The original episode title is epic already that I do not need to change it to suit my needs. Anyways, for those who are pissed with Wolvie all being lovey-dovey with Mariko, remember, she loves Jean Grey also, remember X-Men Origins? Yeah, this Canadian also feels love alongside with his angry mutant attitude!
To begin with, I was surprised that Wolverine was based on an old 80’s comic book mini-series! It is pretty rare that anime directly adapts US graphic novels. Okay, you might say Witchblade, buuut it is vastly different from the comic book one even if the events in the anime is considered canon in the Witchblade universe. Enough talk, let’s get this review started!
Even if Kurohagi drugged Logan, Shingen was disappointed. Even if he is a yakuza boss, he still believes in a thing called, honor. He wants to fight Logan man to man without any interference coming from outside sources such as Kurohagi… that is admirable. I guess him finishing Logan will take some time due to his beliefs.
As for the new character, Yukio, I was surprised that she is also part of the X-Men Main Universe and the fact that she ranks one of the hottest ninja characters coming from a website! Beat that, Naruto female ninjas! Anyways, the revenge side plot is overused in most series that I know, but hey, at least she has her motivation in wearing a tight leather suit and wields weapons that look like those coming from Tron!
Left: Yukio's mom, Right: Romi Park, I mean, Yukio with her "tron-esque" blades. Note, Romi is also Ten-Ten's voice from Naruto!
Since I talked about her motivation, let’s talk about first impressions. I instantly love Yukio! Her fighting style, her back story (because everything is better with a little dose of revenge), and the fact that she is a daughter of the assassin!
As for the episode, it is action packed and the fact they made Wolverine a little helpless (umm, he is drugged, obviously, he will heal in a slower rate) in this episode made Yukio stand out as character when she saved Logan from Kurohagi’s men. Also, the fact that Logan is framed with killing Asano decreases his support from the government, making him and Yukio a ragtag team fighting against the largest Yakuza group in Japan. At least this ragtag team can fend for themselves against a group of police officers blocking their way!
As for the animation, they went over to the top this time. Madhouse has truly redeemed itself. Seriously, we have blood physics in this episode, blood splattering physics!
Overall, this is one good introduction episode to Yukio and one of the well-animated episodes in the series. Add the fact that Wolverine is helpless the early minutes of the show makes this mutant more human and more fun to watch. I mean, who would be interested in watching a Marty Stu winning every episode? At the end of the episode, one of Shigen’s assassins, Mikage Kikyo appears and it turns out he draws his sword from his wrist! Yep, we will see more mutants in the future.