Wolverine’s New Claws Might Be More Powerful, But It Comes With a Terrible Price

Warning: Spoilers for Hellhunters #5!Wolverine ’s new claws may be more of a curse than a blessing. Several members of the Logan bloodline have recently undergone significant upgrades, most notably his son Daken, who has perfected his father’s abilities in his terrifying role as the Hellverine. Now, the Hellhunters prequel series is pushing Logan down a similar path. Set in the past, this storyline grants Wolverine a Hellverine-style transformation well before he officially assumed that mantle in the present timeline.

This upgrade may be transforming Wolverine into a demon, as suggested in Hellhunters #5 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Adam Gorham. Below is a preview of the issue, set to release on April 30, along with cover art by Declan Shalvey.

In 1944 during World War II, Sgt. Nick Fury, Peggy Carter, Bucky Barnes, Wolverine, and the Ghost Rider of that era set their sights on a Nazi named Hauptman Bruckner. After stealing Ghost Rider’s powers, the group gains immense strength, but judging by Wolverine’s condition, the upgrade comes at a steep cost.

Wolverine’s Demonic Upgrade Could Actually Turn Him Into a Demon

Hellhunters #5 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Adam Gorham, Frank Martin, and VC’s Travis Lanham

Wolverine’s new power boost effectively transforms him in ways never before seen on the page. With fire bursting from his eyes, this new form unleashes a flame sprouting out of his knuckles where his adamantium used to spike, and yet, his claws aren’t the most striking change in Logan. Ole Ground Bear gains horns piercing out from the temple of his head, as well as throughout his entire body. Readers can find horns poking out of his knees, elbows, and forearms.

Additional alterations to Wolverine’s body include his razor-sharp teeth. While some artists have occasionally given him fang-like features in the past in line with his animalistic codename, this change might not seem like a major shift at first. However, when paired with the rest of his transformation, the teeth only emphasize the darkness consuming Logan in this new form. Combined with his crimson-red skin, Wolverine’s demonic appearance looks downright devilish.

Related

“Stronger Than You’ve Ever Been”: Wolverine Officially Gains ‘Hellverine’ Powers as Marvel’s New Ghost Rider

Wolverine has adopted his most powerful form yet, as the Hellverine merges his mutant abilities with Ghost Rider’s blazing hellfire.

Is This Wolverine’s Most Demonic Look to Date?

How Does it Compare to Past Demon Forms of Wolverine?

While this is far from the first time Wolverine has been depicted as demonic, it is easily the most truly demonic he has ever looked. Past forms like Hellverine have straddled the line between looking monstrous and actually being supernatural, often existing only in non-canonical variant covers or alternate timelines. Most of Wolverine’s previous transformations leaned more into aesthetics than substance. However, his new form in Hellhunters is undeniably demonic, powered by Ghost Rider himself. With Wolverine’s transformation now complete, Hellhunters #5 may reveal that the changes aren’t just physical, but psychological as well.

Hellhunters #5 goes on sale from Marvel Comics on April 30, 2025.

Wolverine

Created By

Roy Thomas, Len Wein, John Romita Sr.

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

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