Wolverine (character)#Reception

Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Roy Thomas asked writer Len Wein to devise a character specifically named Wolverine, who was a Canadian of small stature and with a wolverine's fierce temper. John Romita Sr. designed the first Wolverine costume, and believes he introduced the retractable claws, saying, "When I make a design, I want it to be practical and functional. I thought, 'If a man has claws like that, how does he scratch his nose or tie his shoelaces?'"{{cite news|author-link=Frank Lovece|last=Lovece|first=Frank|url=http://www.newsday.com/services/bellerose-artist-created-x-men-s-wolverine-1.1229097|title=Bellerose artist created X-Men's Wolverine|work=Newsday|date=April 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007044957/http://www.newsday.com/services/bellerose-artist-created-x-men-s-wolverine-1.1229097|archive-date=October 7, 2012|url-status=live }} Wolverine first appeared in the final "teaser" panel of The Incredible Hulk #180 (cover-dated October 1974), written by Wein and penciled by Herb Trimpe. The character then appeared in a number of advertisements in various Marvel Comics publications before making his first major appearance in The Incredible Hulk #181 (November 1974), again by the Wein–Trimpe team. In 2009, Trimpe said he "distinctly remembers" Romita's sketch and that, "The way I see it, [Romita and Wein] sewed the monster together and I shocked it to life! ... It was just one of those secondary or tertiary characters, actually, that we were using in that particular book with no particular notion of it going anywhere. We did characters in The [Incredible] Hulk all the time that were in [particular] issues and that was the end of them."{{cite web|author-link=Frank Lovece|last=Lovece|first=Frank|url=http://www.filmjournal.com/filmjournal/content_display/news-and-features/features/movies/e3i55fbb4c9063b301d1cb81bba0691e7a6|title=Wolverine Origins: Marvel artists recall the creation of an icon|work=Film Journal International|date=April 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505063540/http://www.filmjournal.com/filmjournal/content_display/news-and-features/features/movies/e3i55fbb4c9063b301d1cb81bba0691e7a6|archive-date=May 5, 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=June 21, 2013}} Though often credited as co-creator, Trimpe denied having had any role in Wolverine's creation.{{cite journal|last=Aushenker|first=Michael|author-link=Michael Aushenker|date=April 2007|title=The Son of Satan: A Trident True Devil Hero|journal=Back Issue!|issue=21|pages=6–13|publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing}}

File:The Incredible Hulk Issue 181.jpg #181 (Nov. 1974); cover art by Herb Trimpe with alterations by John Romita Sr.[http://www.comics.org/issue/27934/ The Incredible Hulk #181] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722172334/http://www.comics.org/issue/27934/|date=July 22, 2013 }} at the Grand Comics Database.]]

The character's introduction was ambiguous, revealing little beyond his being a superhuman agent of the Canadian government. In these appearances, he does not retract his claws, although Wein stated they had always been envisioned as retractable.{{cite web|url=http://lenwein.blogspot.com/2009/02/say-what.html#links|title=WeinWords|last=Wein|first=Len|work=Say What?|date=February 24, 2009|access-date=April 23, 2009|archive-date=October 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018153919/http://lenwein.blogspot.com/2009/02/say-what.html#links|url-status=live|quote=I figured that since Adamantium is indestructible, telescoping claws no more than a molecule thick could fit into those casings in the backs of Adamantium gloves...}} He appears briefly in the finale to this story in The Incredible Hulk #182.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}}

Wolverine's next appearance was in 1975's Giant-Size X-Men #1, written by Wein and penciled by Dave Cockrum, in which Wolverine is recruited for a new squad. Gil Kane illustrated the cover artwork but incorrectly drew Wolverine's mask with larger headpieces. Dave Cockrum liked Kane's accidental alteration (he thought the original was too similar to Batman's mask) and incorporated it into his own artwork for the actual story.Cunningham, Brian (1996). "Dressed to Kill". Wizard Tribute to Wolverine. Cockrum was also the first artist to draw Wolverine without his mask, and the distinctive hairstyle became a trademark of the character.{{cite comic|writer=Sanderson, Peter|date=October 1986|story=Wolverine: The Evolution of a Character|title=The Incredible Hulk and Wolverine|publisher=Marvel Comics|Issue=#1}}

Chris Claremont took the name Logan from Canada's Mount Logan, stating that "the idea was the tallest mountain being the name of the shortest character".{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1576282/why-is-wolverine-called-logan/|title=Here's Why Wolverine Is Called Logan|last=Meenan|first=Devin|date=2024-05-11|website=Slashfilm|publisher=|access-date=2024-05-14}}

Despite suggestions that co-creator Len Wein originally intended for Logan to be a mutated wolverine cub, evolved to humanoid form by an already established Marvel geneticist, the High Evolutionary,{{cite web|last=Cronin|first=Brian|date=October 20, 2005|title=Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #21|url=http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2005/10/20/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-21/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070819110005/http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2005/10/20/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-21/|archive-date=August 19, 2007|access-date=August 19, 2007|website=|publisher=Comic Book Resources}} Wein denies this:

{{blockquote|1=While I readily admit that my original idea was for Wolvie's claws to extend from the backs of his gloves ... I absolutely did not ever intend to make Logan a mutated wolverine. I write stories about human beings, not evolved animals (with apologies for any story I may have written that involved the High Evolutionary). The mutated wolverine thing came about long after I was no longer involved with the book. I'm not certain if the idea was first suggested by Chris Claremont, the late, much-missed Dave Cockrum, or John Byrne when he came aboard as artist, but it most certainly did not start with me.}}

Wein said on the X-Men Origins: Wolverine Blu-ray special features that he has read "Ten things you did not know about Wolverine", which says the character was originally intended to be a mutated wolverine cub, and that this rekindled Wein's frustration. He again stated that he had "always known that Wolverine was a mutant."

In an article about the evolution of Wolverine included in a 1986 reprint of The Incredible Hulk #180–181, titled Incredible Hulk and Wolverine, Cockrum said he considered having the High Evolutionary play a vital role in making Wolverine a human. Writer Wein wanted Wolverine to be the age of a young adult, with superhuman strength and agility similar to Spider-Man. This changed when Wein saw Cockrum's drawing of the unmasked Wolverine as a hairy 40-year-old. Wein originally intended the claws to be retractable and part of Wolverine's gloves, and both gloves and claws would be made of adamantium. Chris Claremont eventually revealed that they were an integrated part of Wolverine's anatomy in X-Men #98 (April 1976). Writer Jeph Loeb used a similar origin for Wolverine in the Marvel continuity, having feral mutants be an evolved lifeform.{{Cite comic|Writer=Loeb, Jeph|Story=Evolution|Title=Wolverine|Issue=#50–55|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Date=March–September 2007}}

John Byrne said, both in interviews and on his website, that he drew a possible face for Wolverine, but then learned that Dave Cockrum had already drawn him unmasked in X-Men #98 (April 1976), long before Byrne's run on the series.{{cite web|url=http://www.byrnerobotics.com/FAQ/listing.asp?ID=2&T1=Questions+about+Comic+Book+Projects#213|title=Questions about Comic Book Projects|work=Byrne Robotics|date=September 14, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126025406/http://www.byrnerobotics.com/FAQ/listing.asp?ID=2&T1=Questions+about+Comic+Book+Projects|archive-date=January 26, 2013 }}{{cite web|last=|first=|date=January 18, 2007|title=Wolverine/Sabretooth – Marvel Legends Face-Off|url=http://www.oafe.net/yo/mlfo2_ws.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415010857/http://www.oafe.net/yo/mlfo2_ws.php|archive-date=April 15, 2009|access-date=|work=OAFE|url-status=live}} Later, Byrne used the drawing for the face of Sabretooth, an enemy of the martial artist superhero Iron Fist, whose stories Chris Claremont was writing. Byrne then conceived of the idea of Sabretooth being Wolverine's father.{{cite web|last1=Wells|first1=John|last2=Caringer|first2=Mark|date=|title=Who's your Daddy?|url=http://loganfiles.com/w-relationship.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060701112919/http://loganfiles.com/w-relationship.html|archive-date=July 1, 2006|access-date=|work=Logan Files}}{{cite web|url=http://www.byrnerobotics.com/FAQ/listing.asp?ID=3&T1=Questions+about+Aborted+Storylines#207|title=Questions About Aborted Storylines|work=Byrne Robotics|date=August 29, 2006|access-date=July 14, 2009|archive-date=June 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613151745/https://www.byrnerobotics.com/FAQ/listing.asp?ID=3#207|url-status=live }} Together, Byrne and Claremont came up with Wolverine being about 60 years old and having served in World War II after escaping from Sabretooth, who was about 120 years old.

A revival of X-Men followed Giant-Size X-Men, beginning with X-Men #94 (August 1975), drawn by Cockrum and written by Chris Claremont. In X-Men and Uncanny X-Men, Wolverine is initially overshadowed by the other characters, although he does create tension in the team as he is attracted to Cyclops' girlfriend, Jean Grey. As the series progressed, Claremont and Cockrum (who preferred Nightcrawler)X-Men Companion considered dropping Wolverine from the series; Cockrum's successor, artist John Byrne, championed the character, later explaining, as a Canadian himself, he did not want to see a Canadian character dropped.{{cite book|last=DeFalco|first=Tom|title=Comics Creators on X-Men|publisher=Titan Books|date=May 1, 2006|page=110|isbn=978-1-84576-173-8}} Byrne modeled his rendition of Wolverine on actor Paul D'Amato, who played Dr. Hook in the 1977 sports film Slap Shot.Cronin, Brian (November 20, 2014). [http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2014/11/20/foggy-ruins-of-time-john-byrnes-inspiration-for-wolverine/ "Foggy Ruins of Time – John Byrne's Inspiration for Wolverine"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801014028/http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2014/11/20/foggy-ruins-of-time-john-byrnes-inspiration-for-wolverine/|date=August 1, 2016 }}. Comic Book Resources. Byrne also created Alpha Flight, a group of Canadian superheroes who try to recapture Wolverine due to the expense their government incurred training him. Later stories gradually establish Wolverine's murky past and unstable nature, which he battles to keep in check. Byrne also designed a new brown-and-tan costume for Wolverine, but retained the distinctive Cockrum cowl.{{cite comic|writer=Claremont, Chris; Byrne, John|penciller=Byrne, John|inker=Austin, Terry|story=...Something Wicked This Way Comes!|title=The Uncanny X-Men|issue=139|publisher=Marvel Comics|date=November 1980}} Cockrum had introduced a new costume for Wolverine (taken from his adversary Fang) in the final issue of his run, but it was dropped one issue into Byrne's run because he and Cockrum alike found it painfully difficult to draw.{{cite journal|last=Nickerson|first=Al|title=Claremont and Byrne: The Team that Made the X-Men Uncanny|journal=Back Issue!|issue=29|page=10|publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing|date=August 2008|location=Raleigh, North Carolina}} X-Men #100 introduces the fastball special, a combat maneuver in which the super-strong Colossus throws Wolverine at a distance as if he were a projectile weapon. This tactic recurs in many future battles.Brian Cronin, "Wolverine and Colossus: The Greatest Fastball Specials," CBR, Nov 23, 2016. [https://www.cbr.com/15-greatest-wolverinecolossus-fastball-specials/#x-men-100]

In 1979, Wolverine featured in his first solo story, "At the Sign of a Lion", published in Marvel Comic #335 (UK). Written by Mary Jo Duffy, with pencils by Ken Landgraf and inks by George Pérez—marking Pérez's debut as an inker—the story centers on Wolverine as the protagonist. The narrative unfolds in a bar, where Wolverine, sitting alone, becomes embroiled in a fight with Hercules after the latter attempts to intimidate him. This story is notable for being Wolverine's first appearance as a standalone character, separate from the X-Men.[https://www.keycollectorcomics.com/series/marvel-comic-5,117402/ "Key Collector"]{{cite web | url=https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?q=marvel+comic+335&pubid=&PubRng=%22MyComicShop%22 | title=Marvel comic comic books issue 335 }}[https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/89913/the_uncanny_x-men_omnibus_vol_2_trade_paperback "marvel.com"][https://www.comics.org/issue/536687/ "Grand Comics Database (GCD)"]

Following Byrne's departure, Wolverine remained as a prominent character in X-Men, which later changed its name to Uncanny X-Men. Cockrum returned for a longer, monthly run and afterwards Paul Smith, John Romita Jr., Marc Silvestri and Jim Lee were frequent artists on this series.X-Men by Chris Claremont, Marc Silvestri, Jim Lee Omnibus He remained a significant protagonist in this series until Chris Claremont left the title to write the new X-Men (vol. 2) and Wolverine transitioned to this new series.

