
Thoughts
One thing that this re-read in reminding me is that alongside the melodrama and epic story arcs that he’s famous far, Claremont is also capable of great cinematic storytelling. Single issues that in structure and pace would seem to be perfect for the big screen.
This is one of them – an epic tale of unstoppable vengeance when John Wick was little more than a twinkle in the eyes of Belarusian Romani parents. As he dismantles the criminal empire of his rival Shingen, we see the antagonists (including the anti-hero Yukio) repond to their oncoming doom, as the plot inevitably steers us towards the big final blow out against the big bad guy.
Miller’s art was strong enough to begin with, but its developed in scope and ambition with every issue. Culminating in this glorious visual mix of action, colour and mood. The dynamic, constantly changing panel layouts add to the cinematic vibe, feeling like clever direction, hooking the reading in with glorious 70mm technicolor mixed with scuzzy darkness close-ups.
And just when you feel that this story will go the obvious route of easy deaths – further reinforcing Wolverine’s tortured loner status – it wrong foots you with a fine twist at the end. This isn’t the easy end of a cliche. There is a longer story to be told here.
Fun Panel
Another of those issues where you could practically put the whole comic in this section – but this little beautiful slice of moody minimalism is another fine moment.








