There are some rough and violent strikes in the battle between Wolverine and Adamantine. However, the art isn’t gritty enough for me. I think Humberto Ramos’ run in volume 3 is one of the artistic peaks of the Wolverine franchise. In large, it’s because the art matches both the raw, violent nature of the story and Logan’s internal strife. Even when it’s drawn in a more cartoony manner, I felt the art never lost its edge.

In comparison to classic Wolverine art, Logan’s wounds look like ketchup splatters in this issue. Still, his gritted teeth are drawn fantastically to provide painful imagery.

The fights themselves are good. Adamantine takes direct hits during a year where Marvel has blurred a lot of landed strikes.

Issue 20 is a simple Wolverine story in an otherwise complicated plot involving ancient deities and inter-dimensional travel. The first showcase of simplicity arrives when Adamantine wishes for more “pure” combat, desiring ethical champions while detesting biological and nuclear warfare. The second is the climax. Logan’s comeback and breaking through of Adamantine’s grip comes due to sheer willpower, a classic trope in both action literature and the Wolverine mythos.

I do think it’s a bit of a letdown/cliche to let Logan break through using sheer willpower, but from what I remember, the arc doesn’t have that many good set-ups either for any other conclusion. The return to familiarity with the trope was probably the best way forward. 

Art: 3.2 / 5

Cover art: 3.6 / 5

Story: 3.1 / 5

Character writing: 3.7 / 5

Fights: 4 / 5