REVIEW: ‘Laura Kinney: Wolverine,’ Issue #1

Laura Kinney: Wolverine #1 is published by Marvel Comics. It is written by Erica Schultz, with art by Giada Belviso, colors by Rachelle Rosenberg and letters by Cory Petit. In this first issue, Wolverine heads to Dubai in search of a missing mutant, finding a seedy underworld run by a former Krakoan.

This new solo adventure begins in the heart of another book. Wolverine is plucked out of the pages of NYX into her own series, showing the connection between the X-Men books. The root of the series is found in a famous tree in Central Park, which now contains cries for help from mutants across the city. Laura Kinney: Wolverine #1 turns into a jet-setting journey, entering the city of Dubai. The pace is methodical and quick, keeping Wolverine moving, which matches her determined attitude.

The location Laura travels to is seedy and uncomfortable, making the situation desperate and putting the young mutant in dreadful circumstances. The violence erupts, and Wolverine is in her element. The pace is electrifying in the fight scene, utilising the tall Emirati skyscrapers.

The escalation is exhilarating, especially when Laura bursts through the window. What is also great about the first issue is it is almost entirely self-contained. The book’s main plot is wrapped up by the end with a happy ending, and then an overlap into the next issue keeps the readers hooked.

Schultz gets Wolverine right. She instantly recognises the darkness within Laura’s soul, which other heroes can lift themselves out of. The first we see of her is with Ms. Marvel and Sophie Cuckoo. These two personalities favor humor and happiness. That is contrasted with Laura, who wallows in grief and sadness. Her history and the trauma she has endured sit on her soul.

Wolverine is also an incredibly kind individual. She will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, seeking solutions to help those suffering in silence. The dialogue is dark but hopeful at the same time, as Laura’s dedication to finding a young boy and rescuing him takes over her life.

The art is sensational. Belviso’s style is clean and stylish whilst also capturing the ferocity of the main characters and the villains she comes up against. The villains are also mutants, with some powers that are excellent to see. There are multiple instances of body horror, gory and twisted. Much of this horror is enacted by a small woman who is as fierce as they come.

Belviso’s design of Laura is fantastic. The darkness she has encountered and the damage she has inflicted and suffered can always be seen on her face. Her hair is phenomenal. It’s this veil of black, with small strands that fall over her face. When still, it falls over Wolverine’s face and makes her look dangerous. When she is moving, it is wild and flowing.

The colors are sensational. Rosenberg can be minimalist with shades, and this is extremely effective. Laura’s hair is jet black, becoming a shadowy shape. Behind Wolverine and the other colors, the background details can be replaced with just color. This happens mainly during the fight scenes and other important scenes. This focuses the eyes, drawing them to the characters and the dialogue. The letters are very clear, large, and easy to read.

Laura Kinney: Wolverine #1 pulls the character out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Wolverine is excellent in NYX, but this book allows her thoughts and her skills to be on full display. The travel aspect is refreshing, and the plot itself is fascinating. The concept has a purity: helping mutants that no one else is looking for. In times like these, either Wolverine steps up, plunging themselves into the darkness to drag innocents back to the light.

Laura Kinney: Wolverine #1 is available where comics are sold.