REVIEW: ‘The Last Wolverine’ Issue 1

The Last Wolverine Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics and written by Saladin Ahmed, art by Edgar Salazar, colors by Carlos Lopez, and letters by Cory Petit.

This issue is part of the Age of Revelation crossover. With Logan now a hunter for Revelation, a young man named Lenny has become the Wolverine instead.

This edition of the dystopian crossover is surprisingly positive for a change. Ten years after the release of a virus that either killed humans or turned them into mutants, Doug Ramsay rules as Revelation, heir to Apocalypse. He has turned Wolverine into his Angel of Death, who now hunts down rebels and dissidents. Enter Lenny. Those who followed early issues of Ahmed’s Wolverine series will be aware of the young man who became infected by the curse of the Wendigo.

But in the early stages of The Last Wolverine Issue 1, Lenny is a respected and friendly hero. It’s a very traditional opening to a superhero story, rescuing kids from a burning building. He and the community are friendly and helpful. This transitions into dinner with Nightcrawler. It is there that a sadder tone starts creeping in. Flashbacks show when Wolverine and Lenny last met, and it’s a tragic, unsettling encounter. It’s also when the curse of the Wendigo, with a burning, unrelenting desire for human flesh, rears its head.

The pacing can be a little slow in the middle of the issue, but it’s important because it allows for a steady tone shift, turning the comic much darker than it began. Lenny is such a lovely character. Adapting the classic Jekyll and Hyde story, Ahmed has created a character that is instantly likable. He’s so friendly and kind, willing to talk to anyone and spend time getting to know them. It’s hilarious that he had the mantle of Wolverine, a legacy name that is frequently associated with aloof, quiet chargers who are nasty and feral.

The Last Wolverine Issue 1 subverts expectations with this ultra-warm hero. But there is an undercurrent to Lenny, the curse that is always about to cause trouble. His relationship with Nightcrawler and Wolverine is endearing and ultimately devastating because Logan is so lost. Lenny is very new, and therefore may be unknown to many readers. But there is so much intrigue within his personality that he is a terrific choice to wear the uniform.

The art is both goofy and fantastic. The design of Lenny puts a friendly face on the usually ferocious Wendigo. The vicious teeth twist into a welcoming smile, and he turns into an adorable bear-like creature. There are many similarities to Hank McCoy as the Beast, especially with the shadow of the hair and the facial features. But Lenny is much bigger and muscular. In The Last Wolverine Issue 1, the young, bestial figure is also crammed into Logan’s classic costume. It’s not a completely faithful cosplay; instead, it’s adapted and altered slightly. It fits him well.

The sheer size makes Lenny look powerful, particularly when next to children. However, it’s even sweeter when he is gentle and caring, crouching down to talk to the youngsters. Aside from the Wendigo, Wolverine is the only other character in a costume. Nightcrawler has retired and lost his own mutated visage, looking like an everyday person. This makes Lenny stand out even more when in regular apartments or neighborhoods.

The colors of the costume are incredibly eye-catching. The all-white of Lenny’s fur is dressed in the signature yellow and blue outfit that Wolverine usually wears. It’s also impossible to clash with any shares behind him, making it easy to spot the already gigantic creature on the page. The lettering is very comfortable and easy to read.

The Last Wolverine Issue 1 is an excellent example of what this crossover can achieve. Since the relaunch of the X-Men books, several new characters have been established alongside the old faithful. This is the first instance of chargers from the latest series being introduced into an alternate future, and huge stories like this. It means there are fresh tales to tell.

It would be so easy to make Laura Kinney or Daken pick up the cowl, but Ahmed went for someone new instead. And Lenny is just as capable and fascinating a character. He may be gentle and kind, but a berserker rage still resides in him.

Last Wolverine Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.