5 Reasons You Should Read All New Wolverine
While Hugh Jackman's last go round as Wolverine is just now resonating with fans in Logan, the [...]
Embracing The Legacy
Part of what made Logan so popular was his constant battle between his feral nature and his more human side, and X-23 has embraced that inner conflict.
Laura fights the same demons but in new and interesting ways. As a clone, she's susceptible to things Logan never had to deal with, like a blood scent that drives her into a frenzy. Hallmarks of Logan's legacy show up as well, though, like Weapon X, which outdoes itself somehow by creating multiple crazed clones of X-23, taking the whole "dysfunctional family" dynamic to another level for the hero.
These are all concepts that Logan also dealt with, but they are twisted on their head in unique ways. Regardless of the situation, though, Laura represents her father figure proudly, and in many ways outdoes him. Her patience and ability to keep her feral nature in check is lightyears beyond what he could manage, and if anything she might even be deadlier.
Fans will find a book that recognizes what came before with enough new to keep the book fresh, and that's all anyone can really ask.
prevnextHer Name Is Gabby
Part of the aforementioned "new" in All-New Wolverine is the youngest clone who goes by the name of Gabby. In short, she's the heart of this book, and writer Tom Taylor has in a short time made her rather indispensable.
Gabby brings out new traits in Wolverine, giving her a spot of vulnerability in that unflinching exterior of hers. It's especially interesting to see that relationship juxtaposed with Laura and Logan's, something examined early on in the first and second volumes of the book. Whether it's her first time enjoying Chinese takeout (#28 specifically) or her embracing of Squirrel Girl's wolverine sidekick (who's named Jonathan by the way), she's an immediate spark in whatever story she's in, and will hopefully continue to be around for many issues to come.
prevnextSense Of Humor
This book can be brutal at points. That makes sense really, as you are dealing with a Wolverine. Laura isn't afraid to make someone feel some pain in her fights, but it's important to mix in some levity throughout to keep things from becoming too grim.
Writer Tom Taylor happens to be very good at this practice. Just when things are getting a bit heavy, Gabby slurps her Chinese food or Squirrel Girl attempts to take a selfie with a hesitant Laura. All of this doesn't compare to the poor sods who happened to break into the wrong house, a house that included Laura, Gabby, and Old Man Logan, and their reaction to the unfortunate decision was priceless.
prevnextOld Man Logan
In the "Destiny" arc, Laura and Gabby come across the recent Earth 616 addition Old Man Logan, and it's here that the differences between the new and old Wolverines are so apparent.
Old Man Logan has gone through quite a bit of pain and betrayal, and sees things in a rather cynical light. It's understandable to a degree, as the world Logan comes from is a pretty rundown and evil place, but his cynicism is countered against the rather hopeful essence of Laura, and seeing the two bicker back and forth only adds depth to their characters.
Laura wasn't the only beneficiary either. Gabby and Logan also form an interesting dynamic, especially when you consider what she did in his universe, a mystery that still hasn't really been addressed. While the arc comes to a general closing point, hopefully, there is more of this dynamic to come, as it truly left you wanting more.
prevnextA Relatable Laura
While the supporting cast is to be commended, none of it works without a relatable protagonist. The good news is Laura certainly fits that bill.
Laura might be a killing machine, but fans have seen her grow into not only a capable X-Man but a well-rounded human being. It's that growth that is constantly on display in All-New Wolverine. You understand her hesitancy to take full-time care of Gabby, but seeing her work it out internally is a joy, and the small character moments that happen along the way serve to endear Laura even more.
She's awkward at relationships, a bit anti-social in friendships, and learning on the go in regards to being a parent, but the fumbles along the way just build more character. This is a Wolverine for a new era, without forgetting what made the character so great in the past. What more can you ask for?
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