“Creatures like this…men like this… they know violence. They respect it” – Colossus.
If Ultimate Wolverine #1 sets the stage for Logan’s fall into darkness, issue #2 solidifies his transformation into an unstoppable killing machine. The setup is simple but effective: throw Wolverine into a hunting ground, let him do what he does best, and observe. What could possibly go wrong? Well, if you’re one of the poor souls on the other end of those claws—everything.
Chris Condon’s script wastes no time plunging us into the bleak world of the Eurasian Republic, where human lives are nothing more than tools for entertainment or experimentation. There’s an unsettling detachment from the ruling mutant elite—Colossus treats Wolverine’s slaughter like a sporting event, Magik watches with an almost academic curiosity, and Omega Red just seems to enjoy the carnage. Seeing Colossus in this role is especially jarring; the gentle giant of 616 is now an unflinching dictator who values strength above all else. The Rasputin siblings may not be as flashy as The Maker or Ultimate Hulk, but they are just as terrifying.
Of course, the real star of the show is Logan himself. His lack of internal monologue or dialogue throughout the issue is a masterstroke. It’s one thing to see Wolverine fight, but another to see him do it in complete silence. Alessandro Cappuccio’s artwork captures Logan’s movements with eerie, mechanical precision. His body language speaks volumes, even with his face obscured by the red-and-black mask. Every step, every slash, every moment of hesitation (if there is one) tells its own story. It’s like watching a horror movie where the monster is someone you once knew.
Credits: Marvel Comics
Chris Condon plunges Wolverine into a chilling evolution, transforming him into a relentless engine of destruction. The brutality is unflinching, with the snowy forest setting making the violent outbursts even more stark. Cappuccio and Valenza craft truly disturbing visuals, particularly the scene of Wolverine’s trophy display of severed heads, which leaves a lasting impact. This isn’t mere shock; it’s a brutal exploration of Logan’s fractured psyche. However, the question lingers: Is he truly lost? Subtle clues suggest otherwise. Colossus’s observations of Wolverine’s dreams and the faint hesitations in his actions hint at a struggle within. Is there a spark of the man still fighting to survive? If so, the beast’s inevitable revolt looms large.
Credits: Marvel Comics
Ultimate Wolverine #2 dives deeper into the Eurasian Republic, giving us a clearer picture of its power structure and how Wolverine fits into their game. The hints of a Weapon X-like program, possibly tied to Ultimate Xavier, are seriously exciting and promise some big reveals. While the action is top-notch, the story feels stuck in place. By the end, we’re left with a killer action scene, but the core mysteries remain largely unanswered: how Logan got here and who’s behind it all. This series has tons of potential, but it needs to start moving the plot forward, not just dangle clues.
‘Ultimate Wolverine’ #2 Review: Chaos in the Eurasian Republic
While paced with a measured hand, Ultimate Wolverine #2 grips you with its raw brutality and compelling intrigue. The creative team’s work shines, delivering visceral action and deeply unsettling character exploration. Logan’s silence is a scream in itself.
