Ultimate Wolverine #1 Review: Blood and Guts

Ultimate Wolverine #1

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Chris Condon

Artist: Alessandro Cappuccio

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Release Date: January 15, 2025

Page Count: 32

Format: Comic

Ultimate Wolverine #1 is a brutal and visceral take on the iconic character, depicting Logan as a killing machine more ruthless than ever before. While the violence may be too extreme for some, it sets up an intriguing new direction for Wolverine in the Ultimate Universe.

Ultimate Wolverine #1

Review

Writer: Chris Condon

Artist: Alessandro Cappuccio

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Release Date: January 15, 2025

Page Count: 32

Format: Comic

Ultimate Wolverine #1 is a brutal and visceral take on the iconic character, depicting Logan as a killing machine more ruthless than ever before. While the violence may be too extreme for some, it sets up an intriguing new direction for Wolverine in the Ultimate Universe.

Rating

9

Good

If there's one thing that's true about superhero comics, alternate universes usually make for interesting spaces to create more bold and intriguing stories. Marvel's relaunched Ultimate Universe is a testament to this, offering refreshing takes on beloved characters. With hits like The Ultimates and Ultimate Spider-Man flying off the shelves, it's time for the X-Men to get another new book with Ultimate Wolverine. Chris Condon (That Texas Blood) returns to Marvel for his first ongoing series alongside artist Alessandro Cappuccio (Moon Knight) for this violent new tale that sees Logan’s origins mixed with another fan-favorite character–The Winter Soldier. As we delve into this reimagining of one of Marvel's most iconic mutants, we'll explore how the big change fits into the larger Ultimate Universe and what it adds to Wolverine’s already complex legacy.

Overview of Ultimate Wolverine 

Colossus, Magik, and Omega Red rule the Eurasian Republic with an iron fist as part of The Maker’s secret council of villains. Through their operation called Directorate X, they run experiments to exploit the powers developed by mutants. The crown jewel of their experiments is Logan, otherwise known as the Winter Soldier. However, despite all the programming instilled him in, there is still a semblance of the heroic man he used to be.  

Image: Marvel Comics

Review

Logan’s story has always been defined by violence and tragedy, and Ultimate Wolverine pushes those ideas to new levels. Making him the Winter Soldier of the Ultimate Universe is an interesting twist, as it combines two of Marvel's most tortured heroes into one devastating package. Ironically, however, this version of Logan feels closer than ever to the original Weapon X concept—a ruthless, unrelenting killing machine. Yet beneath the layers of conditioning and brutality, glimpses of the Logan we know and love shine through, setting the stage for an emotionally charged character arc for the series to build on.

This first issue beautifully sets up the internal battle brewing within Logan. A lot of the story shows him grappling with fragmented memories and an uneasy sense that something is wrong. This internal conflict adds a layer of psychological tension to the violence, hinting at a deeper story to come. How much of Logan’s humanity remains behind the mask? What will happen when he finally breaks free from the chains binding him? It will be interesting to see the story ultimately answer these questions the deeper we get into it.

Image: Marvel Comics

With that said, this first issue doesn't pull any punches when it comes to violence. The centerpiece of the story has Logan tearing through a military base with brutal efficiency, showcasing just how lethal he can be when unleashed. Artist Alessandro Cappuccio brings these action scenes to life with visceral detail. Every slash, every spatter of blood is rendered with unflinching clarity, driving home the horror of what Logan has become.

But Cappuccio's talents shine beyond just the action. Even in the more subdued moments, his art captures the tension and underlying emotions of the characters. The haunted look in Logan's eyes, and the cruel smirks of his handlers - these subtle details add layers of depth to the story that keep readers hooked.

Image: Marvel Comics

Final Thoughts

Ultimate Wolverine #1 is a bold reimagining that pushes the character into dark new territory. Chris Condon and Alessandro Cappuccio have crafted a story that's both familiar and shockingly new, leveraging the freedom of the Ultimate Universe to explore other facets of Logan's character. The visceral action and psychological elements make for a compelling read, even if the extreme violence may be a bit over the top. As the series progresses, it will be intriguing to see how it balances the brutality with character development and thematic depth.

For fans of darker, more mature superhero stories, Ultimate Wolverine is a series to look out for. This first issue shows it's not afraid to take risks, making you want to see what comes next. As the mystery unfolds and Logan grapples with his true nature, Ultimate Wolverine has the potential to become one of the most talked-about books in Marvel's lineup.

Why You Should Read Ultimate Wolverine

• The action scenes are intense and visceral, showcasing Wolverine at his most brutal
• It sets up an intriguing mystery around this version of Logan's past and identity
• Alessandro Cappuccio's artwork brings the violence and emotion to life in stunning detail