Starting a new Wolverine series is an improbable task. So many talented writers have put their spin on this character that finding a fresh story idea is difficult. Noir has been done, many throrough explorations of his past have been done, over-the top uber violence has been done, quiet character moments have been done. Really, what you have to do to make a Wolverine story stand the test of time is tell a familiar story better than anyone else ever has.

That, sadly, didn’t happen in this first issue. It’s not at all bad, it’s just that I’ve read this story several times, some were written better, some worse.

Wolverine wakes up with no memory. Broken sentences. Uninspired cursing. Art style shifts between the current story and flashbacks. A familiar character shows up threatening him. Then, of course, he remembers who he is.

If this were the origin of a new character, it would be mildly intriguing. As it is, it seems unnecessary and nowhere near the high bar of Punisher and Fury Max (though, above Deadpool Max).

Boschi and Willumsen have vastly different styles but they mesh well, and definitely get the point across that we’re moving around in Wolverine’s memories. But, again, that’s been done better.

We’re left with a cliffhanger ending that’s more of a man dangling off a refrigerator with six inches between him and the ground. I have no desire to turn in next month and see what happens if he falls.