Out of all the Ultimate Universe books, Ultimate Wolverine has been one of the darkest. While most of that lies in its premise of Wolverine becoming the Winter Soldier, the true horror lies with the rulers of the Eurasian Republic, Colossus and Magik. While the duo are beloved members of the X-Men on Earth-616, here they’ve become ruthless tyrants who rule over Russia with an iron fist (quite literally, in Colossus’ case.) Ultimate Wolverine #11 shows the lengths they’re willing to go to in order to keep their rule, especially since the Opposition dealt them a heavy blow with the death of Omega Red.
But Ultimate Wolverine #11 is also interested in exploring how revolution begins, and the costs one must be willing to pay if they become part of it. That shows up in the opening monologue, which features Mikhail Rasputin speaking to the people of Russia. Chris Condon’s script makes a meal of that monologue, dropping nuggets of truth that relate to current events, especially a moment about how trust in our leaders must be earned.
This fiery call to arms is balanced by a quiet conversation between Wolverine and Sabretooth, where Wolverine reveals his fears about the Rasputins’ retaliation. One of the best parts of Ultimate Wolverine has been how Condon reworks Logan and Creed’s relationship; once bitter enemies, now they’re allies who understand each other better than anyone else on the planet. Without spoilers, I can also say that Logan’s fears come to pass, in a horrific final page that hits with the emotional force of a right cross.
Marvel
Ultimate Wolverine #11 wouldn’t hit as hard as it does without Alessandro Cappuccio artwork. Cappuccio brings the same sense of gravity to the proceedings that he did with Moon Knight, shrouding his characters’ faces in shadows until their eyes remain. In the case of Magik and Colossus, it makes them look even more sinister – especially Magik, whose demonic heritage burns bright in her terrifying leer. With Wolverine, readers will see the regret and fear lurking behind his eyes, even though his mask is covering his face.
Cappuccio doesn’t hold back on the action, either, with the biggest set piece featuring Logan piloting the Opposition’s reprogrammed Sentinel to stop the Rasputins’ attack on their base. It’s a tense, thrilling sequence, getting most of its juice by cutting back and forth between the Sentinel’s outsides and its insides. Cappuccio also pushes in on Wolverine’s face, once again showing the desperation and determination that drives him.
Bryan Valenza comes up with his own unique coloring trick, separating the two main locations where the book takes place. In the Rasputins’ capital, it’s gray and smoggy, yet there’s flickers of hope as people take to the streets. By contrast, the Opposition’s base is lit with a reddish-orange glow that seems inviting, but there’s an undercurrent of dread running through.
Ultimate Wolverine #11 is a story of how revolution can bring triumph and tragedy, often in equal measure, as it gears up for its final story arc. I said it before, but it still rings true; this is a Wolverine story I never expected, and it’s compelling as hell.
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