In the reimagined Ultimate Universe by Marvel, it’s a bleak landscape shaped by The Maker, a malevolent counterpart of Reed Richards. This dark world prevents heroes from reaching their full capabilities and is governed ruthlessly by The Maker’s Council. One such region is the Eurasian Republic, where Colossus, Magik, and Omega Red hold power, mistreating and manipulating mutants. However, every corrupt government needs enforcers, and that’s where the first issue of Ultimate Wolverine, penned by Chris Condon with art by Alessandro Cappuccio, comes in. This issue explores the concept of what if Wolverine was this universe’s version of the Winter Soldier, resulting in a narrative that is grim, violent, and filled with enough familiar aspects for dedicated Wolverine fans to recognize, while also introducing gruesome new elements that make the unfolding story particularly sad, even though it may not be entirely original.
In a fragmented narrative, Ultimate Wolverine #1 unfolds. The tale initially takes place in the current era, featuring a mysterious figure (Wolverine, unnamed at this point) soaring over Eurasian Republic airspace close to the Latverian border. Two apprehensive soldiers ponder his identity, questioning if he’s not just human but rather a creation from fallen soldiers’ remains and immune to death himself. As Wolverine embarks on his mission, snippets of his past are revealed. He was the sole casualty of an airstrike, followed by a gunshot wound to the head, and then held captive by Directorate X for experimental purposes. They transformed him into a killing machine, erasing his identity and enhancing his skeleton. During these missions, he crosses paths with Nightcrawler and Mystique, former friends of his who were taken and re-engineered along similar lines. However, as Wolverine carries out his orders, the story concludes hinting that perhaps some remnants of Logan still remain and Directorate X may have underestimated certain variables.
From a standpoint of this not being exceptionally groundbreaking narrative-wise, it’s not so much. Yet, Condon skillfully revisits well-known elements of Wolverine’s tale – being treated as something other than human, the pain and torment he’s experienced in becoming a living weapon – and those of the Winter Soldier, offering a portrayal that doesn’t feel overly repetitive. This installment leaves us intrigued with questions we crave answers to: What is Wolverine’s true origin? Is he truly made up of deceased soldiers’ parts? What is his past with The Opposition? What transpired leading him to be separated from his comrades initially? Additionally, there are inquiries concerning what lies within Wolverine’s mind. Given the general idea has been addressed before to some extent, these questions breathe new life into the story, making it a compelling read.
Artistically, the first issue of “Ultimate Wolverine” is strong and impressive. Cappuccio’s artistry imbues a unique vitality, and when combined with Bryan Valenza’s colors, certain scenes take on a vibe that makes this comic feel less like a conventional Marvel title and more like an independent one, in the most flattering sense. Moreover, there are some truly breathtaking visuals, such as Wolverine soaring through the sky towards his target after jumping from a plane. The action sequences are also expertly executed, as are the expressions on the characters’ faces – notably Kurt’s, as he comes to terms with the identity of his adversary in his last moments.
In a fresh and intriguing approach, the comic series “Ultimate Wolverine” #1 doesn’t just recycle old concepts; instead, it provides a unique spin on the character of Wolverine as a relentless killer. While it touches upon some familiar themes, it manages to carve its own path by presenting enigmas and unanswered questions that make the narrative self-sufficient, even for the alternate aspects of the storyline. The author skillfully hints at the character’s past without fully disclosing everything, maintaining an air of mystery around certain relationships and factions. This tactic results in a gripping tale that leaves readers eagerly anticipating what happens next.
Published by: Marvel Comics
On: January 15, 2025
Written by: Chris Condon
Art by: Alessandro Cappuccio
Colors by: Bryan Valenza
Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit
Read More
- RLC PREDICTION. RLC cryptocurrency
- OKB PREDICTION. OKB cryptocurrency
- TRB PREDICTION. TRB cryptocurrency
- CAKE PREDICTION. CAKE cryptocurrency
- XDC PREDICTION. XDC cryptocurrency
- POL PREDICTION. POL cryptocurrency
- SXP PREDICTION. SXP cryptocurrency
- FLOKI PREDICTION. FLOKI cryptocurrency
- TRAC PREDICTION. TRAC cryptocurrency
- ZEN PREDICTION. ZEN cryptocurrency
2025-01-15 16:09