Since its relaunch, Marvel’s Ultimate Universe has been on a roll, and its take on Ultimate Wolverine is a prime example of why. This six-issue volume, titled “The Winter Soldier,” written by Chris Condon with art by Alessandro Cappuccio, Alex Lins, and Bryan Valenza, reinvents the iconic character by dialing his tragic backstory up to eleven. The result is a brutal, cerebral, and often heartbreaking journey through one of Marvel’s most compelling and conflicted heroes.
The series wastes no time, throwing us into a grim world ruled by the Eurasian Republic’s Directorate X, an oppressive regime led by a terrifyingly reimagined Colossus, Magik, and Omega Red. Here, Logan isn’t a mutant hero; he’s the “Winter Soldier,” a brainwashed weapon deployed by his captors. His very first mission is a shocking one: he’s sent to kill the Ultimate versions of Mystique and Nightcrawler. This brutal opening sets the tone for the entire series, making it clear that no character is safe.
What makes this iteration of Logan so compelling is his silence. For much of the series, he’s a force of nature: a hulking, feral beast unleashed on the world with no words, just primal instinct. This bold choice could have made him a simple prop, but the creative team uses it to build tension and mystery. The question isn’t whether Wolverine will break free, but the inevitable chaos he’ll unleash when he does.
The art, particularly by Alessandro Cappuccio and Bryan Valenza, is a standout, drenched in dark, moody colors that make the world feel like a dystopian war film. The action is visceral and kinetic, from Logan’s mid-air assault in the first issue to a bloody, slow-motion brawl with Sabretooth in the fifth. But the visual storytelling is at its most powerful when it goes beyond simple violence.
Issue #4, “The Wolf and the Bear,” is a perfect example. Instead of a straightforward fight, it presents a 16-page metaphorical battle between a wolf and a bear, symbolizing Logan’s internal war against his conditioning. It’s a bold, artistic choice that forces the reader to engage with the story on a deeper, more psychological level.
Ultimate Wolverine is at its best when it uses these kinds of devices to explore Logan’s psyche. The flashback sequences are particularly effective, revealing a past with Kitty Pryde, Gambit, and an astonishingly different Victor Creed. In a brilliant subversion of the classic dynamic, the Ultimate Sabretooth is a world-weary protector of mutant children, forced to face down a brainwashed Logan. The series redefines their relationship, imbuing their brutal conflict with a tragic weight that is both compelling and heartbreaking.
While the volume is a powerful and engaging read, it isn’t flawless. The first half, while intense, sometimes feels like it’s dragging its feet, teasing deeper revelations without fully committing to them. The bigger picture, how Logan got here and the master plan behind his conditioning, remains a tantalizing mystery until later in the volume.
However, the payoff is well worth the wait. The series finds its true footing in its final issues, particularly when it shifts from external conflict to internal struggle. The finale, an introspective journey through Logan’s mind guided by a spiritual version of Legion, is a brilliant and unexpected conclusion to his arc. It’s a cerebral, character-driven story that trades physical violence for psychological depth, ultimately serving as a powerful reset for the character.
Ultimate Wolverine Vol 1: The Winter Soldier is a testament to the potential of this new Ultimate Universe. It takes a classic character and, without hand-holding, delivers a story that feels fresh, brutal, and profoundly human. With its striking art, intelligent writing, and willingness to lean into allegory, it’s a must-read for anyone looking for a more psychological and mature take on a legendary hero. Just don’t expect a friendly welcome back; this road is covered in blood and snow.
‘Ultimate Wolverine Vol 1: The Winter Soldier’ Review: Redefining the Berserker
Ultimate Wolverine Vol 1: The Winter Soldier is a testament to the potential of this new Ultimate Universe. It takes a classic character and, without hand-holding, delivers a story that feels fresh, brutal, and profoundly human.
