Wolverine 1: Prodigal Son [Paperback]

Wolverine fans that like their hero pure and unadulterated should probably stay away from this "mangafied" version of the character. However, people interested in seeing how Wolverine might have fared had he been brought up steeped in Japanese culture could have a new venue for watching their hero in action as a rebellious (can you believe it?) teen.

I originally bought this book for my 11 year old because he's interested in anime and manga. Through him, I've deepened my curiosity into a love of the art form, especially with The Last Avatar. Since he wasn't reading Wolverine: Prodigal Son, I picked it up just to spend a few minutes with in between projects. Then I finished it off the next day.

Anthony Johnson wrote the graphic novel, paring the words down on the page to only what was necessary to keep the story moving along. In fact, there's a chapter in the book that doesn't have a single word on the page and the story moves along like a jet. His "repurposed" Wolverine as a young man is a bit more sympathetic at the outset, but his origin story is no less dark. By the end of the novel, Wolverine's innate rebel nature gives way to a full-throttle need for retribution, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Wilson Tortosa is a new artist to me, but a quick search revealed that he comes from manga roots. He's been the artist on several of the Battle of the Planets comics and graphic novels. I really enjoyed his black and white artwork. The images and the action are both fluid, easy for the eye to pick up and follow along. He also keeps the dialogue-heavy scenes interesting, drawing from different angles or showing different things than I expected. In several action panels, the background all but disappears, but in the more static ones, the background takes on layers.

I enjoyed the story a lot, but it's not the Wolverine I grew up with. This one has some of the same characteristics, and he throws in the occasional "bub," but it's not the same. So far, he has a mysterious past that I can't see leading to the Weapon X project that later laced his bones with adamantium, but who knows what's in store next?

Since this is manga and set apart from Wolverine's life in the Marvel Comics Universe, I suppose the heroes are going to be missing as well. Including the X-Men. But I really do like the support characters he has now. The father figure and the younger sister/rival/potential love interest fit the bill quite nicely at the moment, though I'm sure with some of the baddies we already see lurking around in the background that those numbers will multiply.

Wolverine: Prodigal Son is a great, tight little read that will definitely pass time for anyone used to the character that doesn't take offense at the new take. As an adult, I enjoyed the story a lot and the size makes it convenient to throw in a coat pocket or computer messenger bag for reading during down time. For the younger set, this is a story that can be easily understood and enjoyed. I'd really recommend this one for struggling or reluctant readers.

It's Wolverine! Everyone's favorite superhero! As an emo teen...with anime hair...

Really, it's not as bad as it sounds. Wolverine: Prodigal Son is a reimagining of Logan's back story in manga form. Years ago, a wolverine left a young boy at the "Quiet Earth" dojo's doorstep. He has no memories of his past, only that his name is Logan. With Sensei Elliott as his only parental figure, Logan grows up constantly feeling out of place and different from everyone around him. You'd think he'd get used to the life after 10 years and not feel so alone, but then he wouldn't have all that dark, teen angst that will eventually culminate and turn him into the badass we all know and love.

Logan is unfortunately very typical, at least to begin with. In addition to being a cold, lone wolf archetype, he's the best fighter in the school; even sending the former top student scampering off with his tail between his legs. No way that guy will ever reappear exactly 100 pages later to exact his revenge in a completely over-the-top manner.

That was sarcasm...just FYI.

In order to prove that he's ready to go out and see the world, he takes up his sensei's "Wind, Wood & Water" test, which, within the manga's content, doesn't seem as impossible as Antony Johnston plays it up to be. Logan and his obligated-plucky, teacher's-daughter female lead Tamara pass the test, only to reveal his darkest secret, the claws within his hands.

This is where the book starts to turn around. Sensei Elliott takes Logan on a trip to New York City, where the culture shock brings out a whole other side of him. Logan quickly takes offense to a man who bumps into him. He's overwhelmed by the sheer number of people and noise. He even visits a dojo with students more talented than he. From this event and the ones that unfold afterward, the reader is granted a rarely seen glimpse of Logan's vulnerability and innocence.

The book's most unique trait is that it contains an entire chapter with absolutely no dialogue. The scene involves running away, and the lack of words drives home how absolutely alone, uninformed, and terrified Logan is during the ordeal. He doesn't know whom to trust, and his thoughts can be read on his face.

The art style is very East meets West, but it almost feels as if this is Wilson Tortosa's interpretation of what manga should look like. Mostly, it's the big eyes and hairstyles that give this impression. He also uses angled cells, but they never overlap. Almost all the action has speed lines, which makes them very noticeable. Fortunately, the action is still easy enough to follow without sending anyone who passed high-school physics into a tizzy. Otherwise, the figures and faces are more Western style, giving the overall design a very well balanced look.

In the last few chapters of the book, it appears that the series will continue into more of a Western-style story where there are heroes and villains who all have both superpowers and catchy pseudonyms. Volume one introduces a villain, as well as a coming opponent, without giving too much away too soon.

Wolverine: Prodigal Son, Volume 1 is a great book for any Marvel fan looking to try something new, even if it's not for the hardcore Wolverine purist. This book is appropriate for a teen and older audience and is executed solidly enough to please any reader.

-- Courtney Kraft

Anthony Johnston and Wilson Tortosa have written/illustrated a compelling origin novel for the popular Wolverine character.

Fresh on the heels of the upcoming Wolverine film, Prodigal Son, has been released with great applomb and anticipation. The story by Johnston is vaguely familiar, yet it delves into who Logan was before he became who he is now. His teaching at a martial school in Canada prepared him very well. However, no amount of teaching can overcome a deep desire and hurt.

His deepset anger and animal rage can possibly serve him well,if Logan's discipine is stronger than his frustration. A trip to New York wows him, but it is an encounter with another school 'match' that sets his master off. A distractionary fight in New York is staged so Morgan, a former student, can attack Quiet Earth in revenge...

Yikes! This is a very cool story. While it is not the origin we are familiar with, it possesses a 'sparkle' that makes you want more. The art, while no Trimpe, or Cockrum, fits the martial arts background very well. Unhindered rage is unhindered rage no matter the format or style.

Del Rey has a hit on their hands. Oh, so does Marvel too.

Tim Lasiuta