Of all the Age of Revelation titles announced, Laura Kinney: Sabretooth has to be the boldest title. How could Laura, aka Wolverine, rename herself after Wolverine’s greatest enemy? There are clues in the first issue as to why, as well as a whole new dynamic between Laura and her closest allies. As the preview shows, she’s on the Revelations side, the side of mutants, but also genocide, but for what cause?
It’s very clear when you put this comic down that the Age of Revelation is a great event, as it mixes things up and keeps readers on their toes. For half this comic, I was tantalized as to what Laura is up to now, and how she could be against Gabby and Akihiro. While you try to unpack that, Erica Schultz keeps you invested in Laura by trying to figure her out, with other face-to-face interactions, and a final page that’ll send readers reeling. It’s safe to say I’m intrigued by what Laura’s part in this event will be, and how she got here.
This issue also fleshes out the Revelation territories a bit, as we see mutants living in harmony and happy in Philadelphia. It’s a key city, don’t miss Amazing X-Men, and one that’s run down, even if it’s a place where mutants feel free. Interactions with other key characters in the event also make this feel more important and required reading to get the big picture.
Cool costume.
Credit: Marvel
Fans looking for action may need to curb expectations. There’s a short fight that’s more of a misunderstanding sparring than anything else. Judging by the cliffhanger, more fighting is coming, though.
Art by Valentina Pinti is good, especially Laura’s Sabretooth costume, and generally all the environments. Buildings are run down in the background, grass is growing where it shouldn’t be, and there’s a general dystopian vibe. Character acting is fairly good, although there’s mostly yelling or gritting of teeth going on in this issue.
Plotting is a bit circular, which is unfortunate. Much of the issue is spent with Laura trying to get someone close to her out of Revelation territories, only for her to change her mind on a dime later in the issue. Revelation doesn’t seem to use his powers either, so a lot of the actions are not moving things along slowly. Much of the draw of the issue is found in the mystery of where these characters are and the larger world, with the plot moving at a snail’s pace.
Laura Kinney: Sabretooth #1 is a daring and mysterious start, using Laura’s shocking new mantle to challenge readers’ expectations while grounding itself in the evolving world of Age of Revelation. Though light on action and slowed by some repetitive plotting, the character drama and strong visuals make it a worthwhile read that sets up big payoffs down the line.
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