World Famous Comics: Elektra & Wolverine: The Redeemer HC
Elektra & Wolverine: The Redeemer HC
By: Greg Rucka Publisher: Marvel Comics Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: Marvel Comics Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 208 Publication Date: May 10, 2002
Super Reader A little bit of a surprise coming across this, as it is actually a heavily illustrated - or painted if you like - novella, or something around that sort of length, anyway.
Rucka is an accomplished novelist, so not too much of a problem for him to do something like this, so a sensible choice.
Can't say I like the art style much though - it makes everyone look Japanese, whether Canadian, Greek, or whatever, in the main.
While making things pretty is ok, having pages of white text on black follow your standard black on white and dark grey on grey is very annoying, for prose, as opposed to the occasional comic text box.
Another story based around Wolverine's Weapon X past, as another experiment designed to create another operative like him centres on a young girl.
The man in charge and Logan hence have history, and Elektra is introduced into the picture, initially looking quite a bit like Aeon Flux - hired to kill the girl's father.
A chase and secret operative type plot follows, again sort of a Rucka specialty.
Probably give the story a 4, but the art 2.something.
3.5 out of 5
Not a comic This is an illustrated story not a comic book. I haven't read it yet, so no rating, but I was surprised when I got it, and i wasn't terribly happy about it.
Grace vs. Power I have to wonder how many readers were attracted to this graphic novel by Greg Rucka's story about Elektra and Wolverine, and how many found it while looking for the works of Yoshitaka Amano, the remarkable Japanese Illustrator who has fascinated a generation. I am one of the latter. I discovered Amano's work, mostly through manga and the anime that he has inspired, and have been a follower ever since. Even a short search reveals that Amano is an artist who can shift from medium to medium, across many genres.
While not unknown in the U.S., Amano is under represented here, and his work is a rare treat. When I discovered the availability of this book, I quickly acquired it. And was promptly delighted. The artist's sensual elegance is a perfect match for Elektra Natchios, giving the beautiful assassin an eerie, deadly sexuality. For Logan, the Wolverine, Amana uses a slightly different style that makes him a menacing study in contrast with the more formal structure of the woman ninja. This is a worthwhile sampling of Yoshitaka Amano's work.
The book opens with an assassination gone wrong. Elektra carries out the job, but the killing is witnessed by the victim's young daughter. Elektra manages a spectacular escape, but knows that the girl, Avery, represents a risk to her own safety that must be remedied. Torn by this problem, she sets about the task of kidnapping the daughter, still not sure of what she must do. Logan, on retreat from civilization, is pressured into protecting Avery, bringing him into direct conflict with the deadly ninja. But much more is at stake than the life of the girl. Logan and Elektra find the sides are not as sharply drawn as they first appear.
This is a complex story of shifting allegiances, betrayal, and hidden agendas. While not very long, it brings out facets of both Elektra's and Wolverine's character than are less visible in their comic book origins. The tale is a haunting backdrop to Amano's illustration, which focuses on the interior isolation of both these characters. They can only partially cross their personal boundaries, displacing any feelings for each other into a growing connection to Avery. This drives both the story and the fine artwork. Hopefully, this is a promise of things to come.
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