COMICS WARLOCKS

Snikt Snikt! Your favorite Canadian Mutant is here and there’s already blood all over the floor (and walls. and windows.) Was that violence necessary? OH YES IT WAS!

Ultimate Wolverine #1
Main Cover: Alessandro Cappuccio
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Christopher Condon
Artist: Alessandro Cappuccio
Colorist: Bryan Valenza
Letterer: Cory Petit
Release date: January 15, 2025

Earth-6160, the Ultimate Universe

The Ultimate Universe has been a hit since its start, and it’s easy to see why. It all began with Ultimate Invasion, by Jonathan Hickman (House of X, Powers of X). In this event, the Maker (an evil Reed Richards) reshaped reality to create a darker world, where heroes never existed. What’s a better way to be a villain than preventing anyone from ever becoming a super hero? 

I love the Ultimate Universe (or Earth-6160) because this reset gives creators a chance to explore bold new directions for classic characters, introducing familiar faces with surprising twists. Ultimate Spider-Man (also by Hickman), in particular, has been fantastic so far, proving that even good ol’ Spidey can feel brand new. Personally, I’ve also been loving The Ultimates, by Deniz Camp (Children of the Vault). The character choices are so fresh and bold.

Looking for a fight, Bub?

Now, onto Ultimate Wolverine #1. Wolverine is one of Marvel’s most iconic characters, so it’s about time the Ultimate Universe gave him the spotlight. Written by Christopher Condon (That Texas Blood) and brought to life by artist Alessandro Cappuccio (my favorite run of Moon Knight), this issue delivers a brand new, yet classic Wolverine. Essentially, they’ve made him the Winter Soldier of the Ultimate Universe, except with claws.

Illyana Rasputin (Magik!), Piotr Rasputin (Colossus!!), and Arkady Rossovich (Omega Red!!!) are the bad guys pulling the strings in the Eurasian Republic and doing horrifying experiments on mutants. So when they find Logan, they have the perfect specimen to transform into a weapon (WHAT? Wolverine turned into a mindless weapon by evil people? Never heard of it!)

Now Wolverine is brainwashed and fighting The Opposition, a mutant group standing up against the Republic’s gruesome acts, and it’s exactly the kind of drama I signed up for. The Opposition has two surprising members that I was very happy to see! No spoilers here, don’t worry! But I will say this issue does a fantastic job of establishing Wolverine’s role in the Ultimate Universe. 

It’s worth mentioning that Peach Momoko’s Ultimate X-Men series is stunning but feels like it’s off in its own magical world compared to the rest of the Ultimate Universe. So, having mutants tied back into the larger Ultimate narrative here feels satisfying. Don’t get me wrong, I love Momoko’s take, but Ultimate Wolverine #1 is giving me exactly what I wanted.

Overall, Ultimate Wolverine #1 was a killer debut (literally and figuratively, very violent). I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m thrilled with how it turned out. If Logan keeps carving his way through the Ultimate Universe like this, we’re in for a wild ride. The issue was out today and there’s already a 2nd printing coming next month!

So, did you pick up this issue? What did you think? Share your thoughts below and let’s chat about our favorite grumpy Canadian mutant!