Being a math teacher, it’s easy for me to understand what happens when you combine different variables to a different extent. When it comes to the combination of Jason Aaron and Wolverine, that equation almost always comes out to a resounding “This is ridiculously awesome.” But, for me, this issue must have had something wrong in its numerator because it just missed the mark.

From a story perspective, it’s evident that Jason Aaron writes a great Logan. He knows this character. From his nonchalance, stupid bravado, and simple needs, Aaron’s Logan is just fun to read. He doesn’t mind walkin’ into the fight, and he carries this swanger about him that is unbeatable. A highlight for me was a part where Logan is looking for his Betty Page calendar, which I thought was a great touch, showing both his age and good taste.

From a story perspective, though, this book kind of lost me. I’m uncertain if this has anything to do with anything that’s happened before. One mention of Wolverine’s past, and my eyes glazed over. “Oh crap,” I thought, “not this. Shouldn’t this be in Origins?” It’s a very obtuse beginning to the story, dealing with some fight that Wolverine had long ago. I guess it would have been nice to have some sort of juxtaposition in the story to sort of flesh out the situation that he’s walking into. Also, I know it should matter, but the revelation at the end of the issue that his ex-girlfriend is gunning for him (don’t worry, this is no spoiler…read the solicits) completely blew over my head. Is this the fabled Riko? I’m fairly certain it’s not because I’m pretty sure she’s dead. And I could look it up on Wiki, but to me, elegant and good writing doesn’t require such things to happen. Even if explained to me later, as of now, the story left me wanting more and confused…but not in that “I can’t wait to find out what happens” kind of way.

I think I’m spoiled from having Garney and McNiven draw Wolverine because this one just doesn’t look all that great. I would compare this style to Kenneth Rocafort (that may be spelled wrong), who’s mostly known for drawing Paul Dini’s Madam Mirage and Jonathan Hickman’s The Core. The art in this book has a sketchy, energy to it, but I found the inking to be overly done. Also, there were some panels loaded with detail and others that were missing it. The one thing that I did enjoy is the use of the white space with the art. It lead to a nice pacing with the story and art, without causing the page to become overwhelmed by the art. I think a technique like that is nice sometimes because it breaks up what you’re visually used too.