Some may be frustrated that we’re still waiting for The Maker to return, but Wolverine has undergone a significant transformation so far. Things are about to shift even more in Ultimate Wolverine #8, with major deaths and a new Ultimate Universe character introduced: Archangel.
Ultimate Wolverine #8 is largely about Logan getting his mojo back. The first step to being more himself is making the Winter Soldier suit his own. Chris Condon draws you in with well-crafted captions, putting you inside Logan’s head, while Alessandro Cappuccio makes Wolverine’s costume change feel impactful and momentous. He’s still got so much to work out, but he’s taking steps to be better.
The rest of the issue focuses on a mission to save mutants. On the mission are Abigail Brand, Beast, Gambit, Black Widow, Red Guardian, and Kitty Pryde. What they find is carnage, as well as an alarming take on Archangel.
More Gambit, please.
Credit: Marvel
It’s at this point that Cappuccio and colorist Bryan Valenza stun, with an Archangel that’s like a demon from Hell, or maybe Heaven. His treatment of Wolverine’s team suggests it’s probably the latter, but the interplay between shadow and violence is stunning. The fact that the kills are so fast and heartless emphasizes Archangel’s inhuman, murderous nature.
Gambit continues to be a lot of fun with his powers on full display. After seeing him erase people’s flesh, we get even more creative ways to use his powers.
As far as character work, the battle brings out the berserker rage in Wolverine. There’s a touch of him controlling himself, which seems like a lot of growth, given he was a killing machine and not much more.
Speaking of killing machines, the last few pages set up a possible release for Wolverine that might help him move on. That said, maybe he needs to learn a bit more about holding back.
Ultimate Wolverine #8 delivers a thrilling, character-driven chapter that blends brutal action with meaningful growth, all while showcasing a terrifying new take on Archangel. It’s one of the most visually and emotionally charged issues in the series yet.
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