It's Terrifying, But Marvel's New Wolverine Is Inspired by Silence of the Lambs' Hannibal Lecter

Marvel’s newest Ultimate Wolverine is a terrifying creature unlike any other. Known as the “Winter Soldier” in this universe, Wolverine is a cold, silent, killer who lives only to complete his mission. Those around him shudder in fear at his presence, exchanging horrific rumors about the beast. However, according to the series’ lead writer, this version of Wolverine has taken some inspiration from one other pop-culture cold killer.

Ultimate Wolverine #1 - by Chris Condon and Alessandro Cappuccio - debuts the new Ultimate Universe version of the Wolverine. Unlike Earth-616’s hot-headed Logan, this mutant is expressionless and silent. He speaks to nobody and hides most of his body underneath his costume.

Even in battle, this ruthless killer remains quiet, leaving only the snicks of his blades and the screams of his victims to be heard. In an interview with Comicsbeat.com, the series’ writer Chris Condon revealed that this chilling version of Weapon X took direct inspiration from the equally composed yet terrifying Hannibal Lecter.

Ultimate Wolverine’s Design Is Based on Hannibal Lecter

Ultiamte Wolverine #1 - Written by Chris Condon; Art by Alessandro Cappuccio; Color by Bryan Valenza; Lettering by VC’s Cory Petit; Cover Art by Allesandro Cappuccio & Frank Martin

I thought it would be really cool to amplify the whole vicious killer aspect of Wolverine in this story by embracing something from one of my all-time favorite films – Hannibal Lecter’s muzzle in The Silence of the Lambs. The combination of that and the standard pointed Wolverine mask made for a cool design. Alessandro knocked it out of the park. - Chris Condon

Earth-6160’s Wolverine, while similar in stature to his Earth-616 counterpart, is a good representation of what could have happened to Wolverine had he not escaped the Weapon X Program. From birth, Wolverine was bred, raised, and experimented on by the mutant Romulus to create a living weapon. Even after escaping the Department K Facility Logan was trapped in, it took years for the X-Man to parse through false memories and repressed trauma to become a functioning member of society again. But under the authoritative rule of the Maker’s Council, the Ultimate Wolverine never had that chance at freedom.

Condon and Cappuccio have translated the most vicious parts of Wolverine and refined them to instill a sense of uncomfortable fear. The character’s deafening silence is unnerving, leaving only his inhuman design to represent what little of his humanity remains. Like Hannibal Lecter, Wolverine looks collected on the surface, but his frigid hush and terrifying reputation leave those around him pensively uncertain. Because, behind the Soviet star, pointed ears, and metallic mask is a feral monstrosity who’s only held back by dense layers of brainwashing. If Wolverine were to be freed of his brainwashing, unstoppable bloodshed would soon follow.

The Ultimate Universe Is a Harsher World With Harsher Heroes

Even Old Allies Aren’t Safe From Wolverine

Ultimate Wolverine stabs Nightcrawler through the stomach.

It’s just an innate horror within us all. Who wouldn’t be terrified of a man running at you with six knives sticking out of his fists? It’s a scary thought! The muzzle was because we wanted to emphasize he was a killer a la Hannibal Lecter. - Chris Condon

Condon admits in the interview that he was excited to take on a version of the character unshackled by decades' worth of comic history. The challenge of creating a story that fits within a firm rubric is a difficult battle that all superhero comic writers face. However, with the Ultimate Universe, Condon saw a chance to tell a darker version of Wolverine that better fits in the oppressive world of Earth-6160. The Eurasian Republic, loosely based on Soviet Russia, is an especially authoritarian regime led by the cruelest members of the Maker’s Council.

As Wolverine emerges, soaked in the blood of his enemies and potentially ex-friends, a small twinge of recognition crosses Wolverine’s face, followed by a sinister scowl.

However, there are still certainties to be expected from an X-Men-related storyline. Wolverine is far from the only mutant at play here and, in Ultimate Wolverine #1, readers are introduced to Wolverine’s supposed ex-allies, Mystique and Nightcrawler. Unfortunately, when all three mutants cross paths, Wolverine is still captured in his cold-hearted trance. That said, as Wolverine emerges, soaked in the blood of his enemies and potentially ex-friends, a small twinge of recognition crosses Wolverine’s face, followed by a sinister scowl. No doubt, this weapon of mass destruction will soon be turned against his handlers.

Ultimate Wolverine Series Writer Promises Even More Bloodshed

This Weapon X Meets Winter Soldier is a Ghostly Weapon

Ultimate Wolverine scowls at the reader.

[Alessandro is a] dream. He’s amazing. I’ve not gotten a page in yet that I’m not absolutely floored by. Alessandro is the best there is at what he does and what he does is create cool goddamn comic books. - Chris Condon

Alessandro Cappuccio really hit it out of the park with Wolverine’s design. In addition to the muzzle that hides Wolverine’s eviscerated face, the massive red star that encases his body not only ties the character to the world’s Soviet iconography but is a reminder that this is the Ultimate Universe’s Winter Soldier too. Wolverine, much like Bucky Barnes, was turned into a tool without any humanity to show. But, Ultimate Wolverine is more akin to a specter or ghost. This brutish mutant’s flesh is sickly and noticeably lighter than his Earth-616 counterpart, further emphasizing the lifeless state of this Wolverine.

When asked what to expect from the rest of the series, Chris Condon jokingly suggested readers take a note from the title of the film There Will Be Blood. While Marvel does release the occasional Red Band variant comic series, most Marvel comics are deprived of the brutality that Ultimate Wolverine #1 has already displayed. Of course, not every superhero can go around viscerally slaughtering their foes, but it’s exciting to see a series that unabashedly embraces Wolverine’s more vicious personality traits. A Wolverine with no humanity is a dangerous one. A Wolverine who’s realized he’s been brainwashed is worse.

Just like his inspiration, Ultimate Wolverine is a silent yet sinister force whose mere presence is enough to petrify all who meet his hate-filled gaze.

Ultimate Wolverine #1 is now available from Marvel Comics.

Source: Comicsbeat.com