Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Hellverine #5 (2025) The latest developments in the Marvel Universe reveal that Akihiro, the son of Wolverine, is ensnared in a hellish torment imposed by Mephisto following his resurrection. Brought back for a nefarious purpose, Akihiro has strayed from the path assigned to him and now faces the consequences of defying the Devil. As the infernal conflict unfolds, Mephisto seeks to turn Akihiro into an instrument of suffering, mirroring the torment he demands from his current champion, Hellverine.
In Hellverine #5, crafted by the talents of Benjamin Percy and Raffaele Ienco, Akihiro finds himself dragged back to the depths of Hell, confronting the very being responsible for his revival—Mephisto.
As the vessel known as Hellverine, Akihiro was intended to traverse the Earth and construct symbols of his suffering to advance Mephisto’s malevolent agenda. However, in an act of rebellion, he now aims to dismantle the very totems he was meant to uphold. Yet, Mephisto shows no mercy to those who turn against him, and he possesses a diabolical talent for inflicting unimaginable agony.
Akihiro Endures Vivisection at the Hands of the Devil
Characters in the Marvel realm, such as Johnny Blaze and Daredevil, have previously encountered the depths of despair Mephisto conjures, embodying a chaotic force that thrives on the abyss of human depravity. Mephisto’s existence is intertwined with the darkest sins of the universe, and he is relentless in using creativity to orchestrate horror. Akihiro’s trials under Mephisto’s hand offer a firsthand glimpse into these grotesque realities.
In a chilling display of power, Mephisto submerges Akihiro before manipulating his body with cruel precision. He savors the moment as he dangles Akihiro over molten lava, mockingly piercing through him to extract Bagra-ghul, the demon now redirecting Akihiro’s existence toward the sinister goal of becoming exactly what he fought against. Broken down nerve by nerve and bound to a slab adorned with ominous runes, Akihiro is left fully conscious, experiencing excruciating agony while Mephisto revels in his torment.
Akihiro Faces the Consequences of His Past Transgressions
The Path to Redemption Through Suffering
This narrative arc dives deep into the horrific acts both Mephisto and Bagra-ghul enforce upon Akihiro. Unbeknownst to him, Akihiro’s journey has led him to replicate the very acts of torment and violence he suffers through on others. Under the alias “Daken,” he has left a trail of destruction, inflicting terror that parallels the agony he now faces. As he attempts to seek retribution for the pain inflicted on others, Akihiro remains ensnared within the manipulative grasp of the Devil.
While it appears that Mephisto’s plans may be temporarily disrupted, history shows that they are far from foiled.
Hellverine #5 is set to release on April 2, 2025, from Marvel Comics.