Warning! Spoilers from last year’s Wolverine #50 and speculation regarding this year’s Wolverine #7 follow!
Anticipation Builds: A Surprising Return in Wolverine #7
The latest preview for Marvel’s ongoing Wolverine series hints at a “surprising return you’ll have to read to believe.”Many fans, myself included, are speculating that this could involve Sabretooth, Wolverine’s principal antagonist. This speculation comes less than a year after Sabretooth met his end in a dramatic showdown with Wolverine during the Sabretooth War storyline, marking a significant chapter in Wolverine’s saga.
The Challenge of Continuing the Sabretooth Legacy
The Sabretooth War was an epic saga, culminating over four years of meticulously crafted storytelling. Its resolution has set a remarkable standard for the new title, establishing a daunting challenge for its continuation. Bringing back Sabretooth too quickly could undermine the weight of that narrative conclusion.
Understanding the Significance of Sabretooth’s Role
It’s essential to acknowledge that while Sabretooth is arguably Wolverine’s greatest nemesis, Marvel needs to exercise restraint in reintroducing him. Currently, their conflict felt conclusive and defining, making an early resurrection seem premature.
Marvel’s Strategy: Patience or Impulsiveness?
My speculation stems from a gut feeling rather than concrete signals from writer Saladin Ahmed’s current run. Given that Sabretooth is featured in an upcoming miniseries titled The Dead Don’t Talk, set in the early 20th century, the character maintains a significant presence—even posthumously—as Marvel navigates its storytelling landscape.
While I acknowledge the allure of Sabretooth’s return, especially considering his storied rivalry with Wolverine, I firmly believe that waiting will amplify the eventual impact of such a comeback. A quick resurrection might not only lessen the emotional weight of their saga but also diminish future storytelling opportunities.
A Recommended Read: Sabretooth War
For fans seeking a quintessential Wolverine versus Sabretooth experience, I strongly recommend the Sabretooth War. This extensive arc, part of a meticulously constructed narrative throughout the five-year Krakoan Era of X-Men comics, represents the culmination of a careful build-up and patient storytelling. It serves as a tribute to Wolverine’s 50-year legacy in comics, delivering a confrontation that is both engaging and thrilling.
Benjamin Percy explained in a 2022 interview how the strategic exclusion of Sabretooth from the storyline allowed for a powerful return when the narrative arc reached its apex. This meticulous planning enhances the significance and emotional stakes involved in their confrontations.
Looking Ahead: Wolverine #7 and Its Promised Surprises
The upcoming Wolverine #7 is positioned to be momentous as it leads toward a unique milestone—Marvel’s numbering convention will align it with the historic #400, a notable point in Wolverine’s publishing history. It appears that Marvel may be gearing up for something spectacular surrounding this occasion.
Variant Covers to Watch
While my speculation about Sabretooth’s return stems from concern rather than prediction, I’m hopeful that the “surprising return”teased in issue #7 will feature an unexpected twist rather than a familiar face. If it is indeed Sabretooth, I trust Saladin Ahmed’s ability to weave another captivating narrative, regardless of how it compares to the monumental Sabretooth War.
Wolverine #7 is set to be released on March 5, 2025, from Marvel Comics.
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