Ultimate Wolverine #4 Tells an Old Story in a New Way (Review)

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In the thrilling saga of Ultimate Wolverine, fans have been left in suspense since its inception, as each installment unveils fresh insights into Earth-6160’s Winter Soldier, better known as Logan, the mutant Wolverine. The third issue of Ultimate Wolverine pits him against familiar faces – Gambit, Black Widow, and Kitty Pryde – in a confrontation that triggers something within Logan, which is further explored in issue #4. This issue, to some extent, follows a familiar Wolverine narrative – the character breaking free from someone else’s control and venting his fury. However, writer Chris Condon and artist Alessandro Cappuccio continue to excel by subtly altering elements of Wolverine’s past, offering readers a fresh take on the iconic hero.

The tale closely resembles a typical “Weapon X” narrative, often associated with Wolverine stories, yet director Condon offers a unique twist. Instead of depicting specific events as usual, he presents a struggle between a wild wolf and bear, symbolizing Wolverine and Russia respectively. This creative approach gives a familiar story a fresh perspective, which has been the standout aspect of “Ultimate Wolverine” thus far. While this isn’t an entirely original Wolverine tale – it follows a well-worn pattern I’ve encountered countless times in my over three decades as a Wolverine enthusiast – the way it’s presented is engaging enough to make it feel novel.

The dialogue mimics that of “Weapon X” and skillfully conveys the anxiety of scientists struggling to understand the unusual events. The tension is heightened because the visuals contrast sharply with the dialogue, leaving readers only able to imagine Wolverine’s actions. This method of storytelling is highly effective in evoking fear and a strong sense of anticipation. Readers are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the climactic events. The intense battle between the wolf and bear is thrilling and serves to further fuel this anticipation. Finally, the suspense reaches its peak with two stunning double-page spreads: one showcasing the fierce clash between wolf and bear, and the second revealing the aftermath of Wolverine’s rampage. This brutal scene brilliantly satisfies our anticipation. We then meet Dr. Prostovich, the only scientist able to approach Wolverine, who takes him to the “Cerebellum”. Here we are introduced to Jean Grey, whose telepathy (and the Phoenix Force) help control Wolverine. The portrayal of this encounter is masterfully done and leads to yet another beautiful full-page spread that encapsulates the essence of the new Ultimate Universe – a place that feels like a terrifying nightmare.

Cappuccio’s artwork is simply outstanding, as one would anticipate by now. His depiction of Wolverine as a battered, nocturnal beast with piercing eyes perfectly encapsulates the essence of Earth-6160’s Winter Soldier. The bear too, is imposing and battle-scarred, symbolizing the might of Russia. Their confrontation, exquisitely illustrated, immerses us into a vivid scene of their clash, portraying the raw intensity and fury of the battle.

The subsequent double page spread showcases the brutal aftermath of Wolverine’s onslaught, brilliantly conveying the ferocity of the attack. It is a gruesome yet stunning piece of comic artistry.

In this comic series, Cappuccio’s portrayal of Wolverine transforms into a brutal, blood-drenched beast throughout the narrative, expertly depicting the character’s lethal potential for violence. The climactic full-page image, a testament to Cappuccio’s twisted creativity, is as haunting as the violence that precedes it. This comic world, Earth-6160, has always been dominated by monsters, but witnessing the horrific fate inflicted upon a cherished character, all for the sake of harnessing her power, encapsulates the book’s theme perfectly. While any artist could have made this scene impactful, Cappuccio’s unique style elevates it to an unparalleled level. Kudos are due to Bryan Valenza as well, who masterfully uses color to set the tone of the scene. The heavy use of black and red, along with shadows and blood, perfectly complements the issue. Valenza’s coloring skills seamlessly blend with Cappuccio’s artistry.

In this issue of Ultimate Wolverine #4, Condon cleverly concludes the narrative by delicately wrapping up the stories of Xavier and Jean Grey, while subtly incorporating Magneto into the tale. This final act not only surpasses expectations but also manages to surprise readers who might have anticipated a more predictable course. Despite the possibility of delivering a straightforward “Weapon X” replica, which would have undeniably been impressive, Condon and Cappuccio opt for a more intricate approach – one that offers a battle metaphor between wolf and bear, making it a perfect representation of the book’s central conflict. Each issue in this series consistently delivers exceptional quality, and this one is no exception – demonstrating why the series stands out among its peers by reinterpreting familiar stories in fresh ways. Instead of relying on nostalgia, the creators find innovative methods to present classic themes, making each issue a delightful treat for readers.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Published by Marvel

Released on April 16, 2025

Written by Chris Condon

Art by Alessandro Cappuccio

Color Art by Bryan Valenza

Letters by Cory Petit

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2025-04-16 16:13