WARNING! Spoilers Ahead for Wolverine: Revenge #5
Marvel’s recent publication sheds light on a potentially dark conclusion for Wolverine, heralding a grim fate for the beloved X-Men character. Throughout his extensive history, Logan has faced numerous adversaries, yet the bleak future depicted in the finale of Wolverine: Revenge suggests he may endure longer than anyone ever expected, though this longevity comes with harrowing implications.
Crafted by the notable Jonathan Hickman and Greg Capullo, Wolverine: Revenge #5 wraps up the highly awaited miniseries after encountering several delays. The story transports readers to a dystopian world where Wolverine embarks on a quest for vengeance following Magneto’s catastrophic act of crashing Asteroid M into Earth, which plunges the world into chaos due to an EMP discharge.
The narrative fast-forwards several years, centering around Sabretooth and Colossus’ son, Nikolai, as he plots revenge against an aged Logan. Upon Wolverine’s encounter with Sabretooth resulting in his death, Nikolai wields Magik’s Soulsword to banish Wolverine to Hell.
Wolverine: The New Ruler of Hell
Wolverine: Revenge #5 by Jonathan Hickman, Greg Capullo, Tim Townsend, Alex Sinclair, and Cory Petit
This plot twist adds an intense layer to Wolverine’s saga, but the story does not conclude with merely his descent into Hell. Prior to his confrontation with Nikolai, Wolverine employs a device created by Forge to deprive himself of his healing factor, thereby leveling the playing field. Once in Hell, Nikolai savagely attacks Logan, ultimately delivering a mortal blow that leaves him surrounded by a legion of demons. However, it’s later revealed that Logan’s device did not strip him of his healing abilities – he merely led Nikolai to believe he had succeeded in killing him.
This calculated risk showcases Wolverine’s intention to steer Nikolai away from the vengeful path that consumed him after slaying Colossus years ago. Colossus, who betrayed Wolverine’s trust and aligned himself with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants during the catastrophic EMP event, had ultimately met a grim fate at Logan’s hands. With Nikolai now seeking revenge, the storyline comes full circle, reflecting the themes of vengeance and its cyclical nature.
Wolverine’s Revenge Leads Him to Eternal Damnation
“Revenge Led Me Here”: Logan’s Descent into Darkness
The closing moments resonate profoundly for Wolverine, perhaps the most iconic figure within the X-Men. As he reflects, “Revenge led me here,” Wolverine acknowledges his nature and its consequences. Defiant as ever, Logan is not inclined to succumb to the demons in Hell; instead, he seeks conquest of the Hellish throne, currently held by Belasco—the demon lord responsible for abducting Colossus’ sister, Magik, during her childhood.
In embracing his identity, Wolverine’s journey through retribution ultimately results in him claiming power over Hell itself. The overarching narrative of Wolverine: Revenge delves into the relentless cycles of violence and retribution, tracing the impact of one act of violence across generations. By descending into the depths and sacrificing himself, Logan aspires to offer Nikolai a path to healing contrasting his own dark legacy.
Logan’s Previous Encounters with Hell in Marvel’s Narrative
Logan’s Familiarity with the Underworld
While Logan’s ascension to the throne of Hell signifies a compelling resolution to Wolverine: Revenge, it is far from his inaugural venture into this infernal realm. Recently, he had journeyed to Hell in pursuit of the renowned swordsmith Muramasa, intending to commission a blade for the Tournament of Swords on behalf of Krakoa. Previously, Wolverine’s soul had been ensnared in Hell, suffering the torment of facing his past transgressions, instigated by demonic possession.
Ultimately, Wolverine’s claim to Hell’s throne encapsulates the exhaustive toll exacted by a life steeped in violence and loss. Despite the delays, Wolverine: Revenge successfully concludes the dark trajectory initiated by Magneto’s devastating actions, ending in an unexpected yet fitting manner that reflects Wolverine’s tumultuous journey through vengeance.
Wolverine: Revenge #5 is now available through Marvel Comics.