Ultimate Wolverine #7, unlike its predecessor, doesn’t open with images of bloodshed, brutality or bondage. Instead, it opens with Logan sitting on top of an abandoned reactor in Chernobyl, holding the mask he wore as the Winter Soldier. It’s a simple image, yet it speaks volumes: despite being freed from the control of the Rasputins and Omega Red, he’s still haunted by the memories of the bloodshed he committed.
It’s what makes this stand out from other Wolverine comics. While the idea of Wolverine struggling with redemption is nothing new, this is a version of the character who hasn’t had the decades to properly grapple with everything he’s done (as far as we know). Chris Condon turns out to be just as skilled at handling the emotional battles as he does the physical ones, with Logan struggling to re-integrate him into the Opposition despite them welcoming him with open arms.
I also love that Condon starts touching upon some of the core relationships in Wolverine’s life, especially Kitty Pryde and Sabretooth. It’s Kitty who helps Logan come to terms with his past actions, and remind him of what he’s fighting for. With Sabretooth, it’s the infamous rivalry between him and Logan that comes to the forefront, only this time it’s given a far more tragic edge. Eagle-eyed X-fans will also spot the Earth 6160 versions of other characters, and I’m interested to see how they play into Ultimate Wolverine.
Marvel
Ultimate Wolverine #7 also marks the return of Alessandro Cappucchio to interior art, resulting in some incredible detail. You can see every bit of regret, every ounce of rage, and every shred of determination in Logan’s face – that’s how good Cappucchio is at drawing details, particularly facial expressions. Since Logan isn’t sporting the mask of the Winter Soldier anymore, Cappucchio compensates by giving him a thick beard. It not only helps to separate this version of Wolverine from his other counterparts, but it also looks good. Between Logan and Peter Parker in Ultimate Spider-Man, I’m all for more Marvel heroes growing beards.
The peaceful moments between Logan and the Opposition are a sharp contrast to the scenes in the Eurasian Republic, especially where Magik is concerned. It turns out that this version of Illyana Rasputin also has access to Limbo…and she’s more than willing to use it as a way to torment her enemies. This is where Bryan Valenza’s color art comes in handy. While the scenes featuring Logan and friends are full of light – especially the golden break of dawn that opens the issue – most of the scenes featuring the Rasputin siblings are full of shadows and cold steel, with only the reddish glow of hellfire providing a light. Even then, it’s not meant to be a comfort but a harbinger of the horrors that await you should you cross them.
Ultimate Wolverine #7 is both a breather and an omen of things to come, as Logan regains his memories and the Rasputins prepare to go on the offensive. Though Wolverine might be free, there’s still a fight ahead of him, and he’s more than likely to go through another kind of hell before he’s truly free.
You must be logged in to post a comment.