The most anticipated comic of 2025 so far is out today in the form of Ultimate Wolverine #1. The Ultimate Universe has already been hugely successful without Wolverine, but with him it’s set to kick into overdrive. This Logan is not just a mutant but the Winter Soldier, as was revealed in Ultimate Universe: One Year In #1, but is there even a man under the mask, or is he just a weapon for The Maker?
Wolverine as the Winter Soldier is very apparent right off the bat, as Wolverine sits in an airplane waiting to be dropped off on his next kill mission. The soldiers near him are afraid of him and are shocked to learn he doesn’t use a parachute when jumping. Soon, he’s rocketing towards the Earth for his first kill, but before he lands, we see what appears to be a flashback when he’s bloody and dying.
After the kill, with a nice nod to Batman: Year One by artist Alessandro Cappuccio, his mission continues into a church. Crosscutting with the current mission is a flashback with Colossus, Omega Red, and Magik all observing him through the glass. Beating the glass with his fists, we see an X remains in blood, seemingly as a clue to some other life.
Hell yeah!
Credit: Marvel
Alas, the wild animal that is Wolverine is unleashed on familiar mutants, with some major casualties. It seems that the Ultimate Universe gets to play fast and loose with known characters, which will cause the most shock. Those harrowing deaths add to Wolverine’s trauma and ongoing victimization. He’s a weapon for The Maker’s goons, and now it seems there’s a chance he may escape their grip if the heroes of this universe are lucky.
Regarding character work, this issue lacks much detail on the man under the mask, but it does establish the Weapon X-style origins of his adamantium. Writer Chris Condon’s hints at what is going on are tantalizing, though I did miss internal monologuing by Wolverine or even just a bit more about him.
On the other hand, artist Cappuccio hammers home the ferocity and violence of Wolverine well. He’s slashing without mercy and is truly a weapon that can’t be stopped. The atmospheric colors by Bryan Valenza continue Cappuccio’s dreamlike visual qualities carried over from Moon Knight. The dramatic lighting enhances the kills and gravity of each cut as well.
Ultimate Wolverine #1 is a visually striking and intense debut that introduces Logan as a terrifying weapon while teasing a compelling backstory. Although it sacrifices character depth for spectacle and shock, the bold direction and artistic excellence make this a promising start for the series.
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