REVIEW: ‘X Deaths of Wolverine,’ Issue #5

X Deaths of Wolverine #5 is written by Benjamin Percy with art by Federico Vicentini, colors by Dijjo Lima, and lettering by VC’s Cory Petit. It’s published by Marvel Comics. Wolverine has returned from his time-traveling battle against Omega Red, but he soon finds himself face to face with his future self, who, thanks to Moira MacTaggert, is now one with the Phalanx. With the help of his progeny and his teammates in X-Force, Wolverine battles his Phalanx counterpart, with the future of the mutant race at stake.

With X Lives of Wolverine taking a journey through the clawed Canadian’s past, it’s only fitting that X Deaths tackles his future quite literally, as the future Wolverine poses a threat to the entire world. Throughout both series, Percy has taken a deep dive into Wolverine’s minds and the reasons why he fights for Krakoa. The main reason is his children; he wants to make sure they have a future. “Keeping Xavier alive…keeping Krakoa alive…keeps them alive,” his narration reads. “I’ll eat all the pain in world history for that.” Percy continues to prove that he truly understands Wolverine and what makes him interesting. It isn’t the stabbing or even his lengthy life, it’s the family he’s formed with the X-Men and the lengths he’ll go to protect that family.

The series also continues to build upon plot points from Inferno, as well as House of X and Powers of X. Moira’s endgame is finally revealed and it carries horrifying implications for the future of mutant-kind. It also proves that Jonathan Hickman, in a similar vein as Chris Claremont, has built a story with lasting repercussions, and it only took him two years! My major hope is that Percy and the rest of the creators on the X-Men books continue to explore these threads, especially when it comes to the rise of the machine forces, including Nimrod and the Phalanx.

Compared to the previous issues, this finale is light on blood and gore but not horror, as Vicentini showcases the toll the Phalanx infection has taken on the future Wolverine. It’s pure nightmare fuel as the Phalanx slowly slips off Future Wolverine’s body, revealing his shining Adamantium skeleton. Dijjo’s colors contrast the dueling Wolverines; the present Logan’s brown and tan suit provides a contrast to the black and yellow circuitry spreading throughout the Future Wolverine’s body. And Petit’s lettering offers a window into the slipping of Future Wolverine’s humanity; his speech bubbles grow more square and sleek while repeating a single phrase: “WE-ARE-THE-PHALANX.” The action continues to be intense as well; the Wolverines attack fast and furious, shredding through Future Wolverine’s circuits and shrugging off major wounds.

X Deaths of Wolverine #5 finds Wolverine fighting for the future of the X-Men and launches the Second Age of Krakoa. Not only did this story live up to its hype, but it’s the perfect set-up for the “Destiny of X” storyline that begins next week with Immortal X-Men. This is not just a great Wolverine story—  it’s a great story for anyone who’s been invested in the X-Men since the Krakoa era began.

X Deaths of Wolverine #5 is available now wherever comics are sold.