June Brigman and Whilce Portacio, Wolverine (Alpha Flight #52)

A full-page splash of an iconic superhero… on the phone?

Well yes, why not, if done well?

And here in Alpha Flight it’s done very well, by the talented June Brigman and Whilce Portacio.

I love the look on Logan’s face. And, his coif reminds me of the line from great Warren Zevon song “Werewolves of London:”

“His hair was perfect.”

Wolverine is not self-quarantining here. I double-checked. He’s just chilling at the moment. Also, note there are two things you won’t see anymore in a Marvel Comic. A phone cord and a cigar; old technology and a bad influence on kids, in the order.

But Snik?!? Someone apparently forgot the “t” in Snikt? That’s an odd one. Chris Claremont first used “Snikt” way back in X-Men #116. And, apparently it’s become a legit trademark for the sound of Wolverine’ claws.

Fun fact: The story continues — with Wolverine — in Alpha Flight #53 and, while also inked by Whilce, its penciled by none other than Jim Lee, whose very first Marvel work was two issues earlier, in #51. But this time, he draws Wolverine, a sign of things to come.