A Whole New Kind Of Snikt — Reviewing ‘Ultimate Wolverine’ #1

After decades of overexposure (hello 2000s!), there isn’t much left to say about Wolverine which builds up intrigue or mystery. Ultimate Wolverine #1 seeks to add something to that big Logan-shaped pile that is Marvel Comics.

The latest debut in the surging Ultimate Marvel line comes from Chris Condon, Alessandro Cappuccino, Bryan Valenza, and Cory Petit.

So, how well does this issue add to the aforementioned mythos that is Wolverine?

On the one hand, it’s not saying anything wildly new in many respects. On the other, it’s doing a pretty good job at being intriguing and tugging on the heartstrings right away. Logan being turned into a weapon and used against others is baked right into his DNA as a character. It’s where he began, and it’s a well that has been returned to time and time again, both in the main 616 Marvel universe and most other alternate ones as well.

Especially since two of his handlers are normally friends and teammates in the ‘normal’ universe.

Condon enters this world with a lot of pieces already in play and uses them to really ground the book to the new Ultimate line. While also giving the trio of Colossus, Magik, and Omega Red more focus (of a sort) than their appearances in other books as part of the Maker’s world controlling council.

Unlike many of the previous attempts to deal with Logan the weapon, this is one where the stakes are higher for the character. I say that because there are well known characters, who have deep ties to Logan, in the Winter Soldier’s (Logan’s Ultimate universe codename) sights. I won’t spoil too much but there are some deadly consequences and losses in this issue. It sets this version of weapon Logan apart from the others we’re more familiar with. Chiefly from the fact that in this universe no one has that main universe plot armor safety.

There will be blood, and one day there will be great pain for Logan. When he inevitably breaks the control.

While I’m sad to see him no longer working on Moon Knight books, Cappuccio definitely works for a Logan book.

A character that is always rough around the edges and moves with ferocity and bold energy. That is a lot of what Cappuccio’s artwork radiates at all times. With Moon Knight, it captured that roughness and street level quality required for the tale that was being told. A lot of that easily segues to this series, replacing the street level with gritty soldier in the trenches doing dirty things vibe.

Another carryover from the previous book is being able to really hit home with the depth of emotional energy, even in fully masked characters. While it’s buried deep and unrecognizable for Logan, the pain he’s going through is clear to us. The way that Cappuccio sets up the character and lets their body do the talking really delivers the anguish.

Speaking of other books, I really enjoy Valenza’s colors on Miles Morales’ book. While that series is poppier and brighter at times this one is darker and heavier. The colors are kept to a very seemingly toned-down palette style. With flashes of lighter tones providing backgrounds and big moments. Really living within the shadows that are required for a series about a deadly weapon assassin. Each of the color choices compliments what Cappuccio puts on the page so smoothly.

Much of the action is at night or in dark spaces, and they feel that way. Lighting effects simulate night or darker spaces accurately which is always nice. Gives the space that lived in and familiar feeling. Some flashier colors are found with there still being costumed powerful beings in the mix of things.

There is a familiar face here for Cappuccio, as his fellow Moon Knight creative team member Petit brings his lettering magic. Logan doesn’t have much to say, but others do. Their voices resonate and really fill the space, as the other lettering elements pick up slack in the occasional silence. Each letter or word is rife with the tonal and emotional energies needed for the moment. Letting us hear the voices, some of them already familiar, in a particular (often different) light.

Ultimate Wolverine #1 is now available from Marvel Comics.