Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, the X-Men world is in disarray. The end of the Krakoan era has started. The utopia is gone. In its’ ashes stands uncertainty and chaos. If it’s chaos in the Mutant World, chances are SABRETOOTH isn’t far behind.

The vicious warrior was banished to the pit of Krokoa for disobeying the rules about killing humans. With the fall of the island, he is now free and focused on revenge against his most hated rival.

Wolverine #41 by Benjamin Percy, Victor LaValle, Geoff Shaw, Cory Smith, Oren Junior, Alex Sinclair and Cory Petit kicks off the “most violent Wolverine story ever told”. Let’s take a closer look and see how the war’s first shot is fired.

***Wolverine #41 by*** ***Benjamin Percy***, ***Victor LaValle***, ***Geoff Shaw***, ***Cory Smith***, ***Oren Junior***, ***Alex Sinclair*** ***and*** ***Cory Petit*** ***(Credit: Marvel entertainment - Cover:*** ***Leinil Francis Yu***)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The issue begins with Wolverine stalking Sabretooth. Wolvie is clawed to the ceiling of Orchis Station Five. The monologue walks readers through the plan to strike. Once he leaps, Wolverine quickly realizes he walked right into a trap.

Sabretooth looks up from killing what appears to be other X-Men. As he holds Wolverine by the throat, it is revealed that this isn’t Logan. This “Wolverine” is “Camo”, the Sabretooth of Earth 33441. The setting is Sabretooth standing in the center of a bloody fighting pit. Other Sabretooths from other multiverses sit and watch as Victor Creed of 616 holds court. He is preparing the army he has acquired for an attack on Krokoa.

Meanwhile on Earth at the North Pole, Black Tom Cassidy picks up wind of a Stark Sentinel attack on Krokoa. Kid Omega takes off to handle the threat solo. Once he arrives, readers quickly find out there’s a welcome party for him that makes a bold statement.

How will Wolverine deal with the oncoming assault? Being cut off from the rest of the X-World, Wolvie has never been more alone in his thoughts. Can he pull it together to stop what Sabretooth is planning? If the final image in any indication, the “best at what he does” might not be enough to what is coming…..

Pearcy and LaValle brings out the unhinged evil of Sabretooth with this initial entry. The viciousness displayed leaves no doubt of how much of a threat he is. Add the creative idea of tapping into the multiverse of versions of himself and fans need to brace for impact. The first attack is dealt with precision. It plays more into an underlying theme displayed by the legendary X-Man.

The writing shows Wolverine in a reflective light. Seeing Krokoa fall affects him in a somber and anxious way. The interactions with the other characters in the North Pole show a sense of “goodbye” as the end is finally drawing near. This all changes as Sabretooth makes his presence felt with the closing moments. It’s a disturbing idea to create but is needed to show how deadly this game will be between the two.

Shaw, Smith and Junior bring the carnage to life with the opening salvo. The scenes with Sabretooth “teaching” the others his plan makes a bold statement. The brutality shown holds nothing back to the readers. No better example than with the “celebration” of the first attack. It’s a disturbing full page picture that leads to more gruesome panels.

The moments when Wolverine banters with his fellow teammates and family show a different look to him. This more humbling panels only add more fuel to Sabretooth’s plans. The final page is a shocking image that sets a high tempo for things to come.

FINAL POINT: 8

The first die is cast as the bloodiest feud in Marvel history prepares to write another chapter. Solid writing and strong imagery set the stage for violence and pain. Who will be left standing at the end is anyone’s guess but buckle in for the ride!

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Wolverine #41. Thanks for reading!