Gambit Takes Charge in Ultimate Wolverine’s Dark New Era

New York, NY – In a dramatic turn within the Ultimate Universe, Gambit has stepped up as a leading figure in the mutant resistance known as the Opposition, while Wolverine remains a pawn under the control of Eurasian powers. Published on March 26, 2025, in Ultimate Wolverine #3, this comic, penned by Chris Condon and illustrated by Alessandro Cappuccio, showcases a world where familiar heroes have taken unexpected roles amid the backdrop of mutant oppression.

In this reimagined narrative, Wolverine, now aligned with the authoritarian regime, operates as the Winter Soldier, effectively turning against his former friends, including Gambit and Kitty Pryde. This pivot reflects the Maker‘s alterations to the Ultimate Universe, where classic character identities are redefined and progress toward justice is fraught with peril.

The story escalates when Gambit becomes a target of the Eurasian military after being implicated in the death of Mikhail Rasputin, Colossus’ brother. The implications of his new role place him directly at odds with Wolverine, who is tasked with the brutal mission of neutralizing Gambit. In a vicious confrontation filled with explosive tension, Gambit uses his kinetic ability to transform chess pieces into deadly explosives, setting a trap for his former ally.

“Wolverine isn’t the hero he once was; he’s a shadow of himself,” said Condon. “In this universe, Gambit emerges as a symbol of resilience, fighting back against the tide of fascism that has taken hold of mutantkind.”

The comic also alludes to the tragic fates faced by familiar characters, as evidenced by the shocking deaths of Nightcrawler and Mystique, which resonate with the ongoing themes of loss and sacrifice in this darker storyline. With Wolverine’s mind wiped and filled with haunting nightmares of his past, a glimmer of hope remains: could Gambit or Kitty Pryde restore his former self?

The shifting dynamics continue to create a sense of uncertainty, as Gambit’s fight for liberation threatens his very life in a universe where no one is safe. The last remnants of their once-great team are overshadowed by the brutal reality of their new existence under an oppressive regime.

Ultimate Wolverine #3 is available now from Marvel Comics. It captures a harrowing vision of heroism and sacrifice set against a backdrop of tyranny, where even beloved characters must confront new, lethal challenges in their fight for survival.