Wolverine #26: Everything Must Go

Benjamin Percy is a versatile writer. He can weave Wolverine between huge storylines and events then back to more “back to basics” stories. Wolverine #26 felt like a nice transition from the last issue, but things get pretty intense. For one, Beast continues to be a war criminal and monster, and two, Wolverine goes through some brutal stuff towards the end of the issue. I’m always happy to see Jeff Bannister in Wolverine. The character has consistently been Logan’s link to humanity. He also raises the stakes for Wolverine because, unlike Wolverine, Bannister doesn’t have a healing factor or option to continuously be brought back to life like the rest of the mutants.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the art for the bulk of the issue. This is a personal opinion because it is clear that Ryp is talented and it’s just not what I’m used to on this book. Things felt a little stiff and off when there wasn’t any action. There is some fun action, though, and it is clear that is where Ryp shines. Paired with Frank D’Armata’s colors, we get some really cool visuals. Right out of the gate we get these great splashes of a classic X-Men battle, Wolverine battling Symbiotes with Spider-Man, and a wholesome family scene of all of the Wolverines tearing through some bad guys. Wolverine, Deadpool, and Domino even fight their way through a hoard of pirates and a sea monster in a simulation, which is where the conflict with Beast comes from. The art is especially effective at the auction where Wolverine is literally auctioned off piece by piece. It’s a gory good time just in time for Halloween. Overall, I am eager to see what happens in the next issue. Does Beast have something to do with the auction? Is he there to save Wolverine or something worse?