In this review of Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon #3, things get very real for Wolverine and his new allies after Nuke’s vicious surprise attack, as the young mutant named Tyler comes full circle at PRIMEWARRIOR, but not without massive repercussions.
Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon #3
Writer: Chip Zdarksy
Artist: Luca Maresca
Main Cover: Leinil Francis Yu
Variant Covers: Michele Bandini, Sergio Fernández Dávila, Tony S. Daniel, Phil Noto
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: February 18, 2026
This review contains spoilers
Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon #3 begins with a flashback set in the midst of David Colton’s Super-Soldier trial post 9/11. Another candidate named Chuck joins them for another round of treatments as General Thaddeus Ross briefs them on a covert operation set inside the United States. Back in the present day, Wolverine rescues the gravely injured Teri O’Barnes as Nuke and his squad open fire on what remains of David Colton’s remote cabin.
Wolverine catches a stray bullet and uses Colton’s shield for added protection as Colton himself tears into Nuke’s soldiers and triggers hidden explosives to cover their escape. Soon after, Wolverine, Colton and Teri get airborne on Colton’s puddle jumper. Back in the past, Colton, Chuck and their team confront a stray terrorist who manages to elude capture. Colton catches up to Chuck who suffered a heart attack while chasing their quarry. Colton stops the terrorist’s escape and returns to find Chuck dead.
Elsewhere in the present day, Tyler (in possession of the mysterious box) hitches a ride with a concerned trucker as the young mutant plans for a final showdown with Pruet back at PRIMEWARRIOR. On Colton’s plane (also heading to PRIMEWARRIOR) Colton and Logan discuss Tyler and redemption. Teri admits that Logan had every right to kill her for betraying him years ago. Wolverine and Colton continue their discussion before realizing that Teri has died from her injuries.
Tyler approaches PRIMEWARRIOR and threatens to destroy the box unless he can talk to Pruet. In the past, Colton confronts the scientist about Chuck’s heart attack, realizing that the same fate may befall him in the future.
Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon #3 ends as Colton and Logan enter the PRIMEWARRIOR facility without resistance, realizing that Tyler has dealt with the guards. Unfortunately, Tyler was no match for one of Pruet’s Super-Soldiers who is holding the unconscious Tyler in one massive hand, and the mysterious box in his other.
Analysis
Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon #3 raises the stakes significantly with two tragic deaths, heroes in constant peril and an inciting incident for Marvel’s Armageddon event series due next issue. Writer Chip Zdarsky crafts a compelling story about loyalty, duty, honor and abuse of power. David Colton is now the first modern day Captain America as timelines need to shift to match our current era.
This could prove to be a bit problematic as Marvel and DC have both latched onto a specific real-life moment in time for an epic story arc over the decades, only to make the story obsolete after a certain period of time. Tying Colton to post-9/11 events could work for a time as his enhancements might allow him the same longevity afforded Nick Fury, Sr. by the Infinity Formula.
The pacing is brisk as Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon #3 jumps back and forth in time to chronicle both Colton’s past and present, as the dedicated patriot faced tragedy, health risks and disillusionment that fuels his current vendetta against PRIMEWARRIOR. Colton is a flawed and likable hero, while Pruet is your typical power-hungry CEO. Nuke is a means to an end but not well explored in Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon #3.
Logan hinted that Teri was in bad shape as he rescued her, still it was shocking to see a character just introduced be killed off so quickly. It raises the stakes to an extent, as does Chuck’s tragic demise.
Artist Luca Maresca nails the various action sequences in Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon #3, whether it’s Nuke and company opening fire, Logan popping his claws or Colton leaping into action in the past and present, Maresca’s artwork reflects elements of Ron Wagner and Ron Garney’s dynamic styles (although there are a few awkward figures). Maresca also enhances the impact of Zdarsky’s writing of the confrontation between Colton and the scientist.
Final Thoughts
Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon #3 puts the characters on a lethal collision course that promises to kick off the upcoming Armageddon event next issue. As just one piece of the puzzle, the story functions as a solid, well-crafted and nicely drawn spy thriller.
