When one picks up a Wolverine comic book, there are certain expectations. There must be action, of course, with a certain degree of colorful violence. Yet there should also be some degree of emotional trauma and torment, hinting at hidden depths. Ultimate Wolverine #1 delivers these things, yet it suffers for being somewhat predictable in doing so.
The opening pages of this first issue establish our title character. He is a Mutant with a healing factor and unbreakable bones, capable of jumping from a plane without a parachute. He is also a man of few words, whose origins are a mystery to the soldiers that tend him.
(Image Source: Marvel / Alessandro Cappuccio)
The pages that follow confirm his status as a North American expatriate who fought against the Maker’s forces in the Eurasian Republic. The ferocity of this Ultimate Wolverine convinces the rulers of the ER that he would be a valuable resource if turned. With the aid of a captive telepath (whose identity remains a mystery), they are able to erase the mind of the man called Logan. They then transform him into their Winter Soldier and set him loose upon his former allies. These include the Ultimate Universe versions of Mystique and Nightcrawler.
Writer Chris Condon has a good eye for action, and Ultimate Wolverine #1 is packed with intense fight scenes. He also establishes a number of mysteries to drive the narrative and hook the reader. Chief among these is the identity of the telepath who brainwashed Logan and the question of what other X-Men might be in the rebellion.
(Image Source: Marvel / Alessandro Cappuccio)
However, while this is sure to please long-time Logan fans, there’s little sense that much has changed for these characters in the Ultimate Universe beyond who brainwashed Logan. Mystique and Nightcrawler seem to be exactly the same as their Earth 616 counterparts. And when Nightcrawler speaks to the Ultimate Wolverine, they seem to have the exact same sort of friendship, right down to the “Elf” nickname.
The artwork is similarly solid but undistinguished. Alessandro Cappuccio favors light pencils and heavy inks. This suits the espionage theme of the book, with many sequences shrouded in shadows. The colors of Bryan Valenza add to this aura, with dark shades contrasting against bright tones for the lights.
(Image Source: Marvel / Alessandro Cappuccio)
All in all, Ultimate Wolverine #1 does little to distinguish itself from earlier Wolverine stories. It doesn’t take many chances with the concept or characters. On the other hand, this will probably please those Logan fans who think there’s no reason to change what works. And for the most part, with intense action-packed art and a few good plot hooks, this issue does work.
Grade: 7/10
Ultimate Wolverine #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.