Wolverine's New Weapon Is So Hardcore, I'm Kind of Hoping He Loses His Claws
Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Helhunters #2!Wolverinefamously wields arguably the most iconic weapon in Marvel Comics history: his adamantium claws. Wolverine’s claws give him the ability to slice through practically anything and anyone, and even when they’re not coated in adamantium, Logan’s bone claws are still incredibly deadly. However, Wolverine recently used another weapon that may not be as iconic as his claws, but is certainly more hardcore - so much so, in fact, that they could replace his claws altogether.
In a preview for Hellhunters #2 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Adam Gorham, Nick Fury and his small squad (including Peggy Carter, Soldier Supreme, and Sal Romero aka Ghost Rider) are in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. They hear gunshots coming from a countryside home, and upon further investigation, they see a group of Nazis firing in all directions, as if they are being hunted by something - or someone.
When Fury and the other soldiers get to the house, they are approached by two Nazis, though not in combat, but in fear. The Nazis are screaming their surrender, and are begging Fury and his soldiers to save them from what’s hunting them. But, their pleas mean nothing moments later, as the Nazis are brutally murdered by none other than Wolverine. However, they aren’t killed with his claws as many fans might assume. Wolverine kills these Nazis with two giant hunting knives.
Wait… Why Didn’t Wolverine Just Use His Bone Claws?
Wolverine Used Two Knives During WWII Instead of His Bone Claws… But, Why?
James “Logan” Howlett was born with bone claws, as they are a part of his natural mutation, and he’s used them since the mid 1800s. So, why isn’t Wolverine using his bone claws in this comic? Well, before Wolverine was a subject of Weapon X experimentation, Logan was abducted by Mr. Sinister, and was experimented on at the Ravencroft Institute (in the year 1909). The physical and mental torture Wolverine endured left his mind permanently scarred, and he had forgotten that he even had claws altogether.
In the years that followed, Wolverine fought in many wars, and Hellhunters #2 isn’t the first time fans have seen him on the battlefield using a weapon other than his claws. For instance, in Wolverine Vol. 3 #58, Wolverine uses two blades tied to his wrists while fighting in WWI. Therefore, the sight of Wolverine using two hunting knives to kill his enemies during this period of his life shouldn’t come as a surprise, as he wouldn’t use his claws again (or remember he had them) until after he escaped from Weapon X in the early 1970s.
How Marvel Could Return These Gnarly Weapons to Wolverine Full-Time
Wolverine’s Current Ongoing Series Could Bring Back His Hunting Knives
Based on Wolverine’s (admittedly complicated) history, it makes sense why he used two hunting knives rather than his bone claws during WWII. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that fans will see Wolverine use these weapons again in the present day, no matter how badass they are - though not impossible. In Wolverine’s current ongoing series (Wolverine Vol. 8), adamantium has become sentient, and is threatening to kill (or control) Wolverine from the inside-out. Could this result in Wolverine losing his adamantium, and perhaps even his claws forever?
If Wolverine had to somehow sacrifice his claws along with the adamantium in his body to save himself from this all-new threat, then he’d be free to wield these gnarly hunting knives in battle once again. While that’s certainly a possibility, it’s unlikely Marvel will remove such a key aspect of Wolverine’s character. However, even if his hunting knives probably won't make a permanent comeback, fans can still enjoy seeing Wolverine use these new hardcore weapons in Hellhunters #2.
Helhunters #2 by Marvel Comics is available January 29, 2025.
- Created By
- Roy Thomas, Len Wein, John Romita Sr.
- Cast
- Hugh Jackman
- First Appearance
- The Incredible Hulk (2023)
- Alias
- James "Logan" Howlett
- Alliance
- X-Men, Avengers, Canadian Army, OSS/CIA, Avengers Unity Squad, Alpha Flight, New Avengers, New Fantastic Four, Savage Avengers, Weapon X, X-Force
- Race
- Human-Mutant
