Back in Wolverine #14, Wolverine crossed paths with the mercenary Silver Sable and an encampment of mutant outcasts calling themselves the “New Morlocks”, a name inspired by a civilization of sewer-dwelling mutants of the same name from the H.G. Wells novel The Time Machine. When the encampment is raided by agents working for Department H, Wolverine and Silver Sable stake their claim as protectors of the New Morlocks to defend the camp from any future threats.
With Department H and Alpha Flight subdued for the time being, the refugees are finally able to return to a period of calm, free from threat or danger. However, that peace is disrupted when Wolverine detects the scent of a familiar adversary, Romulus, who is perhaps best known from his appearances in the series Wolverine: Origins, in an arc written by Jeph Loeb where it was revealed that Romulus orchestrated key events in Logan’s life. Romulus was last seen in a prominent role in Wolverine #8 towards the beginning of Saladin Ahmed and Martín Cóccolo’s Wolverine run as part of the conclusion of the “Adamantine” arc, in which Romulus was a major antagonist.
SPOILERS AHEAD FOR Wolverine #18!
Last issue, Wolverine #17, concluded that the sentient adamantium known as the Adamantine would once again set its sights on Wolverine, promising that the quiet life Wolverine has made with Silver Sable and the New Morlocks will be turned upside down. When you are a character like Wolverine, it is guaranteed that you will never enjoy lasting peace, and any blissful happiness you experience is only temporary. We also learn that a new champion, referred to as only the “Godling” will replace Romulus as the Adamantine’s champion, as the former has been found unworthy. In Wolverine #18, we learn who the Adamantine has chosen as its new champion.
Wolverine detects the scent of his adversary Romulus. (Credit: Marvel Comics)
Wolverine follows Romulus’s scent into the woods, prepared to fight Romulus if necessary. However, Wolverine is shocked and horrified to discover that Romulus has already been ripped in half and disemboweled. It is a grisly sight to behold, and one that puts Wolverine on heightened alert. After all, whoever did this to Romulus is clearly dangerous and might still be nearby. Wolverine then comes face-to-face with Romulus’ killer, the Greek demigod Hercules. With glowing yellow eyes, covered in Romulus’ blood, and brandishing an adamantine mace, in this moment, Hercules is both a terrifying and intimidating figure.
This confirms that Hercules has been made the Adamantine’s new champion, which raises a few questions. For one, how did this card-carrying member of the Avengers come into contact with the Adamantine and become a thrall under its control? Secondly, apart from Hercules’ obvious strength and fighting acumen, why was Hercules chosen to be its new champion? Lastly, beyond eliminating Wolverine as an adversary, what motivations does the Adamantine have for the demigod Hercules under its control?
While Wolverine won’t be shedding any tears over Romulus, he does express concern about Hercules behaving and acting out of character. Once Hercules strikes Silver Sable, Wolverine pops his claws with a “snikt,” and the battle is joined. For the rest of the issue it’s fight, fight, fight, as Hercules and Wolverine duke it out, with neither party holding back as they trade blows and wounds back and forth. Just before Wolverine and Hercules can deliver the killing blow, they are frozen by Athena, who declares that she will judge the warriors for their misdeeds, thus ending the issue.
The fight choreography in this issue is very dynamic and engaging, and masterfully orchestrated in the competent hands of Martín Cóccolo and Jesus Aburtov. The action moves the issue along fairly quickly, and by the time the issue reaches its conclusion, not too much has occurred in the narrative itself, apart from the long brawl between Wolverine and Hercules. The introduction of Athena into this arc makes for an interesting cliffhanger ending to the issue, a plot point that we are sure to pick up in May in Wolverine #19.
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