Customer Reviews

Wolverine: Weapon X Prose Novel

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is good and tough. But then, Logan is, his life story is.
The Weapon X storyline, written and drawn by Barry Windsor-Smith, is the basis for this novel. I guess this book might be a bit difficult to understand without that knowledge, or without a bit of background information on the mutants and humans involved. Descriptions of the characters are only minimal which from time to time could pose a problem for those who don't know what this is all about. For all the others, it doesn't. It pushes your imagination even further.
Because the graphic novel Weapon X ranks among the all time best I suggest to those who don't know it, just buy both and enjoy.

I received this book today and read it in one sitting. Absolutely riveting. The story of Weapon X, as 'told' by the scientists who made it happen and the (not-so?)innocent bystanders who bore the brunt of it. Brutal, honest, unflinching detail. Not for the squeamish! If you love the character of Wolverine/Logan, this is a must-read and a must-have for your collection.

I read the first chapter online. Really cool. It's dark and gets into Logan's head. Makes me want to read more of it.

I had a lot of doubts when thinking about Wolverine without pictures. I read the Barry-Windsor Smith story a long time ago, and the graphic novel story is excellent. But Cerasini the author of this book does a great job of capturing the feel of the original story while at the same time telling a much different story and it is great in its own right. He showed facets of Logan's personallity and memories that I would have never thought of. Plus, the perspectives of the scientists and the other characters really keep the plot suspenseful and dark. They should continue this series on Logan. Plus, the jacket art and art on the actual book look phenomenal!

Wolverine: Weapon X by Marc Cerasini is a delicious read, whether or not you've read the seminal Barry Windsor-Smith version (if you haven't and you're a Wolverine fan, shame on you, it's ISBN # 0785100334. Treat yourself, you'll be glad you did). If you haven't read the Weapon X graphic novel, then this is a rare opportunity for you, a chance to see how Logan was forced to have his Adamantium skeleton. If you have read the BWS version, then prepare to be delighted by tons of new detail.

Without giving away much of the plot, the story begins with Logan between government spy jobs, down on his luck, and hiding out. But what little luck he does have evaporates when he is captured by a secret Canadian organization. Soon he's undergoing hellish surgery and experiments, designed to completely change who he is inside and out.

The writing is very well executed, the plot fast, and the imagery intriguing. There is a sub story about Logan back from his spy days that is completely unique to this novel, so even if you think you know all there is to know about everyone's favorite Canadian mutant, check this one out anyway. It's got enough new things to keep regular X-Men readers happy, and is well told enough that a newcomer to X-Men and Wolverine would not be lost.

Not recommended for children as there is reference to sexual abuse and torture. But recommended to everyone else as a fine addition to your library.

I was so excited to buy this book...

...but it was a real disappointment. I read it in one sitting, and it quickly blurred into a meaningless gorefest. People don't just die -- they die in a spatter of blood, intestines, and brain fragments spread across a ten-foot swath, the uselessness of which is commented upon by many of the book's side characters. I have no problem with gore when it's done well, but it must also serve a purpose. After the first time or two, this doesn't, not even to introduce newbies to Wolverine. Fans know what Wolvie is capable of, but there are a lot better ways to showcase it.

Having the story alternate between Logan's mission and his torture as he becomes Weapon X mitigates some of the unendingly useless carnage, but it isn't enough. Too much of Logan is missing. As Frank Miller and Chris Claremont would be the first to tell you, Logan is a lot more than a berserker, but that's about all this book shows. I wanted to see a lot more of the ex-samaurai, Patch, the X-Man. Wolverine is such a rich, complex character. That Logan is not in this book.

The text is reasonably well written, which is the only reason I gave it two stars. The story had a lot of promise but didn't deliver.