Deadpool’s WOLVERINE: ORIGINS Claws Are Officially Back, But This Time They’re Awesome

Warning: spoilers ahead for Deadpool & Wolverine WWIII #1!Deadpool‘s latest power evolution has reimagined his katana claws from X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The first solo Wolverine film from 2009 has become hated by Deadpool fans for how much it radically altered the character. However, one of his most baffling changes (aside from removing his mouth) has made a comeback in the comics, and it’s undeniably cooler than it was in the film.

In Deadpool and Wolverine WWIII #1 by Joe Kelly and Adam Kubert, Logan and the Merc with a Mouth find themselves facing off against a mysterious new villain called DELTA, who seeks out change in any way they can. However, when Wolverine goes in search of Deadpool following an odd conversation they had together, he discovers that the antihero “chose courage” by taking on a new form.

From the helmet with a sarcastic face drawn on it in marker to the suspicious Illuminati-like belt buckle, this new look for Wade Wilson is sure to raise some eyebrows. However, the coolest thing about this change is the return of his retractable katana blades.

Deadpool’s New Redesign Comes with Energy Blade Claws

New Villain Delta Has Transformed Wade Wilson

What’s cool about these new blades is how well they fit the new design for Deadpool’s villainous form. X-Men Origins: Wolverine was infamous for completely altering Deadpool’s design, making him look more like a monster than the outrageous costumed mercenary fans have come to love, and even giving him Cyclops’ optic blasts. The markings on his body, the removal of his mouth and the etched-in eye marks were classic overdesign, taking a character who matches well with Wolverine because they’re so similar and building him up into a generic ‘final boss.’

In World War III, this new look for Deadpool feels far more cohesive. Introduced in the first issue of a team-up series, it’s already apparent that Deadpool’s new look isn’t meant to be permanent or definitive, and it’s not as overcroweded with new abilities as in the movie. While the entire design is new, the real focus is the energy blade claws – an ability which ties into Wade’s combat expertise rather than being part of a grab-bag of random mutant powers. Deadpool’s transformation isn’t an improvement on the original, but this isn’t the end of WWIII‘s story – it’s the beginning – making such a drastic change feel exciting because of how it predicts further big swings to come.

Marvel Treats Deadpool’s New Form as a Tragedy, Not a Badass Upgrade

Deadpool IS WWIII

It’s interesting to note that Deadpool’s new look with his katana blades are more than just a cool feature. They’re actually the birth of a destructive new weapon that could pose a serious threat to the Marvel universe. In fact, the twist of the first issue shows that the WWIII hinted in the title isn’t an all-out nuclear war, but the introduction of the new Deadpool. He reveals he prefers going by the name Wade Wilson III, setting him up as a massive threat that could spell doom if the DELTA program expands. In Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe and Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe 2, Wade proved that he can slaughter every other hero if he’s brainwashed enough – now, he even gets new weapons to complete the task.

This is a major revelation for Wolverine and the Marvel universe as it sets Deadpool up as one of the world’s deadliest threats yet. His unification with DELTA mixed with indestructible claws paves the way for him to cause as much destruction as possible. It’s a surprising turn for a version of the character that was deemed a joke 15 years ago, but if he succeeds, the return of Deadpool and his blades from X-Men Origins: Wolverine could prove to be the ultimate comeback.

Deadpool & Wolverine WWIII #1 is available now from Marvel Comics!