Wolverine #22
- Writer
- Benjamin Percy
- Artist
- Adam Kubert
- Letterer
- VC's Cory Petit
- Cover Artist
- Adam Kubert, Brad Anderson
- Publisher
- Marvel
- Price
- $3.99
- Release Date
- 2022-06-15
- Colorist
- Frank Martin
MCU fans may never have the opportunity to see Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine team up in a hilarious buddy-action comedy. Luckily, that deadly dream team is stepping into the spotlight in the comics. The latest Wolverine series hasn't shied away from the gore, but the creative team knows when to add a few chuckles and snorts into the mix. In fact, Wolverine #22 by Benjamin Percy, Adam Kubert, Frank Martin, and VC's Cory Petit could be the funniest book of the year.
Wolvie and the Merc with the Mouth aren't exactly in a situation that can be considered a laughing matter. After chasing down a mysterious armored suitcase with Weasel and Maverick, they find themselves locked behind bars, and the characters they thought were their allies have the case all to themselves. Weasel and Maverick tinker with the case to finally reveal its mysterious content, only to lose it a moment later. Wolverine and Deadpool can't sit idly by, so they hatch an escape plan and find themselves in a race against time to get the mysterious object back before Maverick or Weasel do.
Percy's writing on Wolverine has been wildly entertaining and action-packed throughout the series. And Wolverine #22 is where he finally lets loose and delivers a side-splitting extravaganza. The things Logan does to Wade Wilson here feel like revenge for all the decades that Deadpool has annoyed the X-Man. Sure, there's an element of brutality, but it's so over-the-top and outrageous that it evokes the same maniacal laughter that one gets watching the comedic carnage of Ash vs. Evil Dead.
Percy's ideas reach maximum impact thanks to Kubert's art. It's fun. It's violent. It's the sort of book that would have had parent groups calling for its head in the '80s. It is important to note that the art in this issue provides more than just shock value. Numerous panels are etched with jaw-dropping detail. Kubert gives each moment undeniable energy that propels the story forward at breakneck speed. It's a stunning effort that merges several genres into one cohesive package and highlights Kubert's talents.
Martin pulls out all the stops with the colors. Since a large portion of Wolverine #22 takes place in Las Vegas, the colorist ensures that the neon lights bring the night alive. In one particularly impressive sequence, Deadpool and Wolverine drive through the streets of Vegas, and the hues do all the talking. It's the type of action scene and atmosphere that wouldn't look out of place in a Nicolas Winding Refn film. Petit keeps up the traditional lettering style that has been present in the X books since the relaunch, but he still manages to bring a fun flair to ridiculous action scenes.
The previous issues laid all the groundwork and teased the possibilities, but Wolverine #22 delivers a Deadpool and Wolvie team-up for the ages. It keeps the story moving at hyper-speed and becomes the kind of issue that will reward multiple readings. More importantly, it proves that even though Deadpool might have all the jokes, Wolverine is just as funny.
