Wolverine #310 (published in July 2012 by Marvel Comics) is written by Jeph Loeb with art by Simone Bianchi. This issue brings back some of Wolverine’s most iconic adversaries and explores themes of cloning, betrayal, and Wolverine’s murky past.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Logan (Wolverine) dealing with the aftermath of his battles and his internal struggle to keep his dark past in check. He is unexpectedly drawn into a new mystery when someone who looks and acts exactly like Sabretooth, Wolverine’s long-time nemesis, resurfaces. This is shocking to Logan, as he had previously killed Sabretooth in the “Evolution” storyline.
Logan begins investigating the situation, leading him to encounter Dr. Cornelius, a figure from the Weapon X program that gave Logan his adamantium skeleton and claws. It becomes clear that Dr. Cornelius has been experimenting with cloning and has ties to Sabretooth’s apparent resurrection. These experiments are part of a larger plot involving Weapon X and Wolverine’s own genetic material.
Adding to the chaos, Logan crosses paths with Romulus, a shadowy figure who has long manipulated events in Wolverine’s life. Romulus has a deep connection to Wolverine’s history and the ongoing mystery surrounding Sabretooth’s return. The issue hints at a conspiracy involving Romulus, Sabretooth, and Dr. Cornelius, setting the stage for Wolverine to confront his past enemies while uncovering their hidden agendas.
The issue also reintroduces Eris, a clone of Logan’s lost love, Silver Fox, who further complicates Logan’s emotional turmoil. Wolverine is left questioning how much of his life has been influenced or controlled by others and how much of his identity is truly his own.
Key Themes
- Cloning and Identity: The story delves into the moral and psychological implications of cloning, especially as it relates to Wolverine’s own sense of self.
- Revenge and Manipulation: Logan faces old enemies who represent the worst aspects of his past and his struggle to break free from their influence.
- Past vs. Present: The issue highlights Wolverine’s ongoing battle with his past, as enemies and allies alike resurface, forcing him to confront unresolved traumas.
Significance
- Sabretooth’s Return: This issue brings back Sabretooth, setting up future conflicts and raising questions about his apparent death and resurrection.
- Weapon X Connections: The involvement of Dr. Cornelius ties this story to the origins of Wolverine, revisiting key elements of his backstory.
- Romulus’ Role: The issue expands on the enigmatic character of Romulus, adding layers to his long-standing manipulation of Wolverine’s life.
Wolverine #310 is a dark and intense issue that revisits Wolverine’s tortured history while pushing the character into new territory. With its focus on cloning, old enemies, and the Weapon X program, the story serves as both a continuation of past arcs and a foundation for future developments in Wolverine’s mythos.
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