Warning: contains spoilers for Wolverine: Revenge #5 The X-Men universe is a rich tapestry woven with intricate family dynamics and profound tragedy. This theme is poignantly highlighted in Wolverine: Revenge #5, where the son of Colossus, Nikolai Rasputin, seeks vengeance against Logan for the loss of his father. Named after Colossus and Magik’s human father, Nikolai embodies the lethal combination of his legendary lineage, paving the way for a potentially significant return in future Marvel Comics installments.
First introduced in Wolverine: Revenge #4, Nikolai is driven by an overwhelming loathing for Logan, who he holds responsible for Colossus’s death. This intense animosity pushes him to join forces with the notorious Sabretooth to orchestrate a plan for revenge against his father’s assassin.
The final chapter, penned by Jonathan Hickman with artistry by Greg Capullo, unfolds as Nikolai wields his aunt’s Soulsword to cast Logan into Limbo, seemingly avenging Colossus and allowing the young mutant to find closure.
Nikolai’s Extraordinary Strength and Limbo Powers
The narrative backdrop of Wolverine: Revenge is set in a dystopian future, where the demise of Magneto triggers a catastrophic EMP strike, plunging countless lives into darkness. This chaos leads to a duplicitous new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, which includes notorious figures like Mastermind, Omega Red, and Sabretooth, forcing Colossus into a precarious alliance to safeguard a vital energy source from Wolverine. This deadly matchup results in Logan’s devastating battle against Colossus, resulting in the loss of his team members, including Captain America, which incites Wolverine’s relentless quest for vengeance over decades.
Growing up under the guidance of his aunt Illyana, Nikolai nurtures a deep-seated resentment toward Logan, stirred by the shadows of a childhood marked by tragedy. He possesses inherent mutant abilities akin to his father, including organic metal flesh and heightened strength, reminiscent of Colossus. Notably, Nikolai’s smooth organic skin mirrors the Ultimate Universe’s portrayal of Colossus from the early 2000s. Alongside his physical prowess, Nikolai has absorbed knowledge of sorcery from Magik, significantly enhancing his combat capabilities. After her untimely demise, Magik bequeaths her formidable Soulsword to him, forged from her essence during her own tribulations in Limbo.
Nikolai: A Unique Variant of Rasputin IV
Rasputin IV, introduced during the Krakoan Era’s Sins of Sinister event, emerges as a remarkable chimera mutant created from the genetic material of several heroes, including Colossus and Kitty Pryde. Although not a direct descendant of the Rasputin lineage, the similarities between her and Nikolai are striking. One can envision an alternate universe where Piotr, Illyana, Rasputin IV, and Nikolai unite for a powerful cause.
In his current role as a villain, Nikolai harnesses his formidable skills and Limbo’s dark powers to his advantage in combat. If Colossus and Magik were alive to witness Nikolai’s “victory” over Logan, they would undoubtedly feel a twinge of pride, even if he succumbed to his thirst for revenge.
Wolverine: Revenge #5 is now available in stores from Marvel Comics.