The Blood Hunt event currently sucking its ways through the Marvel Universe has been a surprisingly simple and enjoyable summer crossover, with Blade and his crew of superheroes battling against the vampire apocalypse gripping the world. Like any event, there are a slew of tie-in books, with the Laura Kinney: The Wolverine one-shot being a visually engaging read that feels like a prequel to the forthcoming NYX monthly title.
Plot wise, this one-shot finds Wolverine leading a mission to stop vampires who are capturing mutants for sinister experiments, taking their blood to help aid in their conquest of humankind. As Laura unravels their plot, she finds Xarus, a blood sucker of high regard, and must find a way to use his powers to avert the forthcoming terror of vampire subjugation.
Marvel Comics
This is an enjoyable read, with Stephanie Phillips delivering a solid script that puts the action center to what’s a rather simple narrative stroke. Phillips gives Wolverine ample moments of violent exuberance, and Robert Gill is well equipped to give each slash a sense of urgency and forcefulness. He blocks his reveal panels with suspenseful care, and his fight scenes have an insistence that is rare in modern comics. It’s a beauty to watch his line work give Wolverine life as she takes it from the legions of monsters in her perimeter.
Marvel Comics
This is a violent comic, but perhaps anyone picking up a Blood Hunt title should expect that. There is generous blood and guts, and the representative vampires are terrifying visages thanks to Gill’s design choices. While it is unclear if the events at the end of this issue will directly impact the forthcoming NYX title, seeing Laura give her essence to thwart future threats likely gives characterization to the direction her future title will take.
X-Men: Blood Hunt – Laura Kinney: The Wolverine (quite a title for a one-shot) is a great example of what a tie-in can be within a larger event. It’s character focused, adds necessary plotting to the larger storyline, and is beautiful drawn by experienced artist that provides the visual core necessary to support the storyline. Wolverine has never looked as formidable and willing to dispense violence than in this issue.
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