This was an odd miniseries that is painted in a style that feels similar to Elektra Assassin, only much less “artistic” and nonlinear.
Alex Summer and Logan go on vacation to Mexico together, with a bet that they not use their powers. Of course, Wolverine gets into a barfight and then they end up in the middle of a conspiracy. By the end of issue #1, Alex has lost the bet and used his powers. This was a test–they were being observed, and this proved Alex was Havok–whose powers are needed by the main villain who can absorb radiation and wants to use Havok, and a local nuclear power plant, to become infinitely powerful.
The two get ambushed in a particularly creative way: Bullets filled with bubonic plague for Wolverine, which takes him down for several hours, and standard stun-bullets for Havok.
The girl with the gun is Scarlett McKenzie. She’ll be back for another appearance.
The bad guys separate them, leading each hero to believe that the other is dead.
Wolverine sniffs out the truth.
This leads to Wolverine seeking revenge, realizing Alex is alive, and then hunting him down for a rescue and big final battle.
It’s pretty brutally violent–which is why it was a direct sale, adult-oriented series. Like Wolverine gets his flesh melted off his arm…
…And spears a henchman through the eyes.
Very well done. There’s a hint at the end that the villain will return for future appearances, but he doesn’t.
Here’s what’s always been the big problem for me with “Meltdown”: The premise. Considering the dramatic loss-of-love between the Wolverine and Cyclops, ( over Marvel Girl/Phoenix, naturally ) why in Hell’s Bells would the Wolverine want to go on vacation with his brother-??? Logan knows how tight the Summers brothers are. Just makes no sense to me. Lots of people hate me, and I don’t know why, but I sure as Hell don’t go on vacations with their family members! Maybe it’s just me. Go figure.