+Strong atmosphere and excellent visual presentation
+Well-written portrayal of Wolverine
+Return of Cyber as a compelling villain
+Solid dynamic between Logan and Nightcrawler
Cons:
– Occasionally stilted and overly expositional dialogue
– Predictable and somewhat conventional plot
– Overdrawn socio-political undertones in the background
Final Score: 7.5/10
Not perfect, but definitely worth your attention. Logan is back – and he’s back in style.
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