Wolverine’s Son Just Became the New Hellverine

As a die-hard fan of Marvel comics, I must say that the newest addition to the roster, Hellverine, has left me utterly captivated. The rich history and complex backstory of this character, especially Daken’s transformation, are nothing short of mesmerizing. It’s like watching a darker, edgier version of Ghost Rider unfold before my eyes, with the same essence of vengeance but a more tormented soul.

Initially introduced in the 2023 crossover titled “Wolverine/Ghost Rider: Weapons of Vengeance”, Hellverine made its debut. In this storyline, Wolverine was under possession by a demon named Bagra-Ghul, which led to Ghost Rider engaging in combat with the demon-mutant hybrid. The concept of Hellverine was so intriguing that it didn’t fade away after a single appearance; instead, it returned in a miniseries featuring Wolverine’s son Daken as the fiery demon. Marvel later announced a full “Hellverine” series, and the first issue, “Hellverine #1”, penned by Benjamin Percy and illustrated by Raffaele Ienco, sets the new narrative for Daken as Hellverine, revealing how he was resurrected.

Spoilers Ahead!

Bagra-Ghul Chose Daken Because of the Darkness in his Soul

For many years, Daken and Wolverine were sworn enemies. However, they eventually reconciled on the mutant island of Krakoa. Following the collapse of its mutant governance, Daken joined forces with his father and X-Force at the North Pole. It was during this time that Daken met a tragic end in what became known as the Sabretooth War. His death was particularly gruesome; Sabretooth and his cross-dimensional Sabretooth army dismembered him, using his body parts to send Wolverine a chilling birthday message. Since Krakoan resurrection was no longer an option, it seemed that Daken would not return from the dead.

In Hellverine #1, it’s revealed that after Barga-Ghul was separated from Wolverine, the demon sought out a recognizable body and discovered Daken’s, which had been sewn together and buried. This set the stage for the Hellverine miniseries, where Bagra-Ghul aimed to exploit Daken in order to reach Wolverine, reconnected with Project: Hellfire, and fought against the Destroyers. The story concluded with father and son riding off on motorcycles towards the sunset.

During Bagra-Ghul’s control over Wolverine, the demon began to focus on tormenting wicked individuals with its macabre “mournful geometries.” In response, Daken adopted a similar role, transforming into Hellverine – a vigilante who detects and eliminates sinners to satisfy his dark art. In the premiere issue of “Hellverine“, Daken dispatches a robber who terrorizes convenience stores and their clerks, a kidnapper transporting captives in a semi-truck, and a serial killer disposing of victims near his residence. Yet, each time he takes a life, he feels as though he’s an unwilling spectator to the events unfolding within him. This turmoil eventually leads Daken to seek Doctor Strange, a powerful sorcerer he trusts can provide assistance.

In my own words, Doctor Strange reveals that Bagra-Ghul and Daken are connected due to their shared propensity for violence and death. This connection appears to be a dark resemblance of Ghost Rider’s Penance Stare. Strange then uncovers a shocking truth: Bagra-Ghul is continuing to serve Mephisto, gaining power each time he offers his gruesome offerings. Unfortunately for Daken, he seems to be an unknowing pawn in Mephisto’s scheme. Doctor Strange urges him to return to the location of his own demise at the North Pole, as it may hold the key to thwarting Bagra-Ghul and putting a stop to Mephisto’s sinister plan.

Daken’s Struggle As Hellverine Is a Dark New Take on Ghost Rider

Originally, Johnny Blaze, known as Ghost Rider, was overtaken by a demon named Zarathros, whom Mephisto often bound to humans as a jest towards the Spirits of Vengeance. Mephisto and later his son Blackheart aimed to utilize Zarathros to expand their demonic rule on Earth, but were consistently foiled by Ghost Rider’s hosts. Bagra-Ghul was sent to Earth under Mephisto’s command – to construct structures that embody suffering and fear. Strange’s warning to Daken hints at another purpose for Bagra-Ghul’s artwork, one that could prove disastrous for the Earth.

Daken’s existence has consistently been marred by persistent suffering, inflicting it on others as well as enduring it himself. He found solace in Hellverine, viewing it as a new lease on life, yet the terms are far more sinister than they appear. Mephisto’s intentions remain unclear, but they have instilled a deep fear within Doctor Strange. Daken has frequently succumbed to the allure of darkness, however, if he fails to vanquish Bagra-Ghul, this vulnerability could result in devastation beyond anything he had previously imagined.

Hellverine #1 is on sale now.

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2024-12-20 17:39