REVIEW: ‘Ultimate Wolverineʼ #5 - Feral Fury Unleashed

When I first saw the cover of Ultimate Wolverine #5 featuring Sabretooth, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what I was in for. I was completely wrong. Once again, Condon delivers a surprising and powerful entry that continues to reshape Wolverine’s story in the evolving landscape of the Ultimate Universe.

One of the things I’ve come to truly appreciate about Ultimate Wolverine is that it isn’t just about Logan, it’s about the people and the world surrounding him. Each issue introduces new characters and expands the scope of this reimagined universe, while also peeling back the layers of the Winter Soldier’s tangled past. In short, every installment feels fresh and essential.

Interestingly, Wolverine himself doesn’t appear until several pages in. Instead, we begin with a version of Sabretooth unlike any we’ve seen before. He’s older, grizzled, and surprisingly kind—running a bar in the heart of the Eurasian Republic. Despite being in what can only be described as enemy territory, Creed is revealed to be a key ally of the resistance fighting against the Rasputins, offering sanctuary to mutants on the run.

Two of those mutants are Artie and Leech, longtime characters in the Marvel Universe who’ve somehow remained children over the years through stories. Artie possesses unique telepathic abilities, while Leech can suppress the powers of others, abilities that may make them prime targets in this universe. Sabretooth hides them in his bar, awaiting help to smuggle them out of the city.

But before that help arrives, the worst happens. The Winter Soldier—Wolverine—finds them. Though his appearance is altered, Sabretooth immediately recognizes Logan by his scent. To Creed, he’s not an enemy, but an old friend. Unfortunately, Logan, under heavy telepathic manipulation, attacks without hesitation. What follows is a brutal, tragic fight between two healing-factor-enhanced warriors, impaling and dismembering each other in a way only they can survive.

As they clash, we’re given flashes of their shared past moments of camaraderie and vulnerability. In a specifically painful memory, Logan confides in Creed his greatest fear: being captured and used as a weapon. He asks Creed to make him a promise to end his life if that ever happens. That promise hangs over every bloody blow and makes the battle feel far more tragic than thrilling, making me wince at every panel.

This isn’t the Logan Sabretooth knew. He’s changed, corrupted, and nearly kills Creed before the timely intervention of Black Widow and Leech, whose power finally allows them to subdue Wolverine and stop the madness.

The issue ends on a hopeful, breath-stealing note. With Logan in their custody, there’s a sense that he may finally reconnect with fragments of his past—and maybe even reclaim a piece of himself. It’s a thrilling, emotional, and surprisingly tender issue, balanced with just the right amount of action and humor.

I’m fully locked into this series, and at this point, I’m close to calling it my favorite Marvel ongoing. Condon and the creative team are crafting something truly special here. And one thing’s for certain: I’ll be following it all the way to its ultimate end.

Release Date: May 07, 2025

Written by: Christopher Condon

Art by: Alex Lins

Cover by: Alessandro Cappuccio

Page Count: 27

Synopsis: ULTIMATE SABRETOOTH CLAWS HIS WAY ONTO THE SCENE! Mysteries of Ultimate Wolverine's past are revealed when a familiar face joins the fray!