Wolverinehas long been an iconic staple of both theX-Menseries and the larger Marvel Universe. Debuting in 1974’sThe Incredible Hulk #180by Len Wein and Herb Temple, the character has enjoyed a lasting and enduring popularity. This popularity has manifested itself in a variety of forms, including several noteworthy solo stories starring Wolverine.
As one of the most multi-faceted characters in the Marvel Universe, nearly every aspect of Wolverine’s character has been explored in one way or another within the pages of his stories. Many of these comics and series are widely beloved, standing out as some of the finest to ever feature him. For those looking to dig into the history of Logan, these are a fewWolverinecomics every fan needs to have in their collection.
8Wolverine (1982)
Created by Chris Claremont, Frank Miller, & Joe Rubinstein
Wolverine’s first solo series helps to establish Logan’s character outside the status quo of the X-Men, placing him in Japan and throwing him head first into a story about love and honor, as he does battle against the Hand and organized crime to save his lover, Mariko. Claremont’s pen establishes the duality and conflict which make up the core of Logan, proving that there’s more to the character than his berserker rages and off-putting personality.
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Much of what makes Wolverine iconic comes from these four issues. The miniseries is also notable for introducing the imagery of the samurai and the ronin to Logan’s character, tying into the ideas of duality established in this story.Wolverine sees himself as a ronin, a wandering warrior without honor, while the people around him see him as a samurai.
7Kitty Pryde and Wolverine (1984)
Created by Chris Claremont & Al Milgrom
This miniseries brings Logan back to Japan, this time alongside teenage X-Man Kitty Pryde, who has been brainwashed by Ogun and turned into a deadly assassin. These trials force Logan into the role of a mentor, trying to help Kitty focus herself and overcome her conditioning. Ultimately, Kitty succeeds, and is made stronger by these trials and by Logan’s aid.
Wolverine’s role as a mentor to younger members of the X-Men starts here, establishing a softer side to the character. This aspect of the character has become one of the most important parts of him, and it’s become nearly impossible to imagine Logan without the role of being a mentor. Therefore, this story stands as a noteworthy chapter in the character’s history. The story additionally furthers the samurai imagery introduced in Claremont’s previous Wolverine miniseries.
6Weapon X (1991)
Created by Barry Windsor-Smith
Much of Wolverine’s backstory has always been shrouded in mystery, which makesWeapon Xstand out more as the first real glimpse into his origin story. Following three scientists in the Weapon X Program,the origin of Logan’s adamantium skeleton and claws are revealed, as well as the horrific conditions that turned him into a living weapon and his violent escape from his captors.
Other stories have expanded upon this chapter of Logan’s life, butWeapon Xstands as the foundational bedrock of Wolverine’s origin story. Every future addition to Wolverine’s past draws upon this story, and Barry Windsor-Smith creates aWolverinestory unlike any other, feeling more like a horror story with Wolverine himself as the monster than a traditional superhero tale.
5The Dying Game (1994)
Created by Larry Hama & Adam Kubert
Wolverine and Sabreooth have one of the most iconic feuds in Marvel history, with grudges between the pair which go back over a century. However, no fight encapsulates their rivalry quite like 1994’sWolverine #90, which sees the pair facing off just before theAge of Apocalypsestory begins. What seems to be their final fight is more than a brawl, but also an inner struggle for Logan, who also has to fight his urge to kill Sabretooth.
While there is no shortage of iconic fights between Wolverine and Sabretooth,The Dying Gamestands out as the perfect character study for both of these men. Whether or not Logan likes to admit it, he’s more similar to Sabretooth than he’d like to admit, and this fight proves that the two are reflections of one another.
4Wolverine: Origin (2001)
Created by Bill Jemas, Joe Quesada, Paul Jeknins, Andy Kubert, & Richard Isanove
Published following the release of the firstX-Menfilm,Originunveils the truth behind Wolverine’s past, finally revealing his real name as James Howlett. Additionally,Originreveals the truth behind both Wolverine’s mutant powers and explains why so much of his past is shrouded in mystery.
Originanswers questions readers have long since had about Wolverine for years, but it still leaves enough of the mystery surrounding the character intact. Regardless, it remains a fascinating read and a satisfying explanation as to why Logan is the way he is, highlighting the inherent tragedy which permeates every aspect of his life and memory.
3Wolverine: The Brotherhood (2003)
Created by Greg Rucka & Darick Robertson
Published in 2003’sWolverine #1-6,The Brotherhoodfollows Logan on a mission to avenge a young girl murdered by a cult. Outside a cameo by Nightcrawler at the end of the story,The Brotherhoodlets Wolverine stand completely alone, feeling more like a gritty, grounded western than a traditional superhero comic.
The Brotherhooddoesn’t feel like a traditionalWolverinecomic, and it’s made all the stronger for it. Greg Rucka and Darick Robertson throw the character into a world that feels unlike the superhero comics Wolverine hails from, and the character feels just as home here. Rucka’s writing conveys a deep understanding of the character, and Robertson’s pencils perfectly capture the savagery of the character.The Brotherhoodstands as a testament to the inherent versatility of the character, and how flexible he can be.
2Wolverine: Enemy of the State (2004)
Created by Mark Millar & John Romita Jr.
Compared to the precedingWolverinerun by Greg Rucka,Enemy of the Statefirmly plants itself in the Marvel Universe. Here, Wolverine is killed and resurrected by The Hand and Hydra, turned into a weapon by them and set loose against his friends in the superhero community. The story establishes just how dangerous an unfettered Wolverine can be in the Marvel Universe, as he holds his own against some of Marvel’s greatest heroes, all while he’s fighting to break free of his conditioning.
Once Logan is free of his mind control, he embarks on a journey of revenge against The Hand and Hydra, working alongside SHIELD and Elektra.Enemy of the Statestands as one of the most bombasticWolverinestories, packed with some of the finest fight scenes Wolverine has been a part of.
1Old Man Logan (2016)
Created by Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino, Marcelo Maiolo, Filipe Andrade, & Eric Nguyen
Following the death of the mainstream Wolverine and the 2015Secret Warsevent, Old Man Logan was left in the main Marvel Universe, exploring an unfamiliar present while wrestling with the demons of his past in a future he fears he’ll see come to pass. While the originalOld Man Loganstory by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven remains iconic, Jeff Lemire’s twenty-four issue run takes the character further.
Nearly every aspect of Wolverine’s character is covered inOld Man Logan, filtered through the perspective of a Logan who is more haunted than his mainstream counterpart will ever be. Lemire’s take onOld Man Loganserves as both a love letter to Wolverine and the many different sides of him, while it also builds upon a modern classic and stands on its own.
