Wolverine #22
Wolverine and Deadpool find out exactly what the X-Desk has on Danger in Wolverine #22, by writer Benjamin Percy, artist Adam Kubert, colorist Frank Martin, and letterer Cory Petit. This issue is exciting and fast-paced, keeping the action going throughout.
As Wolverine and Deadpool watch, Maverick and Weasel put together what was in the briefcase: a miniature Danger. Once activated, it escapes, Wolverine and Deadpool save everyone while chasing it through Las Vegas. Wolverine and Deadpool get their hands on it, and Blind Al comes in for the save. With everyone on their tail, she takes them to a safe place, and they come up with a plan of action, one that takes them back to the Xavier Institute.
Percy really shows off his multi-tasking chops in this one. There’s exposition, action, and plot building. Deadpool remains a lot of fun, and Percy has Wolverine use his healing factor in fun ways to progress the plot. All in all, it’s yet another example of why Wolverine is such a good book. When Percy is cooking, there’s so much to love. This story so far has done a lot of heavy lifting for the X-Desk subplot that has been running throughout, revealing tidbits of what has gone over the length of the plot beginning in the book.
The pacing is one of the best parts of the book. Part of that is the art and page composition, but the way Percy uses dialogue and plot to keep everything moving is great. Exposition can be a difficult balance, and most of the beginning of the issue is just Maverick and Weasel figuring out what was in the briefcase and how it works, but it’s still an entertaining sequence. The chase at the end of the book is well-plotted out, and the reveal that Danger is back at the old school is a nice one as well. Wolverine and Deadpool’s back and forth remains a highlight of the book, but that goes without saying.
Kubert’s art isn’t as detailed as usual, but it still works. So much of the pacing involves the way he lays out pages and keeps the action moving. He’s a master of this, and it really helps the book move along. Making a chase scene work well in comics is difficult, but Kubert pulls it off very well. Oftentimes, the lack of detail works to show distance. Martin’s colors are exquisite, but that’s to be expected from one of the best colorists in the industry.
Wolverine #22 is an exciting, action-packed romp. Percy is able to build the plot expertly and reveal exactly what’s been going on, the character interplay is gold, and the pacing is perfect. Kubert and Martin do their part to keep everything fast-paced and entertaining. Wolverine has been impressive, and this issue keeps that up.
