REVIEW: ‘Wolverine: Paradise’ Issue 1

Wolverine: Paradise Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written and with art and colors by Dan Panosian, and letters by Cory Petit.

Tired of the superhero life, Wolverine takes a trip to Miami in Wolverine: Paradise Issue 1. However, trouble may follow him to the beach. This is a fun series that steps away from everything, venturing to a location rarely seen in comics. That completely shifts the tone in Wolverine: Paradise Issue 1.

Logan steps into the muggy heat of Miami, and the conflict takes on a gang-violence vibe. There are still mutant elements, stemming from who Wolverine meets while he’s there. The party lifestyle has a seedy edge to it, leading to conflict. But Logan is also just a magnet for trouble in the first place.

It’s also important to note that Wolverine: Paradise Issue 1 is effortless to jump into. Readers don’t need to learn anything about Wolverine, so much is explained as the comic progresses. Set years ago, the story has a timeless quality that helps its freshness. The pacing moves through the city quickly, but the structure is smooth and eases us into it.

Wolverine: Paradise Issue 1 is fantastic at highlighting Logan’s values. The whole premise of the series is about him trying to get away for a vacation. But he can’t ever turn away from suffering or struggle. Anyone causing trouble draws his ire, and he eventually sidles up to the person who needs help. Even when it comes to getting a kid ice cream.

This issue features narration that explains everything, from who Wolverine is to what his powers are, mutants, and more. It’s what makes Wolverine: Paradise Issue 1 so effortless to read for the most novice readers. Additionally, what makes Wolverine such a fantastic character is just how adaptable he is. He can fit in anywhere, from mountainous wildernesses to Miami. He just works.

This opening chapter also introduces other recognizable figures, from iconic mutant celebrities to famous monsters, and the captions succinctly give the lowdown on them. This exposition is fluid and still full of personality. There is really an effort for Logan to shrug off the superhero stuff, stow his claws and relax, but his nose just sniffs out trouble.

The art is fantastic, beautifully crafting a Miami vibe within the protagonist and the world itself. The very first panel, showing Logan filling up his chopper at a gas station, is emblematic of just how cool this comic is. Panosian’s design is superb. Wolverine looks like he belongs in the Magic City. His open vest shows off his chest and works for the beach, while still featuring his signature stripes. The tufts of his hair are also more frayed, amplifying the style further and ensuring Logan doesn’t look out of place.

It’s strange to see Logan actually enjoying a vacation in parts of Wolverine: Paradise Issue 1. Eating ice cream, sitting in a sun lounger- these all should be foreign to him. His surroundings are gorgeous, really encapsulating the unique makeup of Miami.

It’s interesting that the other recognizable characters that appear in Wolverine: Paradise Issue 1 haven’t had their clothing changed, because they already fit in. One represents the dazzling party lifestyle, and the other has that traditional mobster feel.

The colors are stunning. Panosian superbly captures the heat and humidity Miami is known for, with a yellow glow in the sky that hangs in the air. Wolverine’s vest is black and yellow, the shades that represent his costume. It hints that whilst he is on vacation, he can’t fully walk away from who he is. As the sun sets, the city grows darker and gloomier, but the streetlights provide a little light. The lettering is a funny that is scratchy, which gives it more grit than a more uniform style.

Wolverine: Paradise Issue 1 is a stunning relocation for such an iconic figure. This is a really wonderful auteur comic, with Panosian providing everything but the lettering. It really feels like Wolverine had been dropped into Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, or other famous franchises that have Miami as a home.

As a Brit who had never laid eyes on the place, Panosian creates an unmistakable sense of location. The art is utterly gorgeous, and the whole thing has the air of a warm and inviting adventure.

Wolverine: Paradise Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.