Actual rating: 3,5 ( )

If you're a fan of Wolverine and not also shoujo, don't even bother picking this up. In fact I'd say only shoujo fans should get this, except there might be too much action for them. But original Wolverine fans will likely hate it, because this Wolvie is nothing like the one they know and love. Now if you don't have clue who he is and you're a manga fan, you might want to browse this in the bookstore. But don't think after reading this you'll want to go read Marvel's version. Again, nothing alike, and you'll be disappointed.

If you're one of those rare types who like both Wolverine and shoujo (and it is rare), then you won't have much problems reading this. You might even (gasp) like it. Admittedly, I did. Yes, I do read Marvel and shoujo. But that means this is very much a niche manga and just not meant for general consumption.

This Wolverine is a rebel and a loner, and the similarities pretty much end there with the original. This Wolvie shows sign of teen emo angst, is insecure, and something of a country bumpkin. But that's all I know at this point. We'll have to see if there's any significant character development in coming volumes. As for other characters, they were just furniture to me. Didn't make an impact, so hopefully the authors will fix that as well in future volumes. Otherwise, they're just taking up space.

It's not a bad niche manga, but it's a niche nonetheless. And likely a very small one. ( )

Merideth says: Logan gets a shonen makeover in this manga verison of the boy who will become Wolverine.

A young man named Logan trains at a martial arts school in the Canadian wilderness. Chafing at the restrictions of his life, he is offered a trip to New York after passing a series of challenges. Once there, Logan and his teacher are attacked by a former rival with ties to the government.

This book will have it's fans. Manga lovers who know little about the Wolverine character will enjoy it throughly. However, the predictability of the story coupled with the horribly cliched characterizations of both Logan and the cardboard supporting cast will disappoint anyone else. ( )

This alternate storyline for Wolverine is done in the style of Japanese manga. While the art does convey the action/motion of traditional manga, real manga lovers may be disappointed that aside from the style of the art, the book is formatted like an American comic--front to back and right to left.

That being said, the storyline, in which Wolverine is a young student, raised by the master of the "Quiet Earth" dojo, is interesting and left me wanting more. The last page assured me that I could have just that, in Wolverine: Prodigal Son, Volume 2. ( )