The character's growing popularity led to a solo, four-issue series, Wolverine (September–December 1982), by Claremont and Frank Miller. Elliott Serrano, a comic writer and commentator, argues that this series was particularly significant in establishing the character's popularity: "Before Claremont and Miller created the Wolverine series, Logan wasn't a key figure, but the creation of this series is when Wolverine became Marvel's Batman."{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=11}}

In this period, Wolverine's appearance and characterization were particularly influenced by the film roles of Clint Eastwood, particularly the Revisionist Western antihero films featuring the Man with No Name. Dialogue and scenes also present a direct homage to Eastwood's neo-noir detective film Dirty Harry.Deman, p. 102. This inspiration continued to be significant throughout the development of the character and his adaptations.Brian Van Hooker, Inverse. "The oral history of Wolverine, the unlikely superhero who saved the X-Men." March 3, 2022. [The oral history of Wolverine, the unlikely superhero who saved the X-Men]

The mini-series was followed by the six-issue Kitty Pryde and Wolverine by Claremont and Al Milgrom (Nov. 1984 – April 1985). Marvel launched an ongoing solo book written by Claremont with art by John Buscema in November 1988. It ran for 189 issues. In 1989, Wolverine also featured in a crossover graphic novel with Nick Fury, written by Archie Goodwin with art by Howard Chaykin. He appeared in a second self-contained story taking place in the Savage Land written by Walter Simonson and illustrated by Mike Mignola the following year.Wolverine Epic Collection: Back to Basics, 2022.

Larry Hama took over the ongoing series and had a seven-year run, from 1990 to 1997. In the first years of the 1990s, the series was usually illustrated by Marc Silvestri. Following Silvestri's departure in 1992, the series was often illustrated by Mark Texeira. Hama's run included a storyline inspired by Ernest Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls.Wolverine (1988) #35-37. Included in Wolverine Omnibus vol. 3. The series was bimonthly from July 1991 to September 1992. Hama also introduced "Albert," a cyborg copy of Wolverine, and often featured Jubilee as Wolverine's sidekick.Wolverine Omnibus vol. 3. Hama also frequently delved into Wolverine's mysterious past in the Weapon X program, which was often highly convoluted and unreliable because of the false memories implanted by the program's designers.Wolverine #50. Wolverine Omnibus vol. 3. In 1992, Hama revisited the Japanese setting and characters of Claremont's and Miller's earlier limited series, ending the story with the poisoning of Mariko Yashida and her mercy killing at the hands of Wolverine.Wolverine #57, Late July 1992. Hama credited the influence of Yakuza films as well as Ridley Scott's Black Rain. Himself a Japanese American, Hama argued that his depiction was somewhat more authentic than previous American superhero stories told in Japan.Interview in Marvel Age #87, collected in Wolverine Omnibus vol. 3.

In 1991, Wolverine also appeared in a one-shot story written by Howard Mackie and penciled by John Romita Jr., co-starring with Punisher and Ghost Rider. John Romita Jr. acknowledged primarily commercial motivations, because, as he said at the time, these three "are the top characters, right now."John Romita Jr. interview, Marvel Age 108, collected in Wolverine Omnibus vol. 3.

During this period, Wolverine also regularly appeared in cover stories for the anthology series Marvel Comics Presents. Among these stories was "Weapon X", by writer-artist Barry Windsor-Smith, serialized in Marvel Comics Presents #72–84 (1991), which was an essential depiction of Wolverine's past and the event of adamantium grafted to his skeleton. Subsequent stories in this publication were often illustrated by Sam Kieth and had a more psychedelic aesthetic and storytelling style.

In 1993, the Wolverine ongoing series was often drawn by Dwayne Turner.

Other writers who wrote for the Wolverine ongoing series include Peter David, Archie Goodwin, Erik Larsen, Frank Tieri, Greg Rucka, Mark Millar, and Gregg Hurwitz. Many artists have also worked on the series, including John Byrne, Gene Colan, Marc Silvestri, Mark Texeira, Adam Kubert, Leinil Francis Yu, Rob Liefeld, Sean Chen, Darick Robertson, John Romita Jr., Joe Madureira, and Humberto Ramos.

In the early 1990s, Wolverine featured as a prominent character in X-Men vol. 2, initially written by Chris Claremont and illustrated by Jim Lee. The first issue of this comic book series is the highest selling comic book in history.X-Men Omnibus by Chris Claremont, Jim Lee, and Whilce Portacio Following the departure of Claremont and Lee, Scott Lobdell and Fabian Nicieza usually wrote the title while Andy Kubert illustrated it.

In 1993, Wolverine's adamantium is ripped out by Magneto in X-Men (Vol 2) #25. Writers were inspired by a passing joke of Peter David's.{{cite news|last=Cronin|first=Brian|date=March 29, 2007|title=Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #96|work=|publisher=Comic Book Resources|url=http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2007/03/29/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-96/|url-status=dead|access-date=April 3, 2007|archive-date=January 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102150315/http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2007/03/29/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-96/}} It is revealed that Wolverine has natural bone claws, in contrast to previously established narrative continuity that his claws were entirely bionic. Wolverine himself is confused by this realization, and his healing factor is also greatly weakened by recovery from this extraordinary injury. He leaves the X-Men temporarily as a result.X-Men (Vol 2) #25. In 1994, the Wolverine ongoing series was usually drawn by Adam Kubert, the brother of the artist for X-Men.Wolverine #77, Jan. 1994.

In 1995, all of the X-Men related comic books were temporarily replaced by a storyline in an alternate reality, named Age of Apocalypse. The Wolverine series was replaced by a series called Weapon X (not to be confused with the origin story published in 1991), in which Logan is generally referred to by this code name rather than as Wolverine.X-Men Chronicles #1 (1995) In this reality, Logan still has his adamantium, and Magneto, now the leader of the X-Men, helps him to control his feral rages. Weapon X is also missing a hand. He and Jean Grey are lovers in this reality.Weapon X #1-4 The series lasted four issues, before concluding and the return to the original name and numbering of the Wolverine series.X-Men Age of Apocalypse Omnibus, 2012

Following the return to the original timeline, a follower of Apocalypse captures Wolverine and attempts to bond adamantium to his skeleton a second time, with the goal of making him one of Apocalypse's warriors. However, Wolverine's healing factor and willpower reject the process; the ensuing stress leads him to regress into a bestial state.Wolverine #100, April 1996. Stick, the former mentor of Daredevil, sends Elektra to re-train Wolverine, and heal his psyche. For a few issues, Wolverine remains in a bestial state in which he is less articulate and shrewd. In this period, Val Semeiks is usually the penciller.Wolverine #103, #104, 1996.

Sales for X-Men comics declined somewhat at the turn of the 21st century, and Grant Morrison was hired to revive interest in the characters, including Wolverine, by means of the more experimental New X-Men. Frank Quitely and Chris Bachalo drew many of these issues, as well as a returning Mark Silvestri. Subsequently, he featured in the Astonishing X-Men series initially written by Joss Whedon and illustrated by John Cassaday.

When the Ultimate Marvel imprint was created with reimagined versions of Marvel's characters, an alternate Wolverine appeared in 2001 with the Ultimate X-Men.Ultimate X-Men: The Tomorrow People, Marvel, 2001. The series was initially written by Mark Millar, who went on to write a number of other influential stories about Wolverine, in both mainstream continuity and alternate versions. This version of the character is significantly more aggressive and amoral.

Another publication expanded upon the character's past: Origin, a six-issue limited series by co-writers Joe Quesada, Paul Jenkins, and Bill Jemas and artist Andy Kubert (Nov. 2001 – July 2002). This story first provided Wolverine's birth name (James Howlett) and fleshed out many details of his childhood and adolescence that were previously mysterious.Wolverine: Origin Deluxe Edition, 2022. Tom DeSanto, a writer and producer for the X-Men film franchise, indicates that Marvel felt the necessity to provide a definitive origin for Wolverine because of his success as a film character and concern that the films would begin to answer these questions if the comic books did not do so first.Tom DeSanto, Wolverine: The Origin HC introduction, reprinted in Wolverine: Origin Deluxe Edition. In 2004, Jenkins, who scripted Origin, wrote Wolverine: The End as a bookend to the story. The story portrays the old age of a possible future Wolverine, resolving ideas and character arcs from the origin story.Wolverine: The End. Other writers subsequently present other possible futures for Wolverine.

In 2003, Wolverine appeared in Wolverine: Snikt! by Tsutomu Nihei, which is an apocalyptic manga interpretation of the character.

Following Larry Hama's exit from the Wolverine solo title, Mark Millar became a particularly influential writer for the character. In 2004, Millar wrote the "Enemy of the State" storyline in Wolverine vol. 3, in which Wolverine is brainwashed by the ninja secret society the Hand. Before returning to consciousness, he kills numerous innocent people. As in his previous bestial state, Elektra helps him to recovery humanity, although the earlier storyline is not referenced.Wolverine: Enemy of the State vol. 1 and 2, Marvel Comics. In 2008, Millar and artist Steve McNiven explored a possible future for Wolverine in an eight-issue story arc entitled "Old Man Logan" that debuted with Wolverine #66.{{cite web|author=Brady, Matt|url=http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=144471|title=Millar On Old Man Logan|work=Newsarama|date=January 25, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122060924/http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=144471|archive-date=January 22, 2009 }}

In 2005, at the conclusion of the House of M storyline, Wolverine regains the memories he had lost or repressed.House of M #8, 2005. The following year, a second solo series, Wolverine: Origins, written by Daniel Way with art by Steve Dillon, ran concurrently with the second Wolverine solo series. In the series, Wolverine delves into the ramifications of his newly remembered past. The series introduces Daken, Wolverine's son, in issue #11 (April 2007). In the "Decimation" storyline, 90% of mutants lose their powers. Wolverine is among the 198 mutants who retain their powers."House of M" (2005) Marvel Comics

In 2007, Jason Aaron became a prominent writer for the character. In his tenure, he wrote issues for the ongoing series as well as a new miniseries titled Wolverine: Manifest Destiny and an ongoing series titled Wolverine: Weapon X. Aaron's story arcs include more hallucinatory narratives, including an homage to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, along with more conventional adventure stories. In Aaron's tenure, Wolverine begins a relationship with a non-superpowered woman, a reporter named Melita Garner.Wolverine by Jason Aaron: The Complete Collection vol. 1, 2013.

