Return of Wolverine #4: Persephone Revealed (at last!)

This issue is definitely the best of the last three. Charles Soule finally paints us a clearer picture of Persephone and Soteira in a reveal that while not a total surprise at least for me makes up for the snail’s pace advancement of the storyline over the previous two issues. Persephone shows us her mutant ability which explains several things including the occupants of the island.

Seeing the X-Men interact with Wolverine even though it’s combat is fun, seeing them beaten back and forced to withdraw for the sake of removing them as an obstacle to the rest of the story in what feels like a giant tease little less so though. While it’s a competent piece of storytelling with some decent psychodrama, it feels flat for me and stretched out over too many issues. This is a story that could have been told in a three-part mini or even a large one shot in my opinion.

Declan Shelvey and colorist Laura Martin are my heroes of this issue. The art is sharp, detailed(The hair on Wolverine is a highlight for me) and the coloring by Martin is matched to Shelvey’s highly economical and clear style. There are some excellent single panels and the last page splash is a great way to end an issue. Lettering from Sabino is well spaced and never interrupts the visual. Steve McNiven doesn’t disappoint on the cover either.