Warning: SPOILERS forUncanny X-Men #5Despite his gruff, violent, and frequently unpleasant attitude,Wolverinehas consistently proven himself to be a dependable father figure for the lost and wayward. While Rogue and Laura Kinney are the first of Logan’s proteges to come to mind, a new mutant hero is perfectly set up to become Logan’s next ward. At first glance, they may seem nothing alike, but these two heroes couldn’t be more similar.
Uncanny X-Men#5 by Gail Simone and Javier Garrón continues following Rogue’s X-Men team and their goal torecreate a new School for Gifted Youngsters. One of the newest teen mutants, Deathdream, is a silent yet horrifically disturbed young man, caught between life and death.
Despite his quiet gothic aesthetic, Hotoru shares a lot in common with the stout Canadianwar hero Wolverine. When nobody else around him seems to understand the horrific deathly state Hotoru is forced to walk,Logan sees a kindred spirit.Likewise, Hotoru’s cold flesh is quickly warming up to his newest teacher.
Deathdream and Wolverine Are Both Touched by Death
Uncanny X-Men#5 by Gail Simone, Javier Garrón, Matthew Wilson, and Clayton Cowles
Of all the new teen mutants Marvel has introduced inits new generation of X-Men comics, Deathdream is probably the most disturbing. When Hotoru was “born,” he came into this world stillborn. After dying and being revived four separate times, his powers activated far earlier than most other mutants.Deathdream’s powers allow him to walk between life and death.His connection to the dead has granted him the ability to summon souls and command them in battle. Additionally, he can forgo his physical form to become an amorphous mass of shadows and dark tendrils.
Looking for more new teen mutants? Check out the new cast, as led by Kitty Pryde and Emma Frost, introduced inExceptional X-Menby Eve L. Ewing and Carmen Carnero, available now from Marvel Comics as part of the new “From the Ashes” X-Men relaunch.
However, Hotoru is still young and unable to control his powers. If he fails to maintain control, the spirits can make him violent and unstable. When Logan and Hotoru first met,they immediately caught the stench of death on the other. Faced with the multi-hundred-year-old soldier, Hotoru heard whispers from the spirits ofthose Wolverine had killed.Yet, the young mutant was unphased. To others, to kill and to die are repulsive and terrifying concepts. But to Logan and Hotoru, whom death follows like a lost dog, it is merely a fact of life.
Wolverine’s Connection to Japan Helps Deathdream Feel at Home
Deathdream and Wolverine Have a Lot in Common
While not much is known about Deathdream’s life until now, it’s clear thathe feels recognized around Wolverine. While the rest of his friends fail to understand the horrific nature of his undying life, Wolverine accepts Hotoru’s gothic quirks without question. Because Logan knows death, he knows darkness, and he knows the mindless violence that can easily overcome a weakened mind.Wolverine has walked this pathfor centuries and, while he never relishes seeing others forced to do the same, he has a particular soft spot for the young who have.
Deathdream’s comfort in Logan extends beyond their mutual understanding of death and violence.
Deathdream’s comfort in Logan extends beyond their mutual understanding of death and violence. Before immigrating to America, Hotoru was originally from Kyoto, Japan. Besides the snowy Canadian wilderness, Logan’s heart frequently pulls him to Japan, the original home of bothhis lost love and his son Akihiro. What few conversations the two mutants of few words have had with each other have been in Japanese. While this may seem like a small thing,it only shows how quickly Hotoru has found comfort with Logan.Finding someone else who deeply respects and understands your language and culture can mean everything.
Both Mutants, Including Wolverine, Could Use Someone Who Understands Their Pain
Hotoru Has Shown Visible Concern for His New Teacher
This issue further cementsDeathdream’s growing attachment to Wolverine.When Logan gets bucked in the chest byCalico’s horse Ember, he is sent flying backwards, commenting that he hasn’t been hit that hard in a long time. While the X-Man is still knocked breathless, Jitter notices Deathdream has gone especially quiet, isolating himself from the group. When she checks on him,he is visibly concerned, believing that Ember had killed Logan. However, later in the issue, Ransom chastises Hotoru regarding a separate incident, claiming that Hotoru only thinks about himself. Upon hearing this, the young mutant’s face sinks.
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Despite his nonchalant attitude toward death, it’s clear that Deathdream is saddened when those around him get hurt. He may not be overly expressive, but his eyes betray his sadness. When no one else batted an eye overWolverine getting hit, it was Hotoru who showed the greatest concern. While their relationship may be young, it’s clear that both mutants are paying especially close attention to each other. Logan is a good father figure, and now that Rogue, Laura, and Akihiro are grown up, taking Deathdream as his new protégé would be healing forWolverineand Hotoru both.
Uncanny X-Men#6is available now from Marvel Comics.
Wolverine
The human mutant Wolverine (a.k.a. Logan) was born James Howlett, blessed with a superhuman healing factor, senses, and physiology. Subjecting himself to experimentation to augment his skeleton and claws with adamantium, Logan is as deadly as he is reckless, impulsive, and short-tempered. Making him the X-Men’s wildest and deadliest member, and one of Marvel Comics' biggest stars. He’s played in Fox and Marvel’s movie franchises by Hugh Jackman.
