REVIEW: ‘Laura Kinney: Wolverine’ Issue 2

Laura Kinney: Wolverine Issue 2 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Erica Schultz, art by Giada Belviso, colors by Rachelle Rosenberg, and letters by Cory Petit.

Wolverine is back in New York, Hell’s Kitchen, to be exact. This puts her in the territory of Elektra Natchios, aka Daredevil.

Laura Kinney: Wolverine Issue 2 is a team-up issue with all the best qualities. Schultz moves both characters quickly, letting their differences cause friction and violence. The first part sees the assassins-turned-superheroes squabble over the territory, getting in each other’s way regarding the mission. Misunderstanding is a much-loved and exciting trope in team-ups. It energizes the start of the book and keeps the story on edge for the rest of the comic.

Where the first issue of this series took Laura out of New York, this chapter tries to settle her into the superhero community of the city. She encounters characters considered obstacles to her, preventing her from saving a mutant. That is still the most crucial part of this series: protecting young mutants from exploitation and crime.

An extremely powerful teenager, initially someone to save, becomes a hazardous plot device within the streets of New York in Laura Kinney: Wolverine Issue 2. The action is exciting and varies. At first, Wolverine and Elektra take down foes and try to save the day. But that is not possible later on, requiring new tactics. The ending is brave and an enormous surprise. Because of how the first issue ended, I thought this chapter would follow a similar format. Instead, an explosive finale is genuinely shocking.

Schultz brings together two characters she knows very well in Laura Kinney: Wolverine Issue 2. Having written Daredevil’s miniseries, the writer champions Elektra and understands her superbly. Laura and Elektra have similarities and differences that are explored in great detail. Wolverine is close to feral and angry towards anyone who inflicts pain or stands in her way. Elektra also possessed that but has learned to control it over the years. The older woman could be a great mentor.

The lack of communication between the two causes confusion and constant conflict in Laura Kinney: Wolverine Issue 2, even when they are eventually on the same side. Wolverine’s rage is terrific to read. Elektra is not the only hero present in this book, and Laura doesn’t care about their status or reputation. If they aren’t helping, they get bitten. Elektra and the other hero know the other Wolverine, and the many references can rile up this Wolverine.

A favorite trope in superhero comics is when a hero is explored through another hero’s narration. We get some of that in Laura Kinney: Wolverine Issue 2, where Wolverine beautifully analyzes Elektra’s fighting style. The dialogue is quick and cutting. Elektra rarely raises her voice or loses control, while Wolverine’s berserker rage is always barely hanging on by a thread.

The art is spectacular in Laura Kinney: Wolverine Issue 2. Two incredibly female heroes are brought to life and pitted against each other. Their personalities resonate through their fighting styles and other visual elements. Elektra is precise and graceful; Wolverine is ferocious. As Daredevil dances with her adapted sais, Wolverine slashes through them. There are some aspects of the comparable heroes, too.

Belviso beautifully captures their wild and flowing hair. Wolverine’s hair is straight, while Daredevil’s is more curly. However, they are both unkempt and move fantastically when in motion. The two costumes are phenomenal, looking incredible in wonderfully creative fight scenes. In regular clothes, Belviso takes great care to show the unique differences between the two women and where they can look alike.

The colors set up a magnificent contrast. The costumes of the heroes could not be more different in color. Daredevil is all in red, while Wolverine sports yellow, though they both contain equal amounts of black trim. It is their black hair that can make them look alike. Unnatural colors may be used in the background, making the book bright and energetic. For much of Laura Kinney: Wolverine Issue 2, the sky is a beautiful purple, but it later turns into a vibrant yellow, making everything in the foreground pop. The lettering has remarkable precision and clarity.

Laura Kinney: Wolverine Issue 2 is a phenomenal team-up brimming with personality and chemistry. Although they don’t get along, Daredevil and Wolverine are fantastic together. Schultz understands each character’s small intricacies, creating friction and tension. They differ in everything they do, from how they talk to how they fight. But some links make them connected and close in their histories. Whether in costume or casual wear, Daredevil and Wolverine look terrific together.

Laura Kinney: Wolverine Issue 2 is available now wherever comics are sold.