X Deaths of Wolverine #5 Featured Reviews 

“X Deaths of Wolverine” #5

By | March 24th, 2022
Posted in Reviews | % Comments

“X Deaths of Wolverine” has subverted the pre-conceived expectations for readers up to this point. Instead of being treated to the Wolverine readers know and love, “X Deaths of Wolverine” has featured a different Logan who has bonded with a mysterious Phalanx. “X Deaths of Wolverine” has also carried a heavy focus on “House of X” and “Powers of X” cast member Moira MacTaggert. Many readers likely did not expect Moira to show up in a Wolverine series. MacTaggert is currently on the run due to a violent turn of events that ushered in the end of this mini-series. Will author Benjamin Percy and artist Federico Vicentini be able to find something new to say about Wolverine in this important series finale? Will this limited series conclude with Moira’s conflicts resolved? Here’s our full review of “X Deaths of Wolverine” #5!

Cover by Adam Kubert
and Frank Martin
Written by Benjamin Percy
Illustrated by Federico Vicentini
Colored by Dijjo Lima
Lettered by VC’s Cory Petit

THE FUTURE CRASHES INTO THE PRESENT WITH THE SHOWDOWN YOU’LL HAVE TO SEE TO BELIEVE! WEEK 10 – It’s WOLVERINE versus WOLVERINE?! With the time-traveling mission behind him, the truth will be revealed. But who – or WHAT – will remain as the OMEGA WOLVERINE?

“X Deaths of Wolverine” #5 marks the conclusion of the dual Wolverine mini-series. After reading both “X Deaths” and “Lives of Wolverine,” readers can start to see how each title has a relationship with one another. “X Deaths of Wolverine” #5 is a curious issue loaded with plot to wrap up this mini-series. Writer Benjamin Percy starts off the issue by looking back at what came before in “House of X” and Powers of X.” This incredible opening sequence helps Percy reinforce this mini-series with context from the entire run in Krakoa this far.

Percy has a really strong pace for “X Deaths of Wolverine” that continues into this issue. Percy consistently melds characters together in unexpected ways. “Inferno” really nailed a trend of bringing an unexpected mutant to respond to a situation. Percy shuffles the cast here so readers do not expect who is going to show up on the next page. Mixing and matching characters is not only a clever technique used across the series, but it also shows readers that Krakoa is a living place and not just a vessel for the X-Men. It is wonderful to see Percy use a couple of characters from his “X-Force” run who do not get a lot of chances to show up in other titles. Beast and Sage have supporting cast roles here that call upon the first few issues of “X-Force” in an interesting way.

Artist Federico Vicentini turns in solid work in this issue. Vicentini draws action really well. Vicentini draws facial expressions that capture the tortured mind of Moira perfectly. Moira is always darting a look that communicates a high level of contempt without saying anything out loud. Vicentini is able to capture the design of Omega Wolverine shockingly well in this issue. The gritty battle between Moira and the Wolverine family is particularly tense. The biggest issue with the art pertains directly to the tone of the series.

“X Deaths of Wolverine” #5 happens to be one of Marvel’s darkest comics in a long time and Vicentini does not always take advantage of the dark tone. There are a couple of scenes where characters look stoic instead of angry. Color artist Dijjo Lima uses a tone that is really bright for the subject matter and content of the story as well. Outside of the great battle scenes, I don’t always think the art in “X Deaths of Wolverine” #5 suits the tone of the story properly. There are even a few moments with the Wolverine family where characters almost look like they are about to smile and happy to be with each other. This moment is a huge tonal shift compared to the sequence with Moira that kicked off and ended the issue.

Percy is able to conclude the series with a surprising ending that pushes the title forward. “X Deaths of Wolverine” #5 made a significant change to a key character in the X-Men Universe that will delight readers. I personally cannot wait to see how Marvel will be able to creatively follow up on the cliffhanger from this issue in a future series. The worst part about the dual mini-series is just the light story elements from the “X Lives of Wolverine” series. These two X-Men titles are also not friendly to new readers and require previous knowledge of Krakoa-era X-Men in order to enjoy them properly. Lastly, Moira’s character feels a little better developed at the end of this series than Wolverine.

The creative script for “X Deaths of Wolverine” #5 recalls some of the best moments from Jonathan Hickman, Pepe Larraz, and R.B. Silva’s previous work to enhance this issue. “X Deaths of Wolverine” #5 looks backward in order to inform the future of the X-Men line. Death and Lives of Wolverine have also successfully opened a joyous science fiction time loop that will inform future issues. Patient but dedicated Krakoa fans are going to find a cathartic release tucked behind the pages of “X Deaths of Wolverine” #5. It is notable that the Wolverine aspects of the issue do not feel as important. While Moira’s conflicts are from over here, I can’t wait to see how Marvel is able to follow up on the dangling plot threads of the issue to inform future X-Men stories.

Final Verdict: 8.0 – “X Deaths of Wolverine” #5 carries major ramifications for an important character.


Alexander Jones

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