Whether it’s A Wonderful LIfe or just a Freaky Friday, there is a segment of cinema – and stories – whose central theme emphasizes that the grass isn’t greener on the other side. Currently, there is no place where this is more accurate than in the Ultimate Marvel Universe. However, the formation of the Ultimates, the rise of a king in Wakanda and the web being spun in New York serve as a reminder that hope always springs eternal. This week the Ultimate Universe has unveiled yet another familiar face from the 616 Universe. In the debut issue of Ultimate Wolverine #1, Chris Condon unleashes a weapon upon the Maker’s world that is more than just Weapon X. Instead, a cold front moves in from Russia: Enter the Winter Soldier.
Ultimate Wolverine #1
Writer: Chris Condon
Artist: Alessandro Cappuccio
Color Artist: Bryan Valenza
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
While the creators behind Ultimate X-Men took some uncanny and curious choices in how to introduce the existence of mutants in the Maker’s version of Earth, the same can’t be said for readers’ first introduction to the man named Logan. In fact, the comic features an opening that has been seen several times in Marvel Comics over the years. When we first meet The Wolverine, the “X-Man” is seated inside the cargo bay of a military aircraft. As his handler’s discuss the mission and the man they are escorting, Wolverine suddenly stands, heads towards the plane’s exit door and jumps from the aircraft midair. It’s apparent the soldiers aren’t aware of their fellow passenger’s full capabilities as one even comments that Logan doesn’t have a parachute. But as fans, we already know a moment like this is not enough to spell the end of Logan. Actually, a scene like this typically ends one way. Wolverine is about to do what he does best.
The Maker’s actions in the Ultimate Universe emphasize both the existence and importance of canon moments in terms of setting an individual on their prospective “path”. While this trajectory through life is often referred to as “destiny” that name probably doesn’t carry as much weight in this world. So while you shouldn’t expect to see Irene in this initial issue of Ultimate Wolverine, “her” presence is nevertheless evident in this universe. And the Elf isn’t the only tovarisch who pops up in Ultimate Wolverine #1. After brief appearances as a member of the Maker’s Council, it is Colossus and not Dr. Cornelius who orchestrates Logan’s transformation. As leader of the Eurasian Republic, Piotr’s armored form lacks its usual heroic appearance. Maybe it’s the demon on his side, whose own appearance seems to indicate Inferno occurred in this world as well.
Meanwhile, Alessandro Cappuccio and Bryan Valenza do an impressive job of integrating aspects of Logan and Bucky’s costumes for the debut Dr. Prostovich’s experiment. This compliments Ultimate Wolverine’s script which in retrospect highlights how both characters have somewhat identical backstories in the 616 Universe. Merged together in the Ultimate Universe, this story is a reminder of a tragic time for both. Discovered by their enemies, near death’s door, each of these heroes would be brought back from the brink, only to be brainwashed before being sent out on missions – which often require them to confront former allies.
2022’s X Lives/Deaths series reinforced that Wolverine, despite his 50 year history, is also a tabula rasa; a blank slate. Which leads Dr. Prostovich, reminiscent of agencies like Department H, to suggest controlling Logan by using a telepath. Wonder if it’s a head of red or silver? Of course the real question is without the bald one, who will fix the Old Canuckle Head?
They better hurry up because based on Ultimate Wolverine #2’s solicits, next issue the Winter Soldier continues on a mission which looks to add a few more names to the list of Charlie’s angels.
Score: 8.6