ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘X Lives Of Wolverine,’ Issue #1

X Lives of Wolverine #1 is written by Benjamin Percy, illustrated by Joshua Cassara, colored by Frank Martin, and lettered by VC’s Cory Petit. It’s published by Marvel Comics. Ever since the foundation of Krakoa, Wolverine has dedicated himself to protecting the mutant nation by any means necessary, whether by himself or on missions with X-Force. Now, that vow is put to the ultimate test as Professor X and Jean Grey have sent him on a mission that crosses time and space with one of his deadliest enemies, Omega Red, hot on his heels. And if Wolverine fails, the entire history of the X-Men may cease to exist.

This book and its sister title X Deaths of Wolverine have been marked as a turning point in the X-Men’s status quo, similar to when Jonathan Hickman launched the First Age of Krakoa with House of X and Powers of X. And I can safely say that claim wasn’t all marketing hyperbole, as the story and stakes affect not just Wolverine but the entire X-Men as well. The fact that it ties into  Percy’s work on the main Wolverine title and X-Force is the cherry on top. Those titles have been underrated gems in the line of X-titles and while you don’t have to have read them to understand X Lives, they provide some helpful context.

X Lives also continues to prove that Percy is one of the best Wolverine writers ever, as he truly understands Logan on a level few writers do. Logan is a man whose past is marked by blood and violence and who has sought redemption throughout the decades. Time, as you’ll see, is a recurring theme throughout this story. Percy also explores Wolverine’s relationship with the other X-Men, especially Xavier and Jean as he sees Xavier as a father figure and has a deep love for Jean. And Omega Red acts as the perfect foil for Wolverine. While Logan is trying to save the X-Men, he’s trying to destroy them. Even their mutant powers act as parallels to one another—Wolverine’s healing factor prolongs his life, while Red’s death factor steals life from others.

Cassara, having worked with Percy on X-Force, returns to illustrate X Lives and delivers some gorgeous and gory artwork along the way. The opening page features Logan standing on the banks of Krakoa, holding a broken watch in his hand. Combined with his inner monologue, it perfectly underlines the theme of time. Cassara also draws a two-page spread featuring various moments from Wolverine’s life and depicts a brutal battle between Wolverine and Red, with blood erupting from Logan’s knuckles every time he pops his bone claws. Martin utilizes a sepia-toned color palette for the sequences set in the past, with lighter colors in the present. And Petit continues the trend of designing the data pages that pepper the issue, including the secret that drove Omega Red to kill the X-Men.

X Lives of Wolverine #1 launches what may be the most epic Wolverine story ever, with the clawed Canadian fighting for the future of the X-Men. With X Deaths of Wolverine launching next week, X-Men fans won’t have to wait long to see the other side of this time crossing saga.

X Lives of Wolverine #1 will be available wherever comics are sold on January 19, 2021.