Wolverine's indestructible adamantium claws are as iconic as the character, serving as both a formidable weapon and a symbol of his indestructibility. Wolverine’s many battles highlight their destructive capabilities. However, a recent revelation in Wolverine: Revenge #5 shows that even these nearly indestructible claws have limitations, as they can’t cut through everything—especially not the powerful Soulsword.

Wolverine: Revenge #5 by Jonathan Hickman and Greg Capullo is a brutal exploration of Wolverine’s quest for vengeance, with emotional scars and physical battles at every turn. In this issue, Wolverine's claws meet their match in the form of the Soulsword, one of Marvel's most powerful weapons.

Wolverine Revenge 5  soulsword vs claws pannel

This epic clash both defines the limits of adamantium and redefines the incredible power behind Magik's legendary weapon. While the sword finds itself in Colossus's hands this time, this moment is a prime example of magic's superiority over physical limitations in the Marvel Universe.

Wolverine's Claws Meet Their Match: Magik's Soulsword

Wolverine: Revenge #5 by Jonathan Hickman, Greg Capullo, Tim Townsend, Alex Sinclair, and Cory Petit

Wolverine Revenge 5 cover

The story of Wolverine: Revenge so far has been a blood-soaked ride through the Marvel Universe. Logan’s quest for vengeance has reached its breaking point in the final issue. After surviving multiple betrayals and intense battles, he finally tracks down the remaining of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. He systematically takes down Omega Red, Deadpool, and Colossus, and extracts crucial information about their locations from his fallen foes, leading Logan to face an even more dangerous challenge: his brother.

Wolverine’s unyielding resolve keeps him focused as he defeats each one individually, with every victory only intensifying his thirst for vengeance.

Planning his revenge, Sabretooth sends a new, formidable group of enemies after Wolverine. These beings were created from the genetic material of one of the most powerful Omega-level mutants, Omega Red. This new faction is relentless and ruthless in their pursuit of Logan. Wolverine’s unyielding resolve keeps him focused as he defeats each one individually, with every victory only intensifying his thirst for vengeance. However, Sabretooth’s plans are far from over, and Logan’s greatest challenge yet awaits as he faces Colossus, who wields the legendary Soulsword.

While most would think that Logan's adamantium claws could take on the legendary sword, when they clash, neither shows any signs of damage. Wolverine’s claws have incredible cutting power, but the Soulsword’s magical properties are impervious to his pointy punches. The fight reveals a surprising limitation of the seemingly indestructible metal. It demonstrates that no matter how powerful a material may be, it can be outmatched by the right kind of magic, which seems consistent with other heroes' limitations in the universe.

What Is Magik's Soulsword?

Magik's Iconic Weapon, Explained

Magik Soulsword Bedlam King in Black Death

The Soulsword is no ordinary weapon; it’s crafted from the soul of Illyana Rasputin, also known as the X-Man Magik. Born from the depths of Limbo, this blade is imbued with both magic and the essence of its creator. Magik summoned the sword by drawing on her own life force, making it a unique and immensely powerful tool. In its early appearances, the Soulsword was a simple, albeit powerful, weapon, but over the years, its appearance and abilities evolved, growing both in size and magical properties.

In addition to its formidable offensive capabilities, the Soulsword also serves a defensive function, augmenting its wielder’s magical powers. When wielded by Magik, it becomes nearly unstoppable and is capable of taking down heavy hitters like Juggernaut. The blade is particularly potent against magical beings, rendering even the most powerful enemies vulnerable. The Soulsword’s versatility and its mystical nature make it one of the most coveted and deadly weapons in the Marvel Universe, as it can also disrupt magical spells and defend its wielder from magical harm.

Why Won't Wolverine's Claws Cut Through the Soulsword?

Metal vs. Magic

Primary adamantium, the substance that makes up Wolverine's claws, is among the most durable materials in existence. Created to be nearly indestructible, adamantium is resistant to virtually all forms of attack, from bullets to most superhuman forces. However, just as the Hulk's seemingly indestructible regenerative powers can be beaten, Logan isn’t entirely immune to every power in the Marvel Universe. Entities with godlike abilities, such as Rune King Thor or those possessing strong magnetic powers, like Magneto, can manipulate or even destroy his adamantium structure.

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While the Soulsword doesn't directly destroy Wolverine’s claws, it demonstrates that adamantium’s strength is not absolute. The mystical energy of the Soulsword, combined with its unique properties, prevents the claws from cutting through it. This interaction raises an interesting question about the true limits of adamantium. Despite its legendary reputation, it’s clear that there are weapons and forces beyond its reach, especially when dealing with magic or supernatural phenomena.

Wolverine’s Claws Remain Impressive, Despite Hitting a Snag Against Magik

Even If They Can't Scratch the Soulsword, They're Still Powerful

wolverine vs baron von strucker

The Soulsword’s ability to by Wolverine’s adamantium claws underscores its formidable magical nature. However, its inability to cut through Wolverine’s adamantium claws highlights just how impressive they are. This blade is capable of destroying barriers that transcend reality, meaning it should be more than capable of slicing right through Logan. Still, it seems adamantium resilience matches his own, as Wolverine's journey to vengeance highlights his unyielding spirit and iconic role as one of Marvel’s most enduring heroes.

Wolverine: Revenge #5 is available now from Marvel Comics.

Wolverine in Comic Art by Leinil Yu
Created By
Roy Thomas, Len Wein, John Romita Sr.
First Appearance
The Incredible Hulk (2023)
Alias
James "Logan" Howlett
Alliance
X-Men, Avengers, Canadian Army, OSS/CIA, Avengers Unity Squad, Alpha Flight, New Avengers, New Fantastic Four, Savage Avengers, Weapon X, X-Force
Race
Human-Mutant

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.

TV Shows
X-Men '97
Franchise
X-Men, Marvel
POWERS
Retractible claws and Adamantium skeleton. Superhuman senses, stamina, and strength. Healing factor and longevity.
NAME
James "Logan" Howlett
Age
197 (in the MCU)
Height
5'3”
Comic Books
Wolverine #1, X-Men #1
Status
Alive