Marvel’s Ultimate Wolverine saga takes a wild turn with the arrival of a reimagined Sabretooth, a character who’s far from the feral beast fans know. In Ultimate Wolverine #5, hitting shelves May 7, 2025, the iconic rival claws his way into the Ultimate Universe, but this isn’t the Sabretooth you expect. Writer Christopher Condon and artist Alex Lins deliver a version that’s less Wolverine’s mirror and more a complex figure with surprising motives, joined by unexpected allies like Leech and Artie. This debut promises to unravel mysteries from Logan’s past, shaking up the Ultimate Wolverine narrative in ways that have fans buzzing.
Unlike the classic Sabretooth, known for his savage grudge against Wolverine since his 1977 debut in Iron Fist #14, this Ultimate version appears to have a moral streak. Early previews suggest he’s a “good soul,” a stark contrast to the bloodthirsty villain of Earth-616.
The issue, featuring art by Alex Lins and colors by Bryan Valenza, dives into Logan’s fractured history under the Maker’s Council, blending gritty action with emotional depth. With variant covers by Stephen Segovia, Leinil Yu, and Simone Di Meo, this 32-page issue is a visual feast priced at $4.99.
As the preview pages reveals, the issue opens in Rasputingrad, where a bar owner bids goodnight to his patrons. One customer calls him “Mister Big Man,” hinting at his identity as Sabretooth, his long fingernails visible as he secures the door. While cleaning up, he gently coaxes two young mutants, Leech and Artie, out from their hiding spot beneath the floorboards, revealing a softer side to this enigmatic figure.
Check out the first four pages for Ultimate Wolverine #5 as an official preview courtesy of Marvel:
As a driver arrives to take Artie and Leech to a safe location, Sabretooth packs food for their journey, including soup and a homemade Shirley Temple as a treat for enduring his tales. Artie, using his mutant abilities, conjures a vivid image of Sabretooth battling alongside Logan, hinting at their deep, complex history in the Ultimate Universe. The preview closes with Sabretooth stepping outside to take out the trash, his gaze drawn to an airplane overhead. It’s unclear whether the plane triggers a memory, signals someone’s presence, or both, leaving readers intrigued.
Marvel's official synopsis for Ultimate Wolverine #5 reads:
ULTIMATE SABRETOOTH CLAWS HIS WAY ONTO THE SCENE! Mysteries of Ultimate Wolverine's past are revealed when a familiar face joins the fray!
What Happened in Ultimate Wolverine #4?
The previous issue, Ultimate Wolverine #4, released April 16, 2025, saw Logan grappling with his identity as the Eurasian Republic’s brainwashed “Winter Soldier.” After a tense confrontation with Kitty Pryde and Gambit, Wolverine’s programming began to crack, leaving him disoriented and violent. The issue, written by Condon with art by Alessandro Cappuccio, leaned heavily on metaphor, depicting Logan’s inner turmoil as a battle between a wolf and a bear. A bombshell Directorate X report revealed the grim fates of Jean Grey and Charles Xavier: Jean, dubbed the “Phoenix specimen,” is sedated and controlled, while Xavier’s preserved brain is used to manipulate her and others. This set the stage for Sabretooth’s arrival, as Logan questions his loyalties and the Maker’s Council’s grip on his mind.
Ultimate Wolverine #5 isn’t just another chapter in Logan’s story—it’s a bold redefinition of one of Marvel’s fiercest rivalries. By flipping Sabretooth’s role, Marvel challenges fans to rethink a decades-old dynamic, much like the Weapon X retelling in issue #4. The series continues to dominate the Ultimate line, outpacing titles like Ultimate Black Panther and Ultimate X-Men with its blend of nostalgia and innovation. Whether you’re a longtime X-Men fan or new to the Ultimate Universe, this issue is a must-read for its daring take on a classic foe.
Source: Marvel
