WOLVERINE #8 – WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE

Logan. James Howlett. Weapon X. All names connected to the best at what he does: WOLVERINE. The most dangerous X-Man has carved his way into fans hearts since his debut in 1974. Chris Claremont and Frank Miller helped test the waters with a solo limited series. The fans wanted more and in 1988, Marvel Comics unleashed Wolvie into his first ongoing series.

From that point on, Logan’s adventures have graced comic shops in many different runs. Why is this relevant in 2025? Fans are about to witness a milestone chapter in the life of the pop culture fan-favorite.

WOLVERINE #8 by Saladin Ahmed, Daniel Warren Johnson, Martín Cóccolo, Bryan Valenza, Mike Spicer and Cory Petit celebrates 400 legacy issues with an all-star special.

Teaming up on this review are the lead Wolverine fan of NI – Lauren form Hops Geek News and yours truly (Ken – ODPH Podcast/ NI Editor-in-chief).

LET’S TALK WOLVERINE #8!

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

LAUREN: This Wolverine run has been so much fun from the get go, and issue 8 (also #400) just took it up a notch. Every aspect of this story has added a twist to create an unexpected adventure for Logan. From taming a wendigo, to going claw to claw with Romulus himself, Logan has truly earned his ‘best at what he does’ description.

With issue 8, also being the Legacy #400, we got an extended story with even more twists and turns. As the Adamantine/Romulus story comes to a temporary hiatus, Logan wakes up in a literal fun house of horrors. Face to face with his past traumas he has to focus on what always seems to keep him grounded: protecting others. Much like real life, Logan incorrectly thinks he has a minute to breathe, catch up, and enjoy a 6 pack. Only to have the past find him, and continue to haunt him. However, this time his trauma looks to be going back to the very beginning. 

Before wrapping up, in the last story, we get a beautiful flashback to a very tortured Logan. It further shows how he has always viewed himself as a monster, despite always fighting for those who need it.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!

KEN: The special is broken down into three stories. “Adamantine Unleashed” concludes the current story line with Romulus. Ahmed sets up events as straight-forward as Wolverine gets. There’s plenty of brutal action with drive behind it. One element that stands out is the father instinct. Readers watch as his daughter (Laura Kinney) is the catalyst to go extreme. Logan ends the conflict as only he can. It leads to as happy of an ending as he ever gets. This becomes a great Segway point for the next story.

“This Is Your Life” centers around a classic match-up. The writing plays into the personal trauma that Wolverine carries. Once again, Wolvie uses his fatherly instinct to push him again. This time, it’s his protective nature of Wendigo. The art showcases the a twisted trip down memory lane. Pacing keeps things pushing right along. Considering the villain at hand, it’s very textbook in execution. Not a bad thing mind you, just very balanced. What will stand out here is the finish. It is a very big turn of events. There are many questions readers will have from the final page. As one door closes after 400 issues, the next phase arrives shrouded in mystery.

Arguably the strongest portion of the book is “Onyrō”. It is a throwback to feudal times. Johnson and Spicer showcase Logan as a violent force of vengeance. The slow build panels give way to bloody justice. There is nothing safe. It is a visceral display that fits the berzerker rage. There is no better example than the full page image of Logan finishing the battle. Its epilogue is given the full page treatment as well. Readers walk away with a bittersweet moment perfectly fitting the mood.

WOLVERINE: REVENGE!

OVERALL GRADE: 8.7

LAUREN: 9. Throughout the 50 years of Logan you see him fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. Primarily for kids. He has a strong paternal instinct, and that was truly showcased throughout each of the stories in WOLVERINE #8. To then leave us with an ending that brings childhood trauma full circle was not only perfect, but heart breaking. The expression on Logan’s face as he realizes what comes next was beautifully sad. I absolutely cannot recommend this run enough. Every single Wolvie fan needs to add this one to their pull list, as it just keeps getting better. SNIKT! CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM LAUREN

KEN: 8.4. Wolverine celebrates a milestone with a uniquely special chapter. In present time, the writing plays into the strengths of a older and wiser Logan. Cóccolo & Valenza brings out the frenzy inside of the fighter. The cliffhanger ending is one that will have the shops buzzing with wonder. Johnson and Spicer steal the show with a timeless display of the internal conflict brooding for over 400 issues. Here’s to another 400 and many more after that!   CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN

Let us know in the comments below your thoughts on Wolverine #8. Thanks for reading!