Comic Review: Ultimate Wolverine #5 – Rage, Betrayal, and... Silence

After a few issues in which Logan remained almost completely silent and the story focused on tension-building and displays of power, "Ultimate Wolverine #5" finally shifts into a higher gear. This issue is packed with adrenaline, complex relationships, and brutal confrontations. And although it still suffers from common modern Marvel issues such as exaggerated healing factors and sparse dialogue — one thing is clear: it's damn good.

The Return of Logan – But Is It Really Him?

From the beginning of this series, Logan has felt more like a tool than a man. His Weapon X programming has turned him into a merciless hunter of the X-Men, but the lack of dialogue or inner narration has left readers in the dark. In this issue, we still don’t hear Wolverine’s voice aside from a brief flashback but his actions speak louder than words. Is that enough? For some fans, a mute, berserker-mode Logan is a return to basics. For others, it’s a frustrating omission of the character’s core: his humanity.

Sabretooth as... a Good Guy?

The biggest twist of this issue? Victor Creed, aka Sabretooth, is on the side of the resistance. And while that might sound like a standard role reversal, it surprisingly fits within the narrative of this alternate universe. In Eurasia, mutants are enslaved, experimented on, and exploited. Creed as a resistance fighter makes sense he’s brutal and wild, but loyal to his own kind. His relationship with Logan also takes a deeper, surprisingly emotional turn.

The moment where Creed recognizes Logan’s scent and says he's both “there and not there” is one of the most poetic and tragic moments in the whole series. He had once promised to kill Logan if he were ever turned into a weapon. Now, he’s forced to confront the return of his friend and the old promise. It’s poetic. It’s heavy. And it works.

A Fight That Actually Has Weight

The battle between Creed and Logan is the highlight of the issue. It’s brutal, masterfully drawn, and filled with emotional stakes. A guest artist brings new energy to the series the panels crackle with movement and drama. This isn’t just a random fight scene; it’s a clash between two people with a long, complicated history. That emotional context elevates the action.

There’s also a great nostalgic moment with the appearance of Morlocks Artie and Leech, a sweet bonus for longtime fans that adds depth and richness to the world of Ultimate X-Men.

Ridiculous Healing Factor Is Back

But it’s not all sunshine. One of the biggest issues and a major plague across modern Marvel is the absurd speed of healing factors. We literally watch Sabretooth regrow an entire arm in a matter of minutes. This completely kills any narrative tension. Where’s the danger if wounds heal faster than you can flip the page?

Back in the day, healing meant you could survive what would kill a normal person but it still took time. Now it’s just an instant reset button. Time for someone at Marvel to nerf these abilities.

A Clear Act Two Beginning?

Though Ultimate Wolverine #5 works well on its own thanks to strong action and character development, it’s also clear this is the start of the second act. We finally learn more about the resistance, the Rasputins, Cerebellum, and the fate of the Winter Soldier. It’s strongly implied that Logan isn’t the first mutant who’s been captured and reprogrammed. The world is expanding — and it’s becoming far more interesting.

Still Too Much Silence

Despite the great action, strong portrayal of Sabretooth, and an emotional core, Wolverine’s continued silence is starting to wear thin. His first “words” delivered in a flashback feel underwhelming. We want to hear what he thinks now, not just what he once thought. Giving Logan his voice would make his interactions more engaging and help the series hit the emotional highs it’s aiming for.

Final Thoughts

Ultimate Wolverine #5 is packed with emotion, raw action, and narrative breakthroughs. Sabretooth’s surprising role as a “hero” works far better than expected, and his relationship with Logan is handled with care and weight. Artistically, the book is gorgeous — every fight scene brims with intensity. But Logan’s silence, though initially intriguing, is becoming a limitation. If the series doesn’t let him speak really speak soon, it risks missing out on the emotional resonance the character deserves.

Pros:

+ Fantastic Logan vs. Sabretooth fight — intense and meaningful

+ Sabretooth as a “good guy” works surprisingly well

+ Gorgeous, high-energy artwork throughout

+ Artie and Leech cameo — a love letter to longtime fans

+ Plot finally moves forward — higher stakes, broader worldbuilding

Cons:

– Logan still silent — the lack of dialogue is getting old

– Absurdly fast healing ruins stakes and danger

– Wolverine’s first “words” are in a flashback only

– Some supporting characters still feel underdeveloped