While he may not be known as the X-Men's greatest strategist, the new Wolverine series is showing that Logan is capable of planning ahead when he wants to. And while that calculating nature is what won him Magneto's helmet, it's also what gives him the last, disgusting laugh when he returns the stolen headpiece.
By now most fans of Marvel Comics are aware of the new X-Men status quo, shipping miracle medicines around the world from their island nation of Krakoa, as mutants like Wolverine and X-Force keep the shipments protected. But after a recent investigation into stolen medicine led to a run-in with 'The Pale Girl,' an unknown psychic mutant, Wolverine was forced to kill the X-Men with his own claws. Determined to avoid such mind control, Wolverine snatched Magneto's helmet. But now the time has come to return it... and Wolverine takes the chance to add one stomach-turning non-apology.
The previous issue concluded with Wolverine's mission a success, but receiving a stern request to appear before the Quiet Council of Krakoa's leaders. That's precisely where Marvel's new preview of Wolverine #4 begins, as Logan unceremoniously returns Magneto's helmet. And in case any reader thinks the exchange makes the two mutants even, Wolverine decides to wait until after Magneto dons his helmet to tell him he used it as a toilet before returning home.
Ordinarily, readers would assume that Logan is stretching the facts for emphasis and a punchline (the horrified look on Magneto's face making the exaggeration worth it). But when you're dealing with Wolverine--every bit the "barbarian" Magneto claims--it's safe to assume he actually is telling the truth. And to make sure fans know it, artist Viktor Bogdanovic's cluster of flies orbiting Magneto's helm leaves little doubt. Meaning now Wolverine and Magneto are even. But could this be the final straw that sees Magneto return to his villain costume later this year?
With this scene taken care of, restoring Wolverine to his usual powerset (even with the same Pale Girl telepath on the loose), it seems the story will continue into Logan's next mission: investigating a murder mystery in a northern town. With his old enemy-turned-vampire-ally Omega Red battling Wolverine on the issue's cover, fans won't have to wonder how that case will unfold. But until the full issue arrives, find the full solicitation details below:
- WOLVERINE #4
- Release Date: August 19th, 2020
- Written by: Benjamin Percy
- Art by: Viktor Bogdanovic
- Cover Art by: Adam Kubert
- HE RED TAVERN! After getting dressed down by the Quiet Council for rogue activity, Wolverine escapes through his own secret gate to the Red Tavern, a snowbound, backwoods watering hole where he only wants to guzzle whiskey in peace. But Logan soon discovers that peace isn't possible as a twist-and-turn murder mystery unfolds - and at the heart of it all is an enemy from the past.
Wolverine #4 arrives in physical and digital comic shops on August 19th, 2020.