The Ultimate Universe has been thriving in its revamped form, but with Ultimate Wolverine #1, it feels like things are about to escalate. Reimagining Logan as a ruthless Winter Soldier, the debut issue by writer Chris Condon and artist Alessandro Cappuccio redefines the character in a darker, more brutal light. While it offers thrilling action and visual spectacle, the issue’s narrative sacrifices depth for intensity, leaving readers intrigued but hungry for more substance.
Right from the start, this Wolverine isn’t the familiar gruff loner we’ve come to love. He’s a tool for destruction, weaponized by The Maker’s sinister forces. The opening scene sets the tone as Logan sits silently in a military transport plane, exuding menace. Soldiers nearby are terrified, and their fear is justified when he leaps out of the plane—sans parachute—hurtling towards his target.
Condon wastes no time establishing Wolverine as a killing machine, but flashbacks hint at something more beneath his adamantium exterior. Juxtaposed against his deadly missions, we see glimpses of his bloody past, including a haunting scene where Colossus, Magik, and Omega Red observe him like a lab experiment. The image of Wolverine pounding on a glass barrier, leaving a bloody X, serves as a chilling metaphor for his fractured identity.
The pacing is relentless, with Logan tearing through familiar mutants in the Ultimate Universe. These brutal encounters culminate in shocking casualties, reminding readers that this series will play by its own rules. The deaths add gravity to the story while reinforcing Wolverine’s status as a victim of The Maker’s manipulation. However, the issue leaves little room to explore Logan’s psyche, keeping him more weapon than man.
Alessandro Cappuccio’s art is the true standout of this debut. Known for his stellar work on Moon Knight, Cappuccio brings his signature style to Logan’s world, emphasizing the savagery and chaos of his missions. The action sequences are dynamic and visceral, with slashes and strikes that feel heavy and brutal. The nod to Batman: Year One—as Logan’s silhouette descends from the sky—is a particularly memorable moment, cementing the comic’s cinematic feel.
Bryan Valenza’s colors amplify Cappuccio’s line work, adding an atmospheric edge to every scene. The interplay of shadows and light heightens the emotional weight of each kill, while the dreamlike hues in the flashbacks contrast sharply with the cold, calculated violence of the present. Together, Cappuccio and Valenza create a haunting aesthetic that underscores Logan’s duality as both a weapon and a victim.
The debut issue excels in its boldness. Reimagining Wolverine as a weapon under The Maker’s control is a fresh take, and the story is unflinching in its depiction of violence and tragedy. The shocking deaths of familiar mutants establish high stakes, making it clear that this series isn’t afraid to take risks.
However, the lack of focus on Logan’s internal struggles feels like a missed opportunity. While the flashbacks tease his torment and fractured memories, the narrative keeps readers at arm’s length from the man beneath the claws. A bit more introspection or internal monologue could have added depth to his character. Additionally, the issue feels more like a prologue than a fully realized chapter, setting up intriguing elements without much narrative momentum.
Ultimate Wolverine #1 is a gripping and visually stunning debut that reintroduces Logan in a bold and brutal way. While the story prioritizes spectacle over character development, the promise of unraveling Wolverine’s identity and his potential rebellion against The Maker keeps readers hooked. With its striking art, shocking stakes, and tantalizing hints at a deeper mystery, this issue sets a strong foundation for what could be a defining series in the Ultimate Universe.