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Warning: Spoilers for Ultimate Wolverine #1The brand-new Wolverine has debuted in the Ultimate Universe, and this new version of the Marvel icon has a quiet change that makes him feel scarier than ever before. This change helps to establish Logan’s new role in the Ultimate Universe, demonstrating how his story starts out at a different place than his mainstream counterpart’s.
Ultimate Wolverine #1 by Chris Condon and Alessandro Cappuccio follows the new version of the character, mind controlled into being the Winter Soldier, on a mission to kill two members of the Opposition. This present-day narrative is interspersed with flashbacks to his abduction by Directorate X and his transformation into the Winter Soldier. What’s especially notable is that, aside from a few pained groans in the first two flashbacks, Logan never makes a sound for the rest of the debut issue.
Additionally, he doesn’t have any thought captions, leaving his thoughts a mystery.
Ultimate Wolverine’s Lack of Dialogue and Narration Makes Him Feel Even More Dangerous
Ultimate Wolverine #1 by Chris Condon, Alessandro Cappuccio, Bryan Valenza, and Cory Petit
The absence of any real dialogue or narration from Logan’s perspective stands out as a subtle yet massive change, putting the character in a different light from his mainstream counterpart. In the mainstream Marvel Universe, Logan is noted for distinct dialogue and an iconic inner monologue, making it unmistakable when he’s speaking. Without those traits, the Ultimate Universe’s Wolverine feels unfamiliar, presenting a perspective on Logan that feels new and sometimes even alien.
While Wolverine’s famous berserker rages have always made the character feel somewhat dangerous, the lack of dialogue or narration from Logan in Ultimate Wolverine amplifies that feeling of danger.
Additionally, the total silence emanating from Logan makes him feel dangerous in a way the character rarely has. Dialogue and narration are tools that help the reader grow familiar with the character, which also breeds a sense of familiarity with them. Without knowing what Logan is saying and thinking, he becomes more unpredictable and scary because nothing can be considered out of the question for him. This silence – as well as the muzzle as a part of his costume – makes Logan feel less human and more like a wild dog ready to lash out at any moment.
While Wolverine’s famous berserker rages have always made the character feel somewhat dangerous, the lack of dialogue or narration from Logan in Ultimate Wolverine amplifies that feeling of danger. This danger feels especially potent because this version of Wolverine is the Winter Soldier, working as an assassin for the Eurasian Republic, whose players in turn serve the Maker. Logan is a far cry from the iconic hero readers are familiar with, and his introduction as an antagonistic figure only makes him feel more dangerous to both the characters and to readers.
Ultimate Wolverine’s Silence Makes Sense for His New Role as the Winter Soldier
Ultimate Wolverine #1 Variant Cover by Steve Skroce and Richard Isanove
Logan’s new role as the Winter Soldier may also help explain why he’s bereft of dialogue and narration. Directorate X makes it clear that his old identity as Logan is considered dead, with him made to take on a more ruthless, merciless role as the Winter Soldier. Logan’s masters see him as little more than a weapon to be pointed at their enemies, and therefore, they don’t need him to talk or think. They only need him to act in accordance with their orders, however horrific they may be.
By robbing Logan of his voice and thoughts, the narrative emphasizes how the Rasputins see Logan. Even the muzzle being a part of his costume plays a role in this perception, keeping him from being able to speak. This level of intense dehumanization gives Ultimate Wolverine common ground with his mainstream counterpart, while also taking it to another level completely. At the end of the day, he’s only a weapon in the battle against the Opposition, and so anything that doesn’t make him a more efficient weapon is seen as not worth saving.
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The brand-new Wolverine debuts with a stunning silence, making the Marvel Icon seem scarier than ever. By writing Logan without any dialogue and keeping his thoughts away from readers, Ultimate Wolverine establishes its take on the character as dangerous, robbing readers of the ability to anticipate and understand Logan. Additionally, his silence factors into his new role as the Winter Soldier, as his handlers see him as a weapon that doesn’t need to speak or think. These changes create a strong first impression, making this version of Wolverine feel more terrifying and dangerous than ever before.
Ultimate Wolverine #1 is available now from Marvel Comics.
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