Marvel’s relaunched Ultimate Universe has been on a roll, and Ultimate Wolverine #1 is the latest entry to join the party. This issue reintroduces Logan in a way we’ve never quite seen before: as a brainwashed weapon of war under the control of the Eurasian Republic, now known as the Winter Soldier. Written by Chris Condon, with art from Alessandro Cappuccio, this book takes Wolverine’s tragic backstory and dials it to eleven. There’s blood, espionage, and moral ambiguity—just how we like our Logan stories. But does it break new ground, or is it just another remix of Weapon X? Let’s find out!
The issue wastes no time, throwing us into the deep end. Logan—suited up in a crimson and black uniform that feels like a twisted mix of his classic look and the Winter Soldier’s—is deployed by the Eurasian Republic to take down the opposition in Latveria. He jumps from a plane (no parachute, of course) and lands with the force of a missile. From there, it’s all claws and carnage as he quickly works on his targets. And those targets? Ultimate versions of Mystique and Nightcrawler. Yeah, this book doesn’t hesitate to show us the stakes. Kurt, who still clings to his faith, tries to reach Logan’s humanity—calling him “Elf” in a last-ditch effort to remind him who he is. It doesn’t work. Logan kills both of them, and two major X-Men are gone just like that.
Flashbacks reveal how he got here: Colossus, Magik, and Omega Red rule the Eurasian Republic with an iron fist, and they see potential in a half-dead, wandering Logan. Enter Dr. Alonya Prostovich, the scientist responsible for wiping Logan’s mind and turning him into the ultimate (pun intended) killing machine. A captured telepath erased any trace of his former self, leaving only instincts and violence behind.
Credits: Marvel Comics
Logan’s history as a manipulated weapon is well-trodden ground, but Condon keeps things engaging with a burst of new energy. If you’re a fan of stories like Weapon X, Winter Soldier, or Old Man Logan, you’ll find a familiar rhythm in Ultimate Wolverine #1. That’s where its power lies and also its potential pitfall. The real suspense isn’t whether Wolverine will break free, but the inevitable moment he does and the chaos he’ll unleash beforehand.
Cappuccio’s art is dark, moody, and visceral. The color palette is drenched in shadows and blood, making the book feel like a war film set in a dystopian Marvel Universe. Logan’s new look is striking, and the way Cappuccio draws him mid-battle—hulking, primal, almost demonic—makes him feel more terrifying than ever before. But here’s where it gets tricky: Logan barely says a word. It’s a bold choice, making him a true enigma, but it also risks making him feel like a prop rather than a protagonist. We don’t get inside his head, we don’t know what remnants of Logan are still in there, and that lack of internal dialogue might frustrate some readers. He’s a force of nature, but his inner turmoil makes Wolverine compelling. Right now, we’re just watching a beast unleashed.
Credits: Marvel Comics
Visually, Ultimate Wolverine #1 is a masterclass in creating a palpable sense of dread. Cappuccio and Valenza’s artwork plunges the reader into a world of tension, where every shadow seems to conceal a threat. Reimagining the Ultimate Universe with the Eurasian Republic as a dominating force offers a genuinely intriguing and oppressive backdrop, elevating the stakes considerably. This isn’t a story that eases you in; it immediately demonstrates its willingness to eliminate significant characters, establishing a brutal and unforgiving narrative.
However, the book does stumble in its portrayal of Wolverine. Without access to his internal thoughts or meaningful dialogue, Logan is reduced to a mere instrument of violence, lacking the depth that typically makes him such a compelling figure. Furthermore, the narrative treads familiar ground, revisiting the well-worn trope of Logan’s brainwashing. While the execution is undeniably strong, the story ultimately feels like a variation on a theme rather than a genuinely novel exploration of the character.
‘Ultimate Wolverine’ #1 Review: A New Era Begins
Ultimate Wolverine #1 is a strong start, even if it’s treading familiar ground. It delivers the brutal, tragic, and unrelenting version of Logan we love while teasing an eventual breaking point that could make for an even better story. If it can better balance Logan’s feral nature and humanity, this could be one of the best Wolverine runs in years.