In Uncanny X-Men #493 (February 2008), part of the Messiah Complex storyline, Cyclops asks Wolverine to re-form and lead X-Force. This new, more militaristic sub-team of the X-Men initially includes X-23 (Wolverine's daughter), Warpath, Hepzibah, Caliban, and Wolfsbane.X-Men Milestones: Messiah Complex, 2020. The new team featured in its own ongoing series, written by Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost, from 2008 to 2010.

In the 2010s, Wolverine continues to lead X-Force. In the X-Force: Sex and Violence miniseries, written by Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost and illustrated by Gabriele Dell'Otto, he begins a romantic relationship with Domino.X-Force: Sex and Violence, Marvel, 2011. The series was revamped as Uncanny X-Force, also in 2010, written by Rick Remender. This version of the team retained Wolverine as leader, and included Psylocke, Warren Worthington III, Fantomex, and Deadpool.Uncanny X-Force vol. 1: The Apocalypse Solution, Marvel, 2012.

Jason Aaron continued writing Wolverine stories prolifically in this decade.Wolverine by Jason Aaron: The Complete Collection vol. 3 In addition to multiple solo stories, Aaron wrote Wolverine and the X-Men, in which Wolverine becomes the headmaster of the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning and must mentor a younger generation of mutants as well as leading one of the X-Men teams.Wolverine and the X-Men by Jason Aaron vol. 1. He also wrote Wolverine: Japan's Most Wanted in 2013.

Wolverine also joins the Avengers. He appears as a regular character throughout both the 2010–2013 Avengers series and the 2010–2013 New Avengers series. In the Avengers vs. X-Men storyline of 2012, Wolverine sides with the Avengers against his previous team.Avengers vs. X-Men, Marvel, 2023. He describes his place in the group as "the lone killer on a team full a' heroes."Savage Wolverine vol. 2: Hands on a Dead Body, Marvel, 2014.

In 2013, he also appeared in Savage Wolverine first written by Frank Cho. This is an adventure story in the Savage Land co-starring Shanna the She-Devil. The second story arc, written by Zeb Wells, features another encounter with Elektra.

In 2014, Charles Soule wrote the Death of Wolverine storyline. In this story, Wolverine contracts a virus that disables his healing factor, allowing his enemies to finally kill him.Death of Wolverine, 2016. He is eventually resurrected.

2019 begins a new era for the X-Men. Beginning in House of X and Powers of X, by Jonathan Hickman, the mutants found a new nation on the living island of Krakoa, where they are capable of regularly resurrecting mutants after their death. Wolverine reconciles with Cyclops and abandons their long-standing rivalry.House of X/Powers of X, 2020. Wolverine leads a new version of X-Force in a series written by Benjamin Percy, which now includes Domino, Beast, Black Tom Cassidy, Jean Grey, Quentin Quire, and Sage.X-Force by Benjamin Percy vol. 1.

In 2019, Wolverine also features as part of the Savage Avengers, along with Punisher, Elektra, Venom, Brother Voodoo, and Conan the Barbarian.Savage Avengers vol. 1: City of Sickles.

Wolverine continued to appear in a number of series in this decade, both as a solo character and as part of multiple teams. As the Krakoa era continued for all of the X-Men characters, Benjamin Percy wrote a new Wolverine ongoing series beginning in 2020, along with his leadership role in the X-Force series.Wolverine by Benjamin Percy vol. 1, X-Force by Benjamin Percy vol. 2.

Wolverine also featured in a new version of the Midnight Sons in a series that began in 2022.Midnight Suns, Marvel, 2023.

{{long plot|date=November 2023|section}}

Wolverine was born as James Howlett in northern Alberta, Canada (approximately near Cold Lake), during the late 19th century, purportedly to rich farm owners John and Elizabeth Howlett,{{Cite comic|Writer=Jemas, Bill|Cowriters=Jenkins, Paul, Quesada, Joe|Penciller=Kubert, Andy|Inker=Isanove, Richard|Title=Wolverine: The Origin|Issue=#1|Date=November 2001|Publisher=Marvel Comics}} though he is actually the illegitimate son of the Howletts' groundskeeper, Thomas Logan.{{Cite comic|Title=Wolverine|Issue=#5|Date=March 2011|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Writer=Aaron, Jason|Penciller=Guedes, Renato|Inker=Magalhaes, Jose Wilson}} After Thomas is thrown off the Howletts' property for an attempted rape perpetrated by his other son, named simply Dog, he returns to the Howlett manor and kills John Howlett. In retaliation, young James kills Thomas with bone claws that emerge from the back of his hands, as his mutation manifests.{{Cite comic|Writer=Jemas, Bill|Cowriters=Jenkins, Paul, Quesada, Joe|Penciller=Kubert, Andy|Inker=Isanove, Richard|Title=Wolverine: The Origin|Issue=#2|Date=December 2001|Publisher=Marvel Comics}} He flees with his childhood companion, Rose, and grows into manhood on a mining colony in the Yukon, adopting the name "Logan".{{Cite comic|Writer=Jemas, Bill|Cowriters=Jenkins, Paul, Quesada, Joe|Penciller=Kubert, Andy|Inker=Isanove, Richard|Title=Wolverine: The Origin|Issue=#3–5|Date=January–May 2002|Publisher=Marvel Comics}} When Logan accidentally kills Rose with his claws, he flees the colony and lives in the wilderness among wolves,{{Cite comic|Writer=Jemas, Bill|Cowriters=Jenkins, Paul, Quesada, Joe|Penciller=Kubert, Andy|Inker=Isanove, Richard|Title=Wolverine: The Origin|Issue=#6|Date=July 2002|Publisher=Marvel Comics}} until he is captured and placed in a circus.{{Cite comic|Writer=Gillen, Kieron|Title=Origin II|Issue=#2|Date=March 2014|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Artist=Kubert, Adam}} Saul Creed, brother of Victor Creed, frees Logan, but after he betrays Logan and Clara Creed to Nathaniel Essex, Logan drowns Creed in Essex's potion.{{Cite comic|Writer=Gillen, Kieron|Title=Origin II|Date=February–June 2014|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Artist=Kubert, Adam}} Logan returns to civilization, residing with the Blackfoot people. Following the death of his Blackfoot lover, Silver Fox, at the hands of Victor Creed, now known as Sabretooth,{{Cite comic|Writer=Claremont, Chris|Title=Wolverine|Issue=#10|Date=August 1989|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Buscema, John|Inker=Sienkiewicz, Bill}} he is ushered into the Canadian military during World War I.

During World War II, Logan teams up with Captain America{{Cite comic|Writer=Way, Daniel|Title=Wolverine: Origins|Issue=#16–20|Date=October 2007–February 2008|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Artist=Dillon, Steve}} and continues a career as a mercenary. He serves with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion{{Cite comic|Writer=Hama, Larry|Title=Wolverine|Issue=#34|Date=December 1990|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Silvestri, Marc|Inker=Green, Dan}} during D-Day, and later with the CIA before being recruited by Team X, a black ops unit. Sometime after WWII and before joining Team X, Logan spends time in Madripoor before settling in Japan, where he marries Itsu. While Logan is away from home, Romulus sends the Winter Soldier to kill the pregnant Itsu and has her baby taken from her womb; the boy would later become Daken. Logan believes his son to be dead for many years.

As a member of Team X, Logan is given false memory implants. Eventually breaking free of this mental control, he joins the Canadian Defense Ministry. Logan is subsequently kidnapped by the Weapon X program, where he remains captive and experimented on, until he escapes.{{Cite comic|Writer=Windsor-Smith, Barry|Title=Marvel Comics Presents|Issue=#72–84|Date=1991|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Artist=Windsor-Smith, Barry|Story=Weapon X}} It is during his imprisonment by Weapon X that he has adamantium forcibly fused onto his bones. James and Heather Hudson help him recover his humanity following his escape, and Logan begins work as an intelligence operative for the Canadian government's Department H.

He becomes Wolverine, one of Canada's first superheroes. In his first mission, he is dispatched to stop the destruction caused by a brawl between the Hulk and the Wendigo.{{Cite comic|Writer=Wein, Len|Title=The Incredible Hulk|Issue=#180–181|Date=October–November 1974|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Trimpe, Herb|Inker=Abel, Jack}} After the Canadian government fails to capture Hulk, Wolverine is forced to team-up with Living Diamond to infiltrate Brand Corporation, where they are briefly caught by Mesmero and a mysterious masked mutant named Wildlife. Wildlife is actually an amnesiac Beast, an X-Men member. Former Secret Empire agent Linda Donaldson recovers Beast's memories. Wolverine then kills Living Diamond for killing both Beast and Linda. Before taking Mesmero away, as Wolverine's old mask was heavily damaged, Wolverine takes Beast's Wildlife mask, which then becomes the iconic mask he uses through years.{{Cite comic|Writer=Roy Thomas|Title=X-Men Legends|Issue=#1 - 2|Date=September 2022|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Joe Caramagna}}

Later, Professor Charles Xavier recruits Wolverine to a new iteration of his superhero-mutant team, the X-Men, along with Banshee, Storm, Nightcrawler, and Colossus. He competes with Cyclops for the affection of Jean Grey.{{Cite comic|Writer=Wein, Len|Title=Giant-Size X-Men|Issue=#1|Date=1975|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Artist=Cockrum, Dave|Story=Second Genesis}} It was later revealed that Wolverine had been sent to assassinate Xavier, who wiped Logan's memories and forced him to join the X-Men.{{Cite comic|Writer=Bendis, Brian Michael|Title=House of M|Issue=#1|Date=August 2005|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Coipel, Olivier|Inker=Townsend, Tim}}

In The Dark Phoenix Saga, Jean Grey apparently sacrifices herself after transforming into the Phoenix Force, thereby temporarily ending the love triangle among herself, Wolverine, and Cyclops. While his teammates often distrust him, Wolverine is invaluable in rescuing the others and defeating their enemies, particularly in their conflict with the Hellfire Club.

In this decade his new X-Men teammates included Longshot, Dazzler, and Rogue.Uncanny X-Men Omnibus, vol. 5 He becomes engaged to Mariko Yashida and battles The Hand.Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, Wolverine, 1988. However, the engagement is broken because of the intervention of a member of the Hellfire Club. He becomes a close defender and mentor for Kitty Pryde. He battles Sabretooth during the Mutant Massacre story line,X-Men: Mutant Massacre Omnibus though he later discovers that he had many previous interactions with Sabretooth that his traumatic amnesia concealed. Separate from the X-Men, he has adventures in Madripoor disguised as his alter ego "Patch."

