Elektra & Wolverine: The Redeemer

Rating:
Summary: Grace vs. Power
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: OK, I've read it
Review: It's good, go pick it up.

Rating:
Summary: Not a comic
Review: 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.