Review by Frank Plowright

Marvel certainly went full out with Wolverine’s participation in the Civil War crossover, extending it to seven chapters. Predictably enough, as hundreds die when Nitro explodes in Stamford, Wolverine’s priority isn’t the clean-up, but righteous retribution.

As seen on the cover, the version of Wolverine supplied by Humberto Ramos isn’t going to meet all tastes, despite Ramos making a definite effort to have Logan resemble the creature he’s named for. Cartoon distortion is stock in trade for Ramos, and he develops it to a zenith here when Wolverine’s wearing his distinctive yellow costume. An almost square head has two default expressions, large and constantly gritted teeth or a mouth wide open, and while Logan out of costume is generally more attuned to normality, Ramos can also drop in the Hulk’s body in a checked shirt with Wolverine’s head. Other people either have no neck or one that’s stretched. It’s utterly distinctive, but there’s no consistency to the art, and the result is often ugly pages.

Future TV writer Marc Guggenheim takes Wolverine on his Civil War journey, the starting point being that Nitro slipped away from Stamford and remains at large, but no other heroes seem greatly concerned. Events rather overtake Wolverine, and there’s an assumption that readers will know all about the Civil War being sparked by legislation led by Iron Man compelling superheroes to register with the authorities and reveal their identities. Also causing complications is that Wolverine’s not the only person hunting down Nitro, and that Nitro wasn’t working alone, he was hired.

Guggenheim discloses the information slowly, but it’s a very dark, but clever plot involving corporate slimebags prioritising profits over human life. Over seven chapters he has room for diversions and plenty of guest stars, all of them well used, with the highlight being a scene with Maria Hill. Unfortunately, though, it’s drawn by Ramos as if he’s never seen another human, and as with elsewhere, any subtlety has to combat Ramos having none of it.

Drawn by a different artist this might have been a compelling mystery as Wolverine follows clue to clue, but it’s not drawn by a different artist, it’s drawn by Ramos. Plenty seemingly disagree that’s a problem, as Wolverine: Civil War is a rare trade reprinted almost a decade after the original release.