The Maker reshaped the world of Earth 6160 in his twisted image and enshrined the Maker’s Council to rule it. Colossus, Magik, and Omega Red oversee the Euroasian Republic, one of the two only locations with publicly known mutants where they commit horrific experiments on them. A secretive group called The Opposition formed to take the trio’s rule down and to free mutants. But to hold onto power, the trio utilizes the Winter Soldier, an unflinching and remorseless assassin, to kill the freedom fighters. Chris Condon and Alessandro Cappuccio introduce the mutant of Earth 6160, who is the best at what he does, but what he does isn’t very nice in Ultimate Wolverine #1.

Focusing on the villain’s side of the Ultimate Universe, Condon and Cappuccio plop us into the frosty Euroasian Republic as we get a look into this side of the world and its characters. Diving into the political power plays of Magik, Colossus, Omega Red, and Doctor Prostovich and their war with the rebels of the Opposition, where The Winter Soldier essentially serves as a loyal and brutal killer meant to crush dissent. Calling back to Logan’s origins in Weapon X, his role as the Winter Soldier hones into his animalistic instincts due to acting more like a muzzled attack dog or beast than a human being. Considering his lack of dialogue and essentially relying on his senses further dehumanizes him, where he exists as a weapon to be unleashed. 

The introduction of the Opposition brings a few familiar faces with close ties to Logan, including Nightcrawler and Mystique. Their introduction does not feel like a simple callback but expands the Euroasian republic and the potential cast we might see. It’s also interesting to see Kurt serving as a priest and working with his mother, Mystique, which reflects what we know should have happened for them in the central 616 universe. With Logan not recognizing them or remembering their shared history makes their slaughter even more horrific. Condon has crafted a ghost who stalks the snowy forests.

Cappuccio truly brings his incredible gifts to the art, where he captures the cold spy tone of the story. Due to the non-verbal nature of the Winter Soldier, Cappuccio nails the character’s body language to help the readers know what he is thinking. Paired with Bryan Valenza’s colors and VC’s Cory Petit, the visuals ooze with style and put you in the boots of the bloodied and dark atmosphere of the Euroasian Republic and how unforgiven it can be. It’s only fitting in a world entirely of shadows that the only true light can be derived from the pure, untainted moon or snow. 

With the arrival of year two for the Ultimate Universe, Ultimate Wolverine #1 by Condon and Cappuccio snikts onto the scene and jams its claws into readers. Brutal and bloody, the duo lands an incredible debut that leaves the reader wanting to know more about the Winter Soldier and what else lies in this part of the world.

Story: Chris Condon Art: Alessandro Cappuccio
Color: Bryan Valenza Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Story: 9.4 Art: 9.4 Overall: 9.4 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle