Ultimate Wolverine ends with its 16th issue. The powerhouse comic has been one of Marvel Comics’ best-selling titles since its release. Written by Chris Condon and drawn by Alessandro Cappuccio, Ultimate Wolverine has sold well but has also been criticized for its story and writing. With the final issue now out, Ultimate Wolverine can be judged as a whole.
Ultimate Wolverine #16 has all the hallmarks of Condon’s style of writing: spare, restrained, and minimalist. For many people, this works well, but for other readers, it shows a lack of imagination and creativity. Certainly, Ultimate Wolverine #16 is very much the same as usual, with the biggest surprise being the lack of surprises.
- Title: Ultimate Wolverine #16
- Creatives: Chris Condon (Writer), Alessandro Cappuccio (Artist)
- Characters: Wolverine, Phoenix, Sentinel One
- Villains: Illyana Rasputin
- Type: Ongoing Series (Finale)
The Last Dance of Ultimate Wolverine
The issue begins with Ultimate Wolverine and Ultimate Phoenix heading to Limbo, where they intend to track down Illyana Rasputin, the last of the Maker’s Council in Eurasia, who had enslaved mutants and used Wolverine as a human weapon.
Illyana’s story is a tragic one. Sent into Limbo where she was corrupted by the demon Belasco, she is a pitiable figure, though one who is unapologetic in her evil.
While Phoenix assists and aids people who were trapped in Limbo, Wolverine goes to finish off Illyana and end the dark dynasty that has been hanging over his head, which had used him as a weapon to kill those he cared for. The showdown is a quick one. While Wolverine pities and feels sorry for Illyana, he can’t excuse her actions, and he kills Illyana and brings the reign of the Rasputins to a close.
Phoenix quickly pulls Wolverine out of Limbo, and the two are left to contemplate the future. The Maker is the biggest threat, but for now, the two can enjoy victory. Phoenix triumphantly lifts Wolverine into the air, and they fly around in brief, but genuine relief and joy.
A Disappointing Ending
As with many issues of Ultimate Wolverine, the issue is brief and quick. For a finale, it is anti-climactic. There is very little of note that occurs in the issue, and there is a lack of stakes and drama. Illyana’s story, which has played out over the last few issues, feels inconsequential and pointless, as it neither advances her end nor her interactions with Wolverine. Likewise, Phoenix is given nothing to do but act as a ferry for the prisoners and Wolverine out of Limbo.
The lack of stakes, emotional beats, and character arcs dampens the ending quite considerably. While there is an Ultimate Farewell issue and Ultimate Endgame still to come, Ultimate Wolverine #16 fails to go out with a bang but instead ends with a whimper.
Cappuccio Shines Again
Throughout the entire series, Condon has failed to adequately explore the Ultimate Universe or his characters with any depth. The saving grace of the series has been the fantastic art by Alessandro Cappuccio, whose work on this final issue remains strong and stellar. The color work of Bryan Valenza is a strong compliment to Cappuccio’s style, though not as good as that of earlier colorist, Rachelle Rosenberg. Cappuccio’s visual style suits the brooding, dark mood of the Ultimate Universe and stands out as some of the best in this line of comics.
Overall, Ultimate Wolverine #16 brings the series to a lackluster end, with the sparse, unoriginal plot and writing making it feel as if nothing really mattered. Alessandro Cappuccio and Bryan Valenza shine on artistic duties, however.
‘Ultimate Wolverine’ #16 Finale is a Whimper in the Dark for the Maker’s Council
Ultimate Wolverine #16 brings the series to a lackluster end, with the sparse, unoriginal plot and writing making it feel as if nothing really mattered. Alessandro Cappuccio and Bryan Valenza shine on artistic duties, however.
