Broken Frontier

In Dark Wolverine #75, Daken is now a member of Norman Osborn’s Avengers, taking on the role his father knows too well, that of Wolverine.  In this episode, Daken struggles with some anger issues, plots against his enemies, and brings the Fantastic Four into the mix.

“The Prince: Part 1” brings attention to Daken’s plot for something dirty.  Although the reader doesn’t find out exactly what it is, one thing is certain:  Daken isn’t your father’s Wolverine.  In fact, we realize just how conniving he is, as well as how much contempt he still has for his father.  From the opening pages, Daken isn’t entirely with the real world.  He is lost in his own thoughts, analyzing his place in life and the role these new Avengers will play in it.  Daken begins manipulating the people he comes in contact with with his enhanced pheromone abilities that control emotions based on the type of odor he emits.  Daken hasn’t made this ability known, but that hasn’t stopped him from using it to the fullest.  It appears Daken’s plan is to overthrow Osborn as head of H.A.M.M.E.R., but readers will have to wait until the next issue for the true plan to be unveiled.  What we do learn is Daken has an uncanny ability to get under dark Hawkeye (a.k.a. Bullseye)’s skin, and by the time the Fantastic Four show up at an Osborn get-together, Hawkeye has been set up.

An addendum to the comic is a back story about the relationship between Wolverine and his son, Daken.  Readers will enjoy the intense father-son rivalry, and Daken’s issues will be made more apparent.

Daniel Way and Marjorie Liu write dark Wolverine with a controlled sense of angst.  The first installment of a three part mini arc is a fantastic way for Daken to take center stage.  Way and Liu develop a wonderful satirical attitude for Daken that enhances the quality of this character.

Giuseppe Camuncoli’s pencils are exciting to follow.  Teamed up with Onofrio Catacchio’s inks, the images explain all the anger and frustration Daken is facing.  Camuncoli has created a very emo style for dark Wolverine that explains why he is the way he is without words.  The Dark Avengers lineup photo is drawn with disturbing curiosity.

Overall, “The Prince: Part 1” is a great introduction to the new anti-hero, dark Wolverine.  Readers should expect an amazing clash if dear old dad decides to show up.