Since it's a heavy week, I'm going to skip quickly past Wolverine #9.

This is part three of "Coyote Crossing", and you know the general idea of the Rucka issues by now.  Wolverine has identified some baddies and is tracking them down.  Obviously, they don't stand much of a chance.  Meanwhile, Cassie is still trying to track Wolverine down, which provides a degree of variation.

Frankly, it's a bit formulaic.  That said, Rucka and artist Leandro Fernandez do the formula extremely well; the biggest problem is that, really, it's getting a bit predictable.  As with the previous arc, there's no real suggestion that the coyotes are going to pose any threat to Wolverine.  Rather, there's a sense of inevitability that he's going to slaughter them all.  Again.  I mean, I know it's a foregone conclusion that Wolverine always wins, because he's the hero, but it doesn't feel like he's getting much of a challenge here.

As usual, Cassie's subplot provides more of the interest.  And there's a slightly lame twist where it turns out the head of the trafficking ring is actually a pregnant woman.  Granted, it's unexpected, but does it actually make much difference?

All that said, I'm still enjoying the book; it may be basically an exercise in showing us how relentlessly cool Wolverine is, but it does make him look cool.

Rating: B

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