Unpacking Ultimate Wolverine #1: Familiar Fangs in a New Bite
When diving into a Wolverine comic, certain elements are non-negotiable. Action, vibrant violence, and emotional torment define the character. In Ultimate Wolverine #1, these are all present, yet they tread a predictably worn path.
A Familiar Beast
The opening of the issue introduces Wolverine, a mutant of mystery with regenerative powers and indestructible bones. Functioning as a one-man wrecking ball, he’s depicted leaping from planes sans parachute, all while enshrouded in quiet stoicism. Soldiers by his side can’t help but wonder about his origins.
(Image Source: Marvel / Alessandro Cappuccio)
Our quintessential clawed hero, it turns out, is a North American expatriate turned soldier in Eurasia. Struggling against the Maker’s forces, his raw aggression marks him as a hot commodity for exploitation. This Ultimate Wolverine catches the eye of the power brokers within the Eurasian Republic. They see untapped potential. With the help of a nameless captive telepath, they scramble Logan’s mind, recasting him as their own Winter Soldier. His task? To confront former comrades, including Ultimate Universe’s Mystique and Nightcrawler.
Echoes of the Original
Penned by Chris Condon, Ultimate Wolverine #1 is action-centric. The page flips are fueled by intense battle sequences. Suspense lingers, mainly in the identity of the psychic mastermind and the fate of the X-Men involved in rebellion. However, this familiarity may not resonate with all. Longtime Wolverine fans may delight in the consistency, yet beneath the surface, little has evolved within the Ultimate Universe.
Mystique and Nightcrawler, despite their alternate reality roots, appear unchanged in both demeanor and dialogue. Nightcrawler’s banter with Wolverine feels directly transplanted from other iterations, “Elf” nickname and all.
The visual narration by Alessandro Cappuccio remains robust, though it’s not groundbreaking. He employs a balanced blend of light pencils and dominating inks, complementing the espionage undertone. Bryan Valenza’s colors play their part beautifully, with dark hues contrasting sharply against brighter highlights.
(Image Source: Marvel / Alessandro Cappuccio)
A Familiar Claw
In essence, Ultimate Wolverine #1 doesn’t stray far from its predecessors. Taking few risks, the comic adheres to tried and true Wolverine traits. Die-hard fans might argue innovation is unnecessary if the wheel isn’t broken. With intense artwork and engaging plot lines, the comic is successful in its ambitions.
Grade: 7/10
Ultimate Wolverine #1 can be found in comic shops across locations.Check local comic shops to grab your copy.
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