Published Apr 25, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
John Dodge is an MTV Writer for CBR who specializes in movies, television, comics, and pop culture. He has a deep knowledge of franchises like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, and DC Comics, along with a passion for indie and horror titles. An expert on obscure productions from the ’80s and ’90s, John is known for his encyclopedic recall of cult classics like Beetleborgs.
The following contains spoilers for Wolverine #23, on sale on July 8 from Marvel Comics.
Marvel Comics has officially unveiled the next Wolverine, and he might be even better at what he does than the original.
Marvel Comics finally revealed the main cover art for Wolverine #23, as well as the issue's solicit text, both of which clue readers in to exactly which Marvel icon will be picking up the titular mutant antihero's claws next. As it turns out, that honor goes to none other than Anthony Masters, better known as Taskmaster, and he already looks far too comfortable with his new blades.
Wolverine #23
Image via Marvel Comics- Written by SALADIN AHMED
- Art by JULIUS OHTA
- Letters by VC's CORY PETIT
- Main cover art by DAN PANOSIAN
- Variant covers by ALEX ROSS; CAFU; and ROI MERCADO
The official solicit synopsis for Wolverine #23 from Marvel Comics reads, "POWER GRAB! What's worse than LOGAN fighting with shattered claws and diminished mutant powers? HIS ENEMIES WITH SAID POWERS! And TASKMASTER is bringing the pain to WOLVERINE, right when it hurts the most!"
Introduced in the pages of 1980s Avengers #195 by David Michelinie and George Perez, the Taskmaster immediately cemented his place as the Marvel Universe's most capable mercenary. Born with photographic reflexes and an innate ability to recreate almost any physical feat he witnesses, Anthony Masters quickly proved to be a savant in terms of sports and athletics.
Taskmaster's History In Marvel Comics, Explained
Image via Marvel ComicsIn his adult life, Masters joined the ranks of S.H.I.E.L.D., where he subjected himself to a version of the Super-Soldier Serum created by Nazi scientists. While this serum did imbue Masters with even greater physical prowess and enhanced his natural abilities, it did so at the expense of his personal memories, ultimately wiping away all recollection he had of his own wife and partner, not to mention his entire career as an S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.
Eventually, Masters took on the mantle of the Taskmaster with help from his beloved, if forgotten, wife, Mercedes, who made it her mission to not only elevate Anthony's status as a mercenary but feed whatever intelligence he gathered back to S.H.I.E.L.D., effectively making her husband into the perfect double agent. Unsurprisingly, this didn't last, and Anthony ended up diving completely into his life and career as the Taskmaster, largely on his own.
While the Taskmaster is preparing to take on the role of Wolverine, Logan and the rest of the X-Men are headed towards what might be their most harrowing chapter yet. Currently, the X-Men are just months away from the release of DNX #1, a whole new series that will kick the mutant heroes' war against the villainous forces of 3K into high gear as the former race against time to prevent the latter from unleashing the X-Virus worldwide.
Wolverine #23 from Marvel Comics goes on sale on July 8.
English (US) · 