He is a mentor for Jubilee. When the X-Men split into two different subgroups, he participates in the "Blue Team" along with Cyclops, Rogue, Beast, Gambit, and Psylocke. Jean Grey had been resurrected by this point, leading to resumption of his rivalry with Cyclops.X-Men vol. 2, #1, 1991.

He also discovers some aspects of the trauma and brainwashing he received from the Weapon X program, although his memories remain unreliable. He meets Maverick, another former participant in the Weapon X project, and discovers that he had previously worked together with Sabretooth in a covert team subsequent to the project.Wolverine #50, 1991.

In X-Men #25 (1993), at the culmination of the "Fatal Attractions" storyline, the supervillain Magneto forcibly removes the adamantium from Wolverine's skeleton. This massive trauma causes his healing factor to burn out and also leads to the discovery that his claws are actually bone. Wolverine leaves the X-Men for a time, embarking on a series of adventures during which his healing factor returns. Feral by nature, Wolverine's mutation process will eventually cause him to degenerate physically into a more primitive, bestial state.{{Cite comic|Writer=Lobdell, Scott, Loeb, Jeph|Title=The Uncanny X-Men|Issue=#330|Date=March 1996|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Madureira, Joe|Inker=Townsend, Tim}} Elektra helps him to recover his humanity.Wolverine #100-106.

After his return to the X-Men, Cable's son Genesis kidnaps Wolverine and attempts to re-bond adamantium to his skeleton.{{Cite comic|Writer=Hama, Larry|Title=Wolverine|Issue=#99–100|Date=March–April 1996|Publisher=Marvel Comics}} This is unsuccessful and causes Wolverine's mutation to accelerate out of control. He is temporarily changed into a semi-sentient beast-like form. Eventually, the villain Apocalypse captures Wolverine, brainwashes him into becoming the Horseman Death, and successfully re-bonds adamantium to his skeleton. Wolverine overcomes Apocalypse's programming and returns to the X-Men.{{volume needed|date=November 2023}}

Jean Grey becomes again possessed by the Phoenix Force, and Wolverine has no other choice but to kill her with his claws.

Wolverine learns about the existence of X-23. He initially believes her to be a clone, raised to be a perfect assassin.X-23: Target X #6 X-23 later goes by the name Laura. She is eventually enrolled at the Xavier Institute, with her true origin being kept secret as Logan's way of protecting her.X-Men (vol. 2) #165. Marvel Comics. Despite being introduced as Wolverine's "sister", she quickly accepts Wolverine as a father figure.Uncanny X-Men #455. Marvel Comics. She eventually learns that he is actually her biological father.Hunt for Wolverine: The Adamantium Agenda #4 (August 2018). Marvel Comics.

In the Enemy of the State story line, Wolverine is brainwashed by the Hand.{{Cite comic|Writer=Millar, Mark|Title=Wolverine|Issue=#20|Date=December 2004|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Romita, John Jr.|Inker=Janson, Klaus}} He battles Elektra, S.H.I.E.L.D., and the Fantastic Four.{{Cite comic|Writer=Millar, Mark|Title=Wolverine|Issue=#23|Date=February 2005|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Romita, John Jr.|Inker=Janson, Klaus}}{{Cite comic|Writer=Millar, Mark|Title=Wolverine|Issue=#22|Date=January 2005|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Romita, John Jr.|Inker=Janson, Klaus}} He also attacks the X-Mansion and kills Northstar.{{Cite comic|Writer=Millar, Mark|Title=Wolverine|Issue=#25|Date=April 2005|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Romita, John Jr.|Inker=Janson, Klaus}} Wolverine is captured by S.H.I.E.L.D. and submitted to VR reprogramming.{{Cite comic|Writer=Millar, Mark|Title=Wolverine|Issue=#26|Date=May 2005|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Romita, John Jr.|Inker=Janson, Klaus}} He turns against the Hand.{{Cite comic|Writer=Millar, Mark|Title=Wolverine|Issue=#31|Date=October 2005|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Romita, John Jr.|Inker=Janson, Klaus}}

In the House of M story line, Scarlet Witch drastically transforms reality. As a consequence, Wolverine is able to recall memories of his previous life, overcoming his previous traumatic amnesia.{{Cite comic|Writer=Way, Daniel|Title=Wolverine|Issue=#40|Date=May 2006|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Saltares, Javier|Inker=Texeira, Mark}}

In Wolverine: Origins, the character's second solo series, Wolverine discovers that he has a son named Daken, who has been brainwashed and made a living weapon. Wolverine then makes it his mission to rescue Daken.{{Cite comic|Writer=Way, Daniel|Title=Wolverine: Origins|Issue=#5|Date=October 2006|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Artist=Dillon, Steve}}

During the events of the "Messiah Complex" storyline, Cyclops orders Wolverine to reform X-Force.Uncanny X-Men #493 (2008) Wolverine and the team (initially consisting of X-23, Warpath, and Wolfsbane) starred in a new monthly title.X-Force v3 #1 In the "Messiah War", Cyclops ends the X-Force program,{{Volume needed|c=y|date=November 2016}} but Wolverine continues a new Uncanny X-Force team in secrecy with Angel/Archangel, Psylocke, Deadpool and Fantomex.Uncanny X-Force #1 (2010)

Wolverine splits with Cyclops and opens a new school in Westchester, New York, the "Jean Grey School for Higher Learning".{{Cite comic|Writer=Aaron, Jason|Title=Wolverine & the X-Men|Issue=#1|Date=December 2011|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Bachalo, Chris}} Around half of all the mutants on Utopia accompany Wolverine to Westchester to be a part of the new school. He appoints himself as the headmaster, Kitty Pryde as the co-headmistress, Hank McCoy as the vice-principal, and various other characters are appointed as the school's staff.{{Cite comic|Writer=Aaron, Jason|Title=Wolverine & the X-Men|Issue=#2|Date=January 2012|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Bachalo, Chris}}

In Avengers vs. X-Men the Phoenix Force returns to Earth and this produces conflict between the X-Men and the Avengers, and Wolverine takes the side of the Avengers.{{Cite comic|Title=Avengers vs. X-Men|Issue=#2|Date=June 2012|Publisher=Marvel Comics}} Cyclops becomes possessed by the Phoenix Force and kills Professor X. In Uncanny Avengers Wolverine gives a eulogy at the funeral of Professor X, in which he admits that he wanted to kill Cyclops.{{cite comic|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Artist=Cassaday, John|Date=December 2012|Issue=#1|Story=New Union|Title=Uncanny Avengers|Writer=Remender, Rick}} He becomes a member of the Avengers Unity Squad, a team created by Captain America in which X-Men and Avengers work together.{{cite comic|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Artist=Cassaday, John|Date=December 2012–April 2013|Issue=#1–4|Title=Uncanny Avengers|Writer=Remender, Rick}}

In the "Death of Wolverine" story line, a virus turns off Wolverine's healing factor. Wolverine determines that Doctor Abraham Cornelius, the founder of the Weapon X program, has placed a bounty on his head. Wolverine gets covered in adamantium after confronting him, and dies from suffocation.{{cite comic|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=McNiven, Steve|Inker=Leisten, Jay|Date=November 2014–January 2015|Issue=#1–4|Writer=Soule, Charles|Title=Death of Wolverine}} Wanting to possess Logan, Ogun finds his dead body.Death of Wolverine: The Weapon X Program #3. Marvel Comics.

The aftermath of Wolverine's death is explored in the series Wolverines.Beard, Jim (April 28, 2014). [http://marvel.com/news/comics/2014/4/28/22415/c2e2_2014_death_of_wolverine "C2E2 2014: Death of Wolverine"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907040024/http://marvel.com/news/comics/2014/4/28/22415/c2e2_2014_death_of_wolverine|date=September 7, 2014 }}. Marvel.com. The "Wolverines" (a team formed from the fallout of his death by Daken, Lady Deathstrike, Mystique, Sabretooth, and X-23) try to find Logan's adamantium-covered body, which is taken by Mister Sinister.Wolverines (vol 5) #6. Marvel Comics.

File:Wolverine (Laura Kinney).jpg as Wolverine on a variant cover of All-New Wolverine #6 (May 2016). Art by Emanuela Lupacchino.]]

X-23 begins wearing a variation of Wolverine's costume and adopts his codename.All-New Wolverine #1. Marvel Comics.

In Marvel Legacy #1, the time-displaced Jean Grey discovers the adamantium shell in Wolverine's grave has been cracked open and is empty.Marvel Legacy #1 The X-Men set up Wolverine's 'public' grave in the cabin and were able to get his body out of the adamantium shell by having Kitty phase his corpse out of it, subsequently burying him in a secret location in Canada while leaving the shell as a site for others to attend in memorial of him. The shell is cracked when the Reavers attempt to steal Wolverine's corpse and shortly after that attack, Kitty visits the 'real' grave and realizes that it is empty. Kitty contacts Daredevil and Tony Stark for help finding who took Wolverine, but all are left concerned at the questions of who would even know the location of the true grave- which was known only by a few key X-Men- and whether Wolverine was stolen or 'woke up' on his own as the X-Men also began their investigation, leaving the time-displaced Jean Grey alone in the cabin.Hunt for Wolverine #1 At the same time, some of Wolverine's worst enemies hear what happened and join the hunt.Hunt for Wolverine #1. Marvel Comics.

The Return of Wolverine miniseries focusing on Wolverine's resurrection opens with Wolverine having been brought back to life in an amnesic state by an unidentified force. He eventually realizes that he was brought back to life by Persephone.Return of Wolverine #1-5. Marvel Comics.

Wolverine joins the X-Men to attack Orchis's Mother Mold solar orbiting space station. As Wolverine and Nightcrawler volunteer for a suicide mission to teleport into the vacuum of space. The two longtime friends then say their goodbyes to each other, with Nightcrawler assuring Wolverine that he will be welcomed into heaven. As Nightcrawler is disintegrated, Wolverine's body immediately ignites into flames and he and the Mother Mold are vaporized as they fall into the Sun.House of X #4. Marvel Comics.

Wolverine, along with the rest of the X-Men who perished in the attack on the Mother Mold space station, are then resurrected in the Arbor Magus' hatchery on the Pacific island of Krakoa using a new 48 hour cloning process. In this era, the X-Men have learned how to resurrect any mutant who has died.House of X #5. Marvel Comics.Powers of X #5. Marvel Comics. Forge, using Krakoan-Transmode cybernetics inside the island's armory, provided the Adamantium and the skeletal bonding process.X-Force #4. Marvel Comics.

Wolverine has been resurrected and equipped with an Adamantium skeleton no less than 10 times, having died in battle against Orchis's Nimrod at least 9 times,Inferno (vol. 2) #4. Marvel Comics. and has grudgingly allowed for one of his clones to be created without Cerebro's memory upload and to be genetically modified with phosphorescent blood to be fed upon by Dracula and his vampires.Wolverine (vol. 7) #12. Marvel Comics.

