Benjamin Percy has been making folks ask the following question in Wolverine: is it wrong if an agent goes rogue but their behavior gets the job done? Considering the immoral acts Beast has been up to, like attacking countries who aren’t complying with Krakoan law or cloning himself and Wolverine to meet his ends, I’d argue it is wrong. Unfortunately for Wolverine, the Quiet Council disagrees, so he’s taking matters into his own hands to stop Beast himself. In Wolverine #33, though, we learn he might have help from an old friend.
That friend is Maverick, who makes himself evident three pages into the latest issue. He witnesses Beast and his Logan clones entering a submarine and looking for Wolverine. Fortunately for the real Logan, Maverick stows him away. With Maverick being heavily included in past story arcs, it’s nice to see his inclusion here.
The acts of Maverick and his decision to aid Wolverine are just one of three subplots in this issue. Cutting between Maverick’s scenes are scenes with Jeff Bannister, who aims to help Wolverine and the growing revolt under Beast’s command. Bannister acts as an example of how humans aren’t all bad, and he’s also played a significant role in the series before this issue, so it’s fitting to see him take action here.
How cool is that submarine?
Credit: Marvel
The rise of the Beast clones is probably the most interesting part of this issue. Because Beast was well aware that clones of himself might eventually try to take over, or at the very least disagree with him, some contingency plans were enacted to ensure he couldn’t lose power. That includes recording the Beast clones conversing, which we see on a data page. The clones serve to show Beast can’t control even his creation while also reminding us of how cold-blooded he is with a life of any kind.
This issue is very much a bridge to more exciting developments, though. Juan Jose Ryp’s detailed art style looks great, including a neat-looking organic submarine. The highly detailed style looks particularly great when Bannister gives a speech to some soldiers on a battleship. The level of detail put into each of their fatigues is quite impressive. That said, it feels like this series has been teasing a Beast vs. Wolverine clash for so long, it’s starting to get frustrating.
This issue also features a surprise backup story by Gene Luen Yang and Peter Nguyen titled “Daggers and Claws.” This story features Sister Dagger, who needs a little help from Wolverine. They fight a gnarly-looking beast straight out of Gyver and bond along the way. There’s a nice lesson in there, and Yang makes you want more Wolverine team-ups with impressionable young heroes. If you’re reminded of Jubilee and Wolverine’s adventures, I’m sure that was part of the inspiration.
Expect table-setting moments in Wolverine #33 as we wait for the final showdown to commence. Beast continues to be as evil as they come, and even with good intentions, it’s clear he’s a lost cause.
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