Let's address the numbering of this issue first. No true comic fan buys into Marvel's numbering fiasco. As far as I'm concerned, if you want to reboot a series (because you think you can make more money sucking people into buying an issue marked number one...) then go ahead. Thing is, you need to own the fact that you started the series over. Marvel's recent renumbering system, in which they count every issue the character has ever titled in, is just a classic example of a company wanting their cake and eating it too. This is NOT issue #1000, despite the fact that it says so in the top left hand corner. Now that we have gotten that out of the way, let’s move on to the thousandth issue of Wolverine!!!
This oversized issue is broken into four stories. Each story is written and drawn by different artistic teams.
The first story is a World War Two tale that focuses on Wolverine's role as a special ops fighter. He single handily infiltrates a Nazi stronghold which is attempting to develop their own super soldier using a combination of science and the occult. The story is a fun read with stylized art that has a real print making feel to it.
The second story uses the first as a well planned segue, once again capitalizing on the theme of the supernatural. Wolverine finds himself taking in a little R&R in upstate New York. Of course, we all know our favourite hairy little Canuck is never far away from trouble. This story has a social message to it, addressing our roles as stewards of the environment. Despite the encroachment onto forested lands, Wolverine is not able to take the sides of the local werewolves. This was a gritty story with a hint of sexuality. Perfect for Wolverine!
The third story is a real departure from the first two, but no less satisfying. In fact, this may be my favourite in the book. The first difference readers will notice is the artwork. Joao Lemos and colourist Chris Chuckry create beautifully simple panels that are as much graffiti as they are comic. The story revolves around a young girl who idolizes Wolverine. After finally meeting her hero, she learns that there is more to being tough than just owning a pair of unbreakable claws. Great story!
The fourth story is funny but a little useless all in all. It revolves around the Mojoverse and Mojo shooting a movie starring Wolverine. I've always had mixed feeling about this alternate universe, and this story didn't help. One interesting fact about this story is that it isn't listed in the credits. Not really sure why...
The fifth story is another keeper, taking the readers back to World War Two. "Last Men Standing" features Wolverine on the front line in the Ardennes Forest, 1944. I was first introduced to this forest and the role it played in WWII while watching HBO's Band of Brothers. Ardennes represents a fascinating chapter in the push towards Berlin. Wolverine needs to earn the troops trust, as an outsider. He does this in spades helping solidify this "band of brothers"!
Despite the stupidity surrounding the numbering, this was an excellent way to celebrate Wolverine. I realize there are many haters out there in the comic world. Me, I will always love Wolverine, thanks to stories like these.