Does anyone over the age of ten think Daniel Way is a great writer?

Anyway, Wolverine learned in the first arc that he has a son who is being manipulated to hate him, so these issues have him prepping to take the boy on. He goes to Europe to get “carbonadium,” a weaponized chemical that can slow down Logan’s healing process. His idea is to use it against his son so that he has an edge in the fight.

Of course, getting it is a challenge. Black Widow has been holding on to it for Wolverine, but Omega Red and SHIELD want it.

To force Wolverine to give it up, they kidnap Jubilee (depowered after House of M). When it comes down to it, Wolverine allows himself to be captured to save Jubilee. He’s put in a big machine and loaded up with carbonadium.

So of course that’s when Daken arrives. He stabs Dum Dum Dugan in the heart, but don’t worry, he’s not dead.

Wolverine sees his adult son for the first time. He weeps a single, solitary tear…

…As we all see Akihiro for the first time (although he is still unnamed)…

…And he cuts his father and leaves, promising they will meet again.

Wolverine vs his own son is a solid idea. The art by Steve Dillon may not be for everyone, but I always like his stuff. But the plot doesn’t make much sense, relies heavily on gimmicks, and there is absolutely no emotional tension to support what ought to be a powerful story of father versus son. On balance, none of this is terrible and it’s a very quick and distracting read, it just lacks any kind of heft or substance. The idea deserves better than this execution.