Comic Books

Hunt for Wolverine: Weapon Lost TPB Review

This is a noir detective thriller with some interesting twists and turns, but it never pays off.

December 5, 2018

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The hype for Logan’s return is real. No, not Old Man Logan — the real deal Wolverine who died way back in 2014. Charles Soule killed him off and, via five miniseries he’s built up the hype for his return over in Return of Wolverine. Four of those five miniseries are out this week in trade paperback format, but the question remains: if he’s already returned why would you want to read the “Hunt for Wolverine”?

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So what’s it about?

The official summary reads:

Where’s Wolverine? That’s what Daredevil wants to know! Logan may be the best there is at what he does – but so is the Man Without Fear! And as one of the biggest mysteries in the Marvel Universe unfolds, DD assembles a squad of uncanny detectives to track down Logan: Misty Knight, the Inhuman Frank McGee, and the mutant known as Cypher! Investigating recent sightings across the globe of the X-Man they thought dead, the squad uncovers a deep conspiracy with huge ramifications for Wolverine’s return!

Why does this matter?

There was a lot of build up to Logan’s return and this miniseries, along with the other four, help to ramp up the hype. This volume uncovers a Wolverine relic as well as details some big news about him too. Sure, there’s a lot of build up here for a smallish blip of new info, but it’s a fine detective story.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Flying motorcycles…only in NYC.
Credit: Marvel Comics

This collection opens with Hunt for Wolverine #1 which was an extra-sized issue with art by David Marquez and Paulo Siqueira. In fact, this issue opens each of the four “Hunt for Wolverine” trade paperbacks and it details the events that lead to Kitty Pryde setting in motion the hunt for Logan (at least with the heroes). This is a solid issue that ramps up the anticipation for all these searches for our main cigar-smoking man, Logan.

I really like what Charles Soule and Matteo Buffagni did with this story. It’s as noir as you get be it the darker tone at night, the detective work, and even the sultry sex (spoilers!). There is even some dark stuff revealed near the end, as well as some struggles for the characters. This cast includes Misty Knight, Frank McGee (Inhuman detective written beautifully by Soule in previous stories and here too) and Cypher. It’s an interesting group of characters and it’s in their dynamic that the story is driven to interesting places.

Cypher, in particular, is a fascinating case as he’s an addict of the internet. He’s used as a homing beacon in this story. Misty and Frank end up getting a bit of a thing going romantically which suits their cop personas and work-is-life personalities. Why not have a little fun after a hard day. Daredevil remains resolute in the story, serving as the driver of this team to find Logan.

This is a detective story so expect lots of talking.
Credit: Marvel Comics

It can’t be perfect can it?

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This series was sold with the impression real reveals would be popping up and frankly, there isn’t much here. Since Soule is writing this and Return of Wolverine I’m sure the revelations will pay off, but there’s only about a page of information to speak of within this entire story. There are false starts, misdirection and other elements that drag things out. Sure, those are inherent elements in detective stories, but it drives you mad when the word “hunt” is used in the title and yet they don’t even get a whiff.

Is it good?

Possibly the best “Hunt for Wolverine” collection thanks to some excellent character writing and interesting character dynamics. This is a noir detective thriller with some interesting twists and turns, but it never pays off.