During the "Hellfire Gala" storyline, Wolverine decides to spend time with his biological daughter Laura Kinney/X-23, and her clone Gabby/Scout, his biological son Daken, and also Kate Pryde and Jubilee. On the evening of the party, Wolverine and several members of X-Force are assigned positions as security. He and Domino then suddenly find themselves in a fight against Deadpool, who attempts to gatecrash the party. Meanwhile, Beast's telefloronic programming on the Terra Verdan ambassador is hacked and starts attacking the party.Wolverine (vol. 7) #13–14. Marvel Comics.

In the X Lives of Wolverine and X Deaths of Wolverine story event, Wolverine travels in time to save the life of an important figure to the mutant race. In the midst of his travels, Wolverine will relive certain moments from his own long-forgotten past as well. Upon revisiting the past, is revealed that Wolverine was present during the birth of Charles Xavier and indirectly Cassandra Nova, having saved his family from an invading Omega Red, when the Russian mutant possessed some of Xavier family's butlers and nurse.X-Lives of Wolverine (2022). Marvel Comics.

During the Judgment Day storyline, Wolverine is with the Quiet Council when Jack of Knives leads the attack on Krakoa. After killing some opponents, Wolverine finds Egg badly wounded and takes an attack from Jack of Knives as he tells Jean Grey to have the Five protected. After the opponents retreat, Wolverine learns from Nightcrawler what Uranos the Undying did on Arrako.A.X.E.: Judgment Day #1. Marvel Comics.

Chris Claremont indicates that one of the main themes of Wolverine's character is his struggle to maintain his humanity and to reconcile it with his wild, animal nature."The Mutant Report" vol. 3, Marvel Age 67, Oct. 1988, collected in Wolverine: Madripoor Nights, 2022. This theme recurs through Wolverine stories, such as in the period in which he temporarily regresses into a bestial state.Wolverine #101. Claremont compared Wolverine to Hulk, because of his tendency to lapse into a "berserker rage" while in close combat. In this state, he lashes out with the intensity and aggression of an enraged animal and is even more resistant to psionic attack.Wolverine vol. 2, #168 (Nov. 2001). Marvel Comics. Though he loathes it, he acknowledges that it has saved his life many times, it being most notably useful when he faced the telepathic "Mister X", as X's ability to read his mind and predict his next move in a fight was useless as not even Wolverine knows what he will do next in his berserk state.

{{blockquote|1=The essence of (Logan's) character (is) a "failed samurai". To Samurai, duty is all, selfless service the path to their ultimate ambition, death with grace. - Chris Claremont{{cite book|last=Claremont|first=Chris|author-link=Chris Claremont|year=1987|title=Wolverine TPB}}}}

Chris Claremont says that he drew some of his characterization of Wolverine from Conan the Barbarian, declaring that "Wolverine in his essence is a lot closer to Conan than any other Marvel hero we have." Like Conan, Wolverine is a perennial warrior. Various stories depict Wolverine's experiences in various historical and fictional wars (such as World War I, the Spanish Civil War, World War II, the Vietnam War, and various Cold War conflicts), as well as attempts to train him or brainwash him into a weapon to be controlled by larger institutions or entities.[https://www.cbr.com/wolverine-marvel-wars/ "Every War Wolverine Fought in Marvel Comics, CBR] Despite his apparent ease at taking lives, he mournfully regrets and does not enjoy killing or giving in to his berserker rages. Logan adheres to a firm code of personal honor and morality, and he generally only responds in a violent or deadly manner to enemies attacking him with deadly force. He often tries to restrict killing to a "last resort," though he will often respond to deadly force with deadly force.Wolverine (vol. 2) #1 (Nov. 1988), Marvel Comics. Quote: "I'm an X-Man. [...] With them, killing is a last resort. With me, it's second nature. I take the world as it is, and give better than I get. Come at me with a sword. I'll meet you with a sword. You want mercy. Show a little first. [...] Some of those folks died fighting... some praying... some accepted their fate... some cursed it... some begged for their lives... most were terrified. Details don't matter. What's important is that they died. And those scales have to be balanced. In-kind."

Wolverine is frequently depicted as a gruff loner, often taking leave from the X-Men to deal with personal issues or problems. He is often irreverent and rebellious towards authority figures, though he is a reliable ally and capable leader, and has occasionally displayed a wry, sarcastic sense of humor. J. Andrew Deman points out that while Wolverine is commonly associated with hypermasculinity, at least in Claremont's characterization he also "consistently demonstrates an emotional intelligence and sense of empathy," to an extraordinary degree.Deman, p. 99.

Psychologist Suzana E. Flores writes that Wolverine demonstrates clinical psychological symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, antisocial personality disorder, dissociative disorder, and even sociopathy, but does so in a way that can be understood and empathized.{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=9}} She interprets his origin story as a depiction of complex childhood trauma, and its effects of dissociative amnesia and hypervigilance.{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=23}}

Larry Yarbrough, a clinical psychologist and Navy veteran, says that some of Wolverine's personality traits are typical of combat veterans: "The violent/kind demeanor of vets who witnessed war is paradoxical. Logan has an extremely reactive temper, but he's also a kind person. The violent mood swings are a symptom of trauma, not a reflection of his character."

Yarbrough also observes Wolverine's habitual smoking and drinking, as coping mechanisms for this experience of trauma.{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=63}} In addition, Wolverine practices zazen sitting meditation to maintain self-control and restore mental health.New X-Men #117. October 2001.

Wolverine is the best known Canadian superhero. In civilian clothes, he usually dresses in Western wear characteristic of Saskatchewan and Alberta (one of the early Wolverine artists, John Byrne, was raised in the latter of these provinces).Deman, p. 144. Vivian Zenari has written about Wolverine's Canadian patriotism: "Wolverine must have national pride, almost out of structural necessity, in order to justify the Canadianness that coalesces around him."Quoted in Deman, p. 89-90. His primary connection to Canada is his affinity for the wild outdoors. One of Wolverine's nicknames is "Ol' Canucklehead," a variation on a slang term for Canadians.For example, Wolverine #77, Jan. 1994, among many other instances.

Wolverine is a mutant with a number of both natural and artificial improvements to his physiology.

File:Wolverine-first-claws.jpg #2 (2001). Art by Andy Kubert and Richard Isanove.]]

Wolverine's primary mutant power is an accelerated healing process, typically referred to as his mutant healing factor, that regenerates damaged or destroyed tissues of his body far beyond that of normal humans. In addition to accelerated healing of physical traumas, Wolverine's healing factor makes him extraordinarily resistant to diseases, drugs and toxins. However, he can still suffer the immediate effects of such substances in massive quantities; he has been seen to become intoxicated after ingesting significant amounts of alcohol,Wolverine #3 (Nov. 1982). Marvel Comics. and has been incapacitated on several occasions with large amounts of powerful drugs and poisons;Marvel Comics Presents #87 (1991). Marvel Comics. S.H.I.E.L.D. once managed to keep Wolverine anesthetized by constantly pumping eighty milliliters of anesthetic a minute into his system.

His healing factor allowed him to survive the experimental surgical binding of the virtually indestructible metal adamantium to his bones and claws, to which he was subjected under the Weapon X program (in later comics called the Weapon Plus program). While the adamantium in his body prevents or reduces many injuries, such as broken bones and decapitation, his healing factor must also work constantly to prevent metal poisoning from killing him. When his healing powers were rendered inactive, Beast synthesized a drug to counteract the adamantium poisoning.

Wolverine's healing factor also dramatically affects his aging process, allowing him to live far beyond the normal lifespan of normal humans. Despite being born in the late 19th century,Origin. Marvel Comics. he has the appearance, conditioning, health and vitality of a man in his physical prime. While seemingly ageless, it is unknown exactly how greatly his healing factor extends his life expectancy.

Although Wolverine's body heals, the healing factor does not suppress the pain he endures while injured.Wolverine vol. 3, #65 (Oct. 2007). Marvel Comics. Wolverine also admits to feeling phantom pains for weeks or months after healing from his injuries.X-Men Unlimited #12 (Dec. 2005). Marvel Comics. He does not enjoy being hurt and sometimes has to work himself up for situations where extreme pain is certain.Wolverine (vol. 2) #105 (Sept. 1996). Marvel Comics.Wolverine (vol. 3) #64 (June 2008). Marvel Comics. Wolverine, on occasion, has deliberately injured himself or allowed himself to be injured for varying reasons, including freeing himself from capture,Wolverine (vol. 2) #98 (February 1996). Marvel Comics. intimidation,Wolverine (vol. 2) #184 (February 2003). Marvel Comics. strategy,Wolverine (vol. 3) #63 (May 2008). Marvel Comics. or simply indulging his feral nature.Wolverine (vol. 2) #90 (February 1995). Marvel Comics.Wolverine Annual '95 (June 1995). Marvel Comics.Wolverine (vol. 2) #186 (April 2003). Marvel Comics. Though he now has all of his memories, his healing abilities can provide increased recovery from psychological trauma by suppressing memories in which he experiences profound distress.Wolverine (vol. 2) #175. Marvel Comics.

Depictions of the speed and extent of injury to which Wolverine can heal vary due to a broad degree of artistic license employed by various comic book writers. Originally, this was portrayed as accelerated healing of minor wounds,X-Men #107 (Oct. 1977). Marvel Comics. though Chris Claremont, head writer of the X-Men comics from the mid-1970s to the early 1990s increased Wolverine's healing factor substantially, though not nearly as much as later writers would. During the 1980s, Wolverine's mutant healing factor is depicted as being able to heal massive levels of trauma, though his recovery time could extend to days, weeks or months before fully healing; often depending upon the severity of the injuries, their extent and the frequency with which they are inflicted.Wolverine #2 (Oct. 1982). Marvel Comics.Uncanny X-Men #251–273 (Nov. 1989 – Jan. 1991). Marvel Comics.Marvel Comics Presents #86–90 (1991). Marvel Comics. Wolverine has also stated that his body actually heals faster when the injury is grave or life-threatening.Classic X-Men #10 (June 1987). Marvel Comics. During the 1990s through the modern era, other writers have increased Wolverine's healing factor to the point that it could fully regenerate nearly any damaged or destroyed bodily tissues within seconds.Wolverine vol. 2, #92 (Aug. 1995). Marvel Comics.Wolverine vol. 2, #115 (Aug. 1997). Marvel Comics.X-Men vol. 2, #150 (Feb. 2004). Marvel Comics. Among the more extreme depictions of Wolverine's healing factor include fully healing after being caught near the center of an atomic explosionLogan #2 (June 2008). Marvel Comics. and the total regeneration of his soft body tissue, within a matter of minutes, after having it incinerated from his skeleton.Wolverine vol. 3, #43 (Aug. 2006). Marvel Comics. An explanation is given in a recent mini-series starring Wolverine for the increase of his healing powers. In the series, Wolverine is referred to as an "adaptive self-healer" after undergoing numerous traumatic injuries to test the efficiency of his healing factor. Wolverine has endured so much trauma, and so frequently, that his healing factor has adapted, becoming faster and more efficient to cope with increasing levels of trauma.Wolverine: The Best There Is #4 (May 2011). Marvel Comics. The Xavier Protocols, a series of profiles created by Xavier that lists the strengths and weaknesses of the X-Men, say that Wolverine's healing factor is increased to "incredible levels" and theorizes that the only way to stop him is to decapitate him and remove his head from the vicinity of his body.Excalibur #100. Marvel Comics.

