If there’s a through-line in Ultimate Wolverine, it’s that Logan is deeply abused and can’t escape the prison of being a killing machine. Ultimate Wolverine #3 is out this week and offers a possible glimmer of hope for Logan, but not before he’s on the hunt to kill Kitty Pryde and Gambit!
Things are getting a lot juicier with Ultimate Wolverine #3 as more X-Men we’re familiar with are popping up. Nightcrawler and Mystique may not have made it, but the mere sight of Wolverine sprung memories for them. The same can be said for Kitty and Gambit, who open this issue in a snowstorm. They’re looking for a driver, and lo and behold, it’s another character you’ll remember from the 616 made new in the Ultimate Universe.
Part of the fun of these Ultimate Universe titles is figuring out new dynamics and how classic characters fit. Gambit, for instance, is a bit of a freedom fighter and a total badass. At one point, someone is blasted with his powers, and they are turned into bones. Seems like an upgrade, right? Both he and Kitty are darker, more tired, and maybe even a little older here.
Alessandro Cappuccio’s visuals are striking. From the streaky snowstorm at the start to a cool montage of memories spurred on by Kitty Pryde’s powers, there’s a lot to take in. Cappuccio and color artist Bryan Valenza truly deliver something very different from the standard superhero art style, which suits Wolverine’s fever dream of being someone else’s weapon.
That guy is cooked.
Credit: Marvel
And a weapon Wolverine definitely is, as Cappuccio gets to show him tear through a few more people. Seeing blood drip off him, sticky and thick, is truly something that will stay with you. Valenza gets to work with a lot of darkness, which makes streaky oranges in backgrounds and Wolverine’s red suit really pop.
This issue also features two data pages at the end of the comic. Both are creative in their own ways, with one being an online news article and another a poster. They add depth to Wolverine’s situation and are well crafted.
Ultimate Wolverine #3 continues to build a fascinating and ruthless world where Logan is trapped in his own nature. With strong character reinventions, visually stunning artwork, and intense action, it delivers a thrilling read, even if it occasionally treads familiar ground. The addition of data pages and the growing cast keep the series compelling, making this a standout issue in the Ultimate Universe relaunch.
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