It is possible to suppress the efficiency of Wolverine's healing powers; for example, if an object composed of adamantium is inserted and remains lodged within his body, his healing powers are slowed dramatically.Wolverine: Origins #7. Marvel Comics. The Muramasa blade, a katana of mystic origins that can inflict wounds that nullify superhuman healing factors, can also suppress Wolverine's powers.Wolverine: Origins #39 (Oct. 2009). Marvel Comics. It has also been noted that Wolverine needs protein for his healing factor to generate tissue, meaning that if he was seriously injured and malnourished, his body might not be able to repair itself.Wolverine #67 (Feb. 1992). Marvel Comics. His healing factor has also been turned off using nanites.{{Cite book|title=Marvel Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded}} On one occasion, Wolverine finds himself temporarily deprived of his healing factor, with the scientist and X-Man Beast revealing that an "intelligent virus" originating from the Microverse had shut off Wolverine’s healing factor (though not before it purged his body of the virus), leaving him as susceptible to injury, disease, and aging as any ordinary human.{{cite comic|Publisher=Marvel Comics|Penciller=Pierfederici, Mirco|Inker=Kesel, Karl|Date=September 2013|Issue=#7|Writer=Cornell, Paul|Title=Wolverine}}

It has been suggested that Wolverine can be killed by drowning.Wolverine vol. 2, #19 (Dec. 1989). Marvel Comics. He has said that he is not particularly fond of being in the water, due partially to the weight of his adamantium laced skeleton, and that he can die if held underwater long enough - his healing factor would only prolong the agony.Wolverine: Weapon X #5 (Nov. 2009). Marvel Comics. The two-part story arc "Drowning Logan" finds Wolverine trapped underwater for an extensive period of time.Wolverine (vol. 5) #5 (Jun. 2013). Marvel Comics. The second part of the story arc hints that this experience weakens his healing factor and future health.Wolverine #6 & 8 (2013). Marvel Comics.

Due to a combination of Wolverine's healing factor and high-level psionic shields implanted by Professor Xavier, Wolverine's mind is highly resistant to telepathic assault and probing.Wolverine vol. 3, #46 (Nov. 2006) Wolverine's mind also possesses what he refers to as "mental scar tissue" created by the traumatic events of his life. It acts as a type of natural defense, even against a psychic as powerful as Emma Frost.X-Men: Original Sin (Dec. 2008). Marvel Comics.

While it is not clear whether this is an actual canon event or simply a hallucination, Wolverine vol. 3, #57 reveals that, when Wolverine is injured so seriously that his body actually dies before his healing factor can repair the damage, he returns to life by fighting with Azrael, the Angel of Death, while trapped in Purgatory because Wolverine defeated Azrael in real-world combat during World War I.Wolverine (vol. 3) #57. Marvel Comics. However, after Wolverine's resurrection and brainwashing by the Hand, he made a new deal with Azrael that repaired the damage to his soul, negated their previous arrangement, and weakened his healing factor slightly - and the next time Wolverine sustains death-inducing injuries, he will remain dead.Wolverine (vol. 3) #61. Marvel Comics.

Wolverine's mutation also includes animal-like adaptations to his body - his superhuman senses; pronounced, sharp, fang-like canines; and three retractable claws housed within each forearm. While originally depicted as bionic implants created by the Weapon X program,Wolverine #2. Marvel Comics. the claws are later revealed to be a natural part of his body.Wolverine (vol. 2) #75. Marvel Comics. The claws are not made of keratin, as claws tend to be in the animal kingdom, but extremely dense bone. Wolverine's hands do not have openings for the claws to move through: they cut through his flesh every time he extrudes them, with occasional references implying that he feels a brief moment of slight pain in his hands when he unsheathes them.Wolverine vol. 2, #77. Marvel Comics. During a talk to Jubilee, Wolverine reveals that there are channels inside his forearms through which the claws move when he extrudes them and that he unsheathes the claws a few times a day to keep the channels open, similar to pierced ears.Wolverine, #75. Marvel Comics

File:Wolverine Weapon X Vol 1 1.jpg

Wolverine's senses of sight, smell, and hearing are all superhumanly acute. He can see with perfect clarity at greater distances than an ordinary human, even in near-total darkness. His hearing is enhanced in a similar manner, allowing him to hear sounds ordinary humans cannot and also hear to greater distances. A perfect example is him being able to hear the heartbeats of hostile living things before conflict begins.Wolverine vol. 2, #31 Marvel Comics.

Wolverine is able to use his sense of smell to easily remember and track targets by scent, even if the scent has been eroded somewhat over time by natural factors. This sense also allows him to identify shapeshifting mutants despite other forms they may take.Wolverine vol. 2, #51 (Feb. 1992). Marvel Comics. Through concentration, he is also able to use his senses of smell and hearing as a type of natural lie detector, such as detecting a faint change in a person's heartbeat and scent due to perspiration when a lie is told.Claremont, Chris (w), Davis, Alan Farmer, Mark (i). "Impediments", The Uncanny X-Men #451 (December 2004). Marvel Comics.Wolverine: Origins #9 (Feb. 2007). Marvel Comics. Wolverine's sense of smell and hearing also allows him to detect danger from considerable distances by being able to smell any weapons being carried by other living things and machines at least within a block radius and to hear particular disturbances or indications of an impending attack prior to their occurrence. For instance, in many cases he has been depicted as smelling the gun oil, gun powder, smokeless powder, or specific metal scent emanating from a concealed or distant gun or other weapon prior to an attack, as well as hearing the increased heart rate and smelling the increased perspiration of an individual preparing to attack. On one occasion, he is made aware of several yakuza members waiting for him outside of a bar by picking up the scent of their gun oil, the smell of their tattoo ink, and the smell of the daikon they ate before arriving.Wolverine vol. 2, #31. Marvel Comics. On another occasion, his acute sense of smell even allows him to detect the presence of X-23 sneaking around the outside grounds of Xavier Institute, by way of the wind shifting - despite him being indoors.X-23: Target X #6. Marvel Comics.

On more than one occasion, Wolverine's entire skeleton, including his claws, has been molecularly infused with adamantium. Due to their coating, his claws can cut almost any known solid material, including most metals, wood, and some varieties of stone. The only known exceptions are adamantium itself and Captain America's shield, which is made out of a proto-adamantium-vibranium alloy. Wolverine's ability to slice completely through a substance depends upon both the amount of force he can exert and the thickness of the substance. His claws can also be used to block attacks or projectiles, as well as dig into surfaces allowing Wolverine to climb structures.Wolverine (vol. 2) #91, #101 The adamantium also adds weight to his blows, increasing the effectiveness of his offensive capabilities. However, his adamantium skeleton makes him highly susceptible to magnetic-based attacks.X-Men vol. 2, #25 (Oct. 1993). Marvel Comics. The full extent of this is revealed during a battle with Magneto, where the latter destabilizes the adamantium on a molecular level, and proceeds to rip it from his body.X-Men #25 (October 1993)Uncanny X-Men (vol. 1) #304 (1993) According to Reed Richards, Wolverine would be unable to move without his enhanced strength due to the additional weight of the adamantium bonded to his skeleton.Death of Wolverine vol.1 #1 (Nov. 2014). Marvel Comics.

Wolverine's healing factor also affects a number of his physical attributes by increasing them to superhuman levels. His stamina is sufficiently heightened to the point that he can exert himself for numerous hours, even after exposure to powerful tranquilizers.X-Men (vol. 2) #5. Marvel Comics. Wolverine's agility and reflexes are also enhanced to levels that are beyond the physical limits of the finest human athlete.Wolverine: Origins #5. Marvel Comics.Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Wolverine 2004 Due to his healing factor's constant regenerative qualities, he can push his muscles beyond the limits of the human body without injury.Wolverine vol. 2, #1 (Nov. 1988. Marvel Comics. This, coupled with the constant demand placed on his muscles by over one hundred pounds of adamantium,Wolverine vol. 2, #57. Marvel Comics. grants him some degree of superhuman strength.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Since the presence of the adamantium negates the natural structural limits of his bones, he can lift or move weight that would otherwise damage a human skeleton. He has been depicted breaking steel chains,X-Men #111 (June 1978). Marvel Comics.Wolverine: The Amazing Immortal Man & Other Bloody Tales (July 2008). Marvel Comics.Wolverine: Origins #32 (March 2009). Marvel Comics.Wolverine (vol. 3) #51. Marvel Comics. lifting several men above his head with one arm and throwing them through a wall, lifting Ursa Major (in grizzly bear form) over his head before tossing him across a room,Wolverine: First Class #8 (Dec 2008). Marvel Comics. and hauling a concert grand piano, and the platform it rests on, via a harness, while climbing a sheer cliff.Wolverine: Weapon X #16 (Aug. 2010). Marvel Comics. Colossus and other allies use Wolverine's endurance and strength when throwing him at high speed in the Fastball Special.

During and after the Return of Wolverine, he showcased a mysterious new ability where the adamantium in his claws can heat up to incredibly high, yet undisclosed, level of temperatures.[https://www.newsarama.com/40218-the-return-of-wolverine-1-brings-logan-back-with-new-powers.html THE RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1 Brings LOGAN Back - With New Powers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928074134/https://www.newsarama.com/40218-the-return-of-wolverine-1-brings-logan-back-with-new-powers.html|date=September 28, 2019 }} -Newsarama The mechanics of this power have yet to be revealed; whether it is a Secondary Mutation, latent Weapon X faculty making itself known or a new power gained upon his resurrection is unclear.Merry X-Men Holiday Special Vol 1 #1 (Dec 2018) What is extent is that it is related to the berserker side of his persona, his Hot Claws as popularly noted being tied to Wolverine's rage.Return of Wolverine vol.1 #1-3 (2019). Marvel Comics. This new power comes with the drawback of weakening his healing factor, however, as after using them to ward off the X-Men who came looking for him, he lost consciousness for a few weeks time afterward.Return of Wolverine vol.1 #4 (Mar 2019). Marvel Comics.

During Wolverine's time in Japan and other countries, he became proficient in many forms of martial arts, with experience in many different fighting styles. He is proficient with most weaponry, including firearms, though he is partial to bladed weapons. He has demonstrated sufficient skills to defeat expert martial artist Shang-ChiX-Men (vol. 2) #62 (March 1997). Marvel Comics. and Captain AmericaWolverine: Origins #4–5. Marvel Comics. in single combat. He also has a wide knowledge of the body and pressure points.X-Men (vol. 2) #108 (January 2001), Wolverine vol. 3, #20 (Dec. 2004) Like many of the X-Men, he is trained to pilot the group's SR-71 Blackbird supersonic plane.David, Peter (w), McFarlane, Todd (a). "Vicious Circle", The Incredible Hulk #340 (February 1988). Marvel Comics. He is highly skilled in the field of espionage and covert operations.{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}}

In contrast to his brutish nature, Wolverine is extremely knowledgeable. Due in part to his longer lifespan, he has traveled around the world and amassed extensive knowledge of foreign languages and cultures, being fluent or near fluent in Japanese, Russian, Spanish, French, Blackfoot, and German, among other languages.Manning, p. 29. He is particularly fluent in Japanese due in part to his significant time spent in Japan and his relationship with Mariko Yashida.

Wolverine was originally introduced as an antagonist of the Hulk.{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=77-78}} Subsequently, he became a member of the X-Men and has had extensive interactions with all of them and their associates. In particular, he has a complex ambivalent relationship with Cyclops, for whom he was initially a rival for the affections of Jean Grey.{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=75-76}}

He has been a mentor and father figure to several younger women, especially Jubilee, Kitty Pryde and X-23.

Wolverine's prominent enemies include Sabretooth, the Hellfire Club, Viper (Madame Hydra), and Lady Deathstrike.{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=79-91}}

His first love was Rose O'Hara, a close friend who did not reciprocate his affection. She died accidentally at his hands when she intervened in Wolverine's adolescent fight with an adversary, Dog.{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=120}} Subsequently, he had a long relationship with Silver Fox.{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=120}} He had an intimate relationship with Mariko Yashida and had a failed engagement to her.Wolverine. #1–4 (Sept.-Dec. 1982). Marvel Comics. Mariko was eventually poisoned by The Hand and Wolverine had no choice but to kill her in order to spare her a long agony.{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=129-130}} He also had a mutual,Classic X-Men #1, p. 31 (1986). Marvel Comics. Marvel Comics. but unfulfilled attraction to Jean Grey, leading to arguments with her boyfriend (and later husband), Scott Summers. He also married Viper as part of a debt,Wolverine #126 (July 1998). Marvel Comics. then later divorced her.Wolverine #169 (Dec. 2001). Marvel Comics. It has also been implied that he and Squirrel Girl had a relationship at some point in the past.New Avengers #7. Marvel Comics. Wolverine has had an on-again, off-again romantic relationship with longtime teammate and friend, Storm.Wolverine and the X-Men #24 (March 2013). Marvel Comics.Wolverine #7 (May 2014). Marvel Comics. He also had romantic relationships with Yukio, Domino, Mystique,{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=132}} and Elektra,Wolverine: Epic Collection vol. 9, Tooth and Claw, 2022. all of whom are morally ambiguous warriors like himself. He describes Elektra in particular as a "kindred spirit."

Wolverine has a number of children, most notably his daughter, Laura, and his son, Akihiro. He also fostered a young orphan, Amiko. A group of his other children, the Mongrels, were used in a plot to torture him by the Red Right Hand. Laura has a number of other 'sisters' and clones, including Gabby. He also has many children in other realities, such as Jimmy Hudson and Raze Darkhölme.{{cite web|last1=Jalali|first1=Jessica|title=20 Children of Wolverine Who Were Just As Deadly|url=https://screenrant.com/wolverine-logan-deadliest-children-laura-raze-daken-jimmy|website=Screen Rant|date=April 4, 2023 |access-date=31 January 2025}}{{cite web|last1=Hearn|first1=Kayleigh|title=All Of Wolverine's Children Explained|url=https://www.looper.com/903860/all-of-wolverines-children-explained|website=Looper.com|date=June 22, 2022 |publisher=Looper|access-date=31 January 2025}}

A number of alternate universes and alternate timelines in Marvel Comics publications allow writers to introduce variations on Wolverine, in which the character's origins, behavior, and morality differ from the mainstream setting.

{{main|Age of Apocalypse}}

In the Age of Apocalypse story arc, the Wolverine/Logan character is again a member of the X-Men, this time using the code-name Weapon X rather than Wolverine. In this reality the events which saw the character's Adamantium ripped out have never occurred, and it is Magneto that helps him to control his feral rages. Most significantly, Weapon X is missing a hand, cut off by Cyclops (who in turn is missing an eye thanks to Weapon X). The claws on this hand still exist, however, which appear by piercing through the metal stump covering the break. Consistent with the main characterization, this version is also shown to be a loner, his back story presenting him as an unwilling recruit to the X-Men. He and Jean Grey are lovers in this reality.

{{main|Age of X}}

In the Age of X reality, Wolverine's powers have been virtually lost after he was forced to ingest a mutant 'cure' to dispose of it; although his healing factor can stop the cure totally affecting him, it is now so focused on fighting the cure and the adamantium poisoning of his metal skeleton that he cannot fight anymore, as any additional strain placed on his system could kill him.Age of X: Alpha #1

{{main|Dark Claw}}

In the Amalgam Comics community, Wolverine was combined with Batman to create Dark Claw.Legends of the Dark Claw #1 (1996)Dark Claw Adventures #1 (1997)

{{main|Days of Future Past}}

In the alternate reality Days of Future Past the X-Men fail to prevent the assassination of Senator Robert Kelly, which results in Sentinels ruling the United States of America by 2013 AD. Mutants fall one by one at the hands of the Sentinels, until only Wolverine, Storm, Colossus and Kate Pryde are left. They are confronted by a group of Sentinels and Wolverine lunges at one, ready to slice off the Sentinel's head, but his flesh is burned off by the Sentinel's hand laser. Wolverine seemingly dies and his charred Adamantium skeleton falls onto the ground. Later on in the Earth X: Heralds storyline, Wolverine is revived by X-51's machine.Paradise X: Heralds #1-3

{{main|Old Man Logan}}

This version of Wolverine comes from hundreds of years into the future. He is part of a group called "The Last Defenders", who, led by a future version of Sue Storm, have come back in time to save the last of humanity.Fantastic Four #559 This future Logan later briefly encounters his younger self at the future Sue's funeral, telling him, "Don't even ask."Fantastic Four #562

During the Fantastic Force mini-series, Logan briefly leads the team when they find themselves under attack from various enemies summoned by Gaea the living spirit of the Fantastic Force's now barren earth. Due to the abandonment of all life she has been driven insane and attempts to force them back in to their timeline. After several confrontations and fights, Logan elects to stay behind in the future and to aid Gaea in restoring herself by sharing his healing factor. The two are last seen tending to a garden with Gaea pregnant.Fantastic Force #1-4

Old Man Logan is an alternative younger version of the Hooded Man depicted in an eight-issue story arc in the Wolverine ongoing series by writer Mark Millar and artist Steve McNiven. He debuted in Wolverine #66 in June 2008.

On Earth-14412 set during the reign of King Thor, an alternate version of Old Man Logan became possessed by the Phoenix Force and took on the alias of Old Man Phoenix. While he was bitter towards King Thor for disrupting the natural order of things, they are both confronted by Doctor Doom who is further empowered by the Starbrand, the "iron fist" move, as he plans to conquer Earth. Old Man Phoenix sacrifices himself so that King Thor can defeat Doctor Doom.Thor Vol. 5 #1-6. Marvel Comics.

When the Council of Red attack Avengers Tower in the God Quarry, Old Man Phoenix is shown to be alive as he and the granddaughters of King Thor arrive and save Ant-Man, Moon Knight, and Vision from the Council of Red members who were burrowing towards the First Firmament. He then states to the remaining Council of Red members underground that he and his friends would like a word with them.Avengers: Forever Vol. 2 #12. Marvel Comics.

{{main|X-Men Noir|Wolverine Noir}}

In X-Men Noir, set in the Marvel Noir reality, "Captain" Logan is a heavily scarred bootlegger operating in Chinatown with his first mate Eugene. Logan is and adept at defending himself with a Japanese neko de or metallic claw. He guides the X-Men to Madrippor at the end of the series once solving and cleared of Jean Grey's murder, as he was a former flame.X-Men Noir #2–4 (January{{snd}}March 2009)

Wolverine Noir, which shows Logan's origin story, reveals that his full name is James "Jim" Howlett. He is presented as a Catholic private investigator along with Dog Logan, whom he claims is his brother. As a victim of parental abuse, Jim is an expert knife fighter and suffers from blackouts due to rage. They are hired by Mariko Yashida to advance the Yashida activates in the city and encounter a man named Creed. Both Mariko and Dog were killed by Logan's former friend Rose who was impaled by him for revenge using two katana knives.Wolverine Noir #1–4 (April{{snd}}July 2009)

{{main|Predator vs. Wolverine}}

In the 2023 Predator vs. Wolverine miniseries, set in its own continuity, one Yautja hunter, seeking the greatest prey in existence, elects to hunt the man who would become the Wolverine, from his early days in the blood-ridden Canadian wilderness to modern-day Madripor. On finally defeating the Yautja and taking its weaponry for himself, Wolverine finds among the Yakutia's possessions a spear made from the tail of a xenomorph.Predator vs. Wolverine #1–4. Marvel Comics.

In the Spider-Gwen reality, Manji Logan (a parody/composite version of Manji from Blade of the Immortal) was a Japanese samurai that was cursed by a witch to continue walking the Earth for as many lives as he has killed. Like his 616 counterpart, his memory is erased after joining the Weapon X program and gaining adamantium claws. He then decides to work for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Black Ops department, where his fellow operatives have nicknamed him "Mr. Murderhands." Spider-Gwen nicknames him Wolverine after body swapping with the Earth 616 X-23 (who had the Wolverine identity at the time). He works closely with Shadowcat, as Kitty feels guilty for using her powers to aid the Weapon X Program.Spider-Gwen Vol 2. #20-22 (2017)

{{main|Wolverine (Ultimate Marvel character)}}

Ultimate Wolverine is the Wolverine in the Ultimate Marvel universe. Initially, this Wolverine was a member of Magneto's Brotherhood but later changes his mind and joins the Ultimate X-Men.

{{main|Ultimate Wolverine}}

An alternate universe variant of Wolverine from Earth-6160, with elements of the Winter Soldier, appears in the Ultimate Universe imprint as the main character of Ultimate Wolverine. This version is a servant of the Maker's council.{{Cite web|title=NYCC 2024: Marvel Comics Announces 'Ultimate Wolverine' Series at New York Comic Con|url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/nycc-2024-ultimate-wolverine-series-announcement-design|access-date=2024-10-17|website=www.marvel.com}} Logan was brainwashed into serving the Rasputin Family (consisting of Colossus, Magik, and Omega Red) who used the Phoenix Specimen to do the brainwashing. Flashbacks revealed that he was part of the Opposition before he was brainwashed.Ultimate Wolverine #1-5. Marvel Comics.

{{main|Wolverine: Snikt}}

In this comic by Tsutomu Nihei, Wolverine is sent into an alternative future, year 2058 (Earth-3071), arriving there by the hand of the humans of that age in need of a weapon to fight against a race of engineered viruses that grow up to be sentient beings, and who can only be destroyed with adamantium.

Wolverine was groundbreaking among comic book superheroes in demonstrating the traits of an antihero. As Suzana Flores describes it, an antihero is "often psychologically damaged, simultaneously depicted as superior due to his superhuman abilities and inferior due to his impetuousness, irrationality, or lack of thoughtful evaluation." Subsequent to Wolverine's appearance, many more such antiheroes have become popular in comic books, such as Punisher, Marv, Spawn, and Deadpool.{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=146-147}}

Psychologist Suzana E. Flores has identified that Wolverine's extraordinary popularity partly stems from his illustration of various mental health challenges, particularly recovery from major trauma or psychological trauma. She argues that his first formative trauma was his poor relationship with his mother, who was unable to properly attach to him because she lost her first son.{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=28-29}} In adulthood, he also suffered the trauma of torture by the Weapon X program.{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=42-27}} While the character is usually physically invincible, he demonstrates emotional and psychological vulnerability. He exemplifies values and aspirations of resilience for his audience.{{sfn|Flores|2018|p=14-16}} His fan base is primarily men, and generally he exemplifies a masculine perspective on recovery from trauma. However, Flores says that she also found the character therapeutic in her own recovery from rape.{{cite web|first1=Suzana|last1=Flores|title=Untamed: What Wolverine Teaches Us About Rage {{!}} TEDxGrandCanyonUniversity|last2=TEDx Talks|website=YouTube|date=Mar 30, 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr6OHkMNfbs }} Nnedi Okorafor, a Nigerian American science-fiction author, also writes that Wolverine was a therapeutic role model for her during her experience of paralysis following surgical treatment of scoliosis.Nnedi Okorafor, "Foreword", Black Panther by Don McGregor, Rich Buckler, Billy Graham, Stan Lee, and Jack Kirby, Penguin Books, p. xviii-xix.

File:Wolverine N. 6 - Textless.png #6 (2003), illustrated by Esad Ribić. The cover depicts Wolverine suggestively staring at Nightcrawler, who is nude,{{cite web|last=Schlesinger|first=Alex|date=November 5, 2021|title=Yes, Marvel Published a Steamy Wolverine Cover Without Realizing|url=https://screenrant.com/wolverine-nightcrawler-steamy-cover-marvel-comics-xmen/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128171244/https://screenrant.com/wolverine-nightcrawler-steamy-cover-marvel-comics-xmen/|archive-date=November 28, 2021|access-date=March 17, 2022|website=Screen Rant|publisher=Valnet Inc.}} while the beer bottle resembles an erection.]]

While Wolverine is straight within the Earth-616 or main continuity of the comics, he has been depicted as being of differing sexual orientations in alternate timelines. Main continuity Wolverine's relationship with Cyclops had often been acknowledged as homoerotic in both the comics,{{cite web|last=Schlesinger|first=Alex|title=Wolverine Cosplay Adds a New Spin to Hilarious Meme Moment|url=https://screenrant.com/wolverine-picture-meme-cosplay-cyclops-jean-grey/|website=Screen Rant|publisher=Valnet Inc.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119002541/https://screenrant.com/wolverine-picture-meme-cosplay-cyclops-jean-grey/|archive-date=November 19, 2022|date=November 10, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=January 27, 2023 }} and in media adaptations.{{cite web|last1=Sims|first1=Chris|title=The X-Men Episode Guide 5x14: 'Graduation Day', the Series Finale|url=https://comicsalliance.com/the-x-men-episode-guide-5x14-graduation-day-the-series-finale/|website=ComicsAlliance|publisher=Townsquare Media|access-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002165606/https://comicsalliance.com/the-x-men-episode-guide-5x14-graduation-day-the-series-finale/|archive-date=October 2, 2022|date=November 17, 2014|url-status=live }} According to David Caballero of Comic Book Resources (CBR), the live-action film series "did a considerable yet unintentional job encouraging the ship", which is one of the most popular X-Men-related ships on the fanfiction website Archive of Our Own.{{cite web|last=Caballero|first=David|title=9 Most Popular X-Men Ships, Ranked By Ao3|url=https://screenrant.com/xmen-most-popular-ships-fan-fiction-ao3-marvel|website=Comic Book Resources|publisher=Valnet Inc.|access-date=March 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915084846/https://screenrant.com/xmen-most-popular-ships-fan-fiction-ao3-marvel/|archive-date=September 15, 2022|date=September 10, 2022|url-status=live }} It has been argued that one of the reasons for the pairing's popularity is that "enemies-to-lovers stories remain a popular source of romantic entertainment".

Outside of his relationship with Cyclops, Screen Rant{{'}}s Alex Schlesinger has argued that taking into account their history in comics, there is "some precedent set for Wolverine and Nightcrawler to be in an intimate relationship together". The X-Treme X-Men (2012–2013) series featured an alternate version of Wolverine who was in a relationship with Hercules,{{cite web|last=Scott|first=Marcus|title=17 Gay Superhero Power Couples|url=https://www.out.com/entertainment/art-books/2013/08/06/17-gay-superhero-power-couples|website=Out|publisher=Pride Media|access-date=March 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521030651/https://www.out.com/entertainment/art-books/2013/08/06/17-gay-superhero-power-couples|archive-date=May 21, 2022|date=August 6, 2013|url-status=live }} and the two characters shared an on-panel kiss in issue #10.{{cite web|last=Peeples|first=Jase|date=February 26, 2013|title=Wolverine and Hercules Share Kiss in Latest X-Men Issue|url=https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/comics-and-graphic-novels/2013/02/26/wolverine-and-hercules-share-kiss-latest-x|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111231648/https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/comics-and-graphic-novels/2013/02/26/wolverine-and-hercules-share-kiss-latest-x|archive-date=November 11, 2020|access-date=March 17, 2022|website=The Advocate|publisher=Pride Media}}{{cite web|last=Sieczkowski|first=Cavan|title=Wolverine, Hercules Share Gay Kiss In Alternate Universe|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/wolverine-hercules-gay-kiss-alternate-universe-photo_n_2760191|website=HuffPost|publisher=BuzzFeed|access-date=January 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117000316/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/wolverine-hercules-gay-kiss-alternate-universe-photo_n_2760191|archive-date=January 17, 2023|date=February 25, 2013|url-status=live }}

In 2012, ComicsAlliance assembled a panel consisting of various LGBT cartoonists, writers, editors, and journalists, to vote on which comics and characters had the biggest impact on them. As a group, the X-Men came in 13th place, with science fiction author and Doom Patrol writer Rachel Pollack stating that "the X-Men's themes are indelibly queer".{{cite web|last=Wheeler|first=Andrew|date=June 29, 2012|title=Comics Pride: 50 Comics and Characters That Resonate with LGBT Readers|url=https://comicsalliance.com/comics-pride-month-50-most-important-lgbt-comics-characters|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727002058/https://comicsalliance.com/comics-pride-month-50-most-important-lgbt-comics-characters/|archive-date=July 27, 2017|access-date=March 17, 2022|website=ComicsAlliance|publisher=Townsquare Media}} Wolverine was one of the individual X-Men singled out by many panel members as being of great importance to them, with some of the reasons provided being that he is "inspirational", while for others being their "first crush" as young queer comic readers.

Writing for Bleeding Cool, comics writer and columnist Rich Johnston described Wolverine as a "gay icon amongst many",{{cite web|last=Johnston|first=Rich|author-link=Rich Johnston|date=September 27, 2012|title=Marvel Presents... A Very Gay Wolverine|url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/marvel-presents-a-very-gay-wolverine|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222040045/https://bleedingcool.com/comics/marvel-presents-a-very-gay-wolverine/|archive-date=December 22, 2021|access-date=March 17, 2022|website=Bleeding Cool|publisher=Avatar Press}} arguing that this was the case before Hugh Jackman first played the character in the live-action film series. Hannah Collins of CBR also described Wolverine as a gay icon and argued that his appeal to queer fans is "largely invisible to heterosexual fans".{{cite web|last=Collins|first=Hannah|date=October 10, 2017|title=Queer Heroes: 15 Superheroes Who Are Gay Icons|url=https://www.cbr.com/superhero-gay-icons|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019083143/https://www.cbr.com/superhero-gay-icons/|archive-date=October 19, 2021|access-date=March 17, 2022|website=Comic Book Resources|publisher=Valnet Inc.}} Collins also described Wolverine's muscular physique as similar to that of "the idealized men found [in] 'Bara' manga". Bara is genre of Japanese manga focusing on male same-sex love, created primarily by gay men for a gay male audience,{{cite web|last=Nichols|first=James|date=February 2, 2015|title='Massive: Gay Erotic Manga And The Men Who Make It,' Chronicles Gay Japanese Manga|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/massive-gay-japanese-manga_n_6587654|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117143410/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/massive-gay-japanese-manga_n_6587654|archive-date=November 17, 2021|access-date=March 17, 2022|website=HuffPost|publisher=BuzzFeed}} and typically features masculine men with varying degrees of muscle, body fat, and body hair.{{cite web|last=Aoki|first=Deb|date=July 22, 2015|title=TCAF 2015 – Gengoroh Tagame Talks Gay Manga, 'Bara,' BL and Scanlation|url=http://mangacomicsmanga.com/tcaf-2015-gengoroh-tagame-talks-gay-manga-bara-bl-and-scanlation/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924023848/http://mangacomicsmanga.com/tcaf-2015-gengoroh-tagame-talks-gay-manga-bara-bl-and-scanlation/|archive-date=September 24, 2017|access-date=January 12, 2019|work=Manga Comics Manga}}{{sfn|Tagame|2003|p=14}} Echoing Collins' statement over the character's body, Ray Kampf described Wolverine in The Bear Handbook as an example of a bear in animation,{{sfn|Kampf|2000|p=25}} with a contributor in the book who is gay admitting his attraction to the character growing up.{{sfn|Kampf|2000|p=34}}

Wolverine #6 (2003), written by Greg Rucka, features a cover drawn by Esad Ribić.{{cite web|last=Cronin|first=Brian|date=December 29, 2017|title=Comic Legends: The Racy Wolverine Cover That Got Past Marvel Editorial|url=https://www.cbr.com/wolverine-racy-cover-marvel-editorial/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115193705/https://www.cbr.com/wolverine-racy-cover-marvel-editorial/|archive-date=November 15, 2020|access-date=March 17, 2022|website=Comic Book Resources|publisher=Valnet Inc.}} The cover depicts Wolverine sitting on a chair, drinking beer, and staring at Nightcrawler. Screen Rant notes how Nightcrawler is depicted in the nude, and that Wolverine is suggestively staring at his penis, with CBR also noting that the beer he is holding resembling an erection. According to Rucka, Ribić intentionally made the cover suggestive. Collins described the cover as helping "bring [Wolverine's queer appeal] to mainstream attention". According to Rucka, Ribić intentionally made the cover "salacious", finding comedy in the fact that "nobody at Marvel noticed".

• In 2008, Wizard magazine ranked Wolverine 1st in their "200 Greatest Comic Book Characters of All Time" list.{{cite web|author=Wizard Staff|date=May 23, 2008|title=The 200 Greatest Comic Book Characters of All Time: Numbers 20 to 1!|url=http://www.wizarduniverse.com/05230810thgreatestcharacters3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527233109/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/05230810thgreatestcharacters3.html|archive-date=May 27, 2008|access-date=January 2, 2018|website=WizardUniverse.com}}
• In 2008, Empire ranked Wolverine 4th in their "50 Greatest Comic Book Characters" list.{{cite web|last=|first=|date=July 2008|title=The 50 Greatest Comic Book Characters|url=http://www.empireonline.com/50greatestcomiccharacters/default.asp?c=4|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106073554/https://www.empireonline.com/50greatestcomiccharacters/default.asp?c=4|archive-date=January 6, 2010|access-date=|work=Empire}}
• In 2014, Entertainment Weekly ranked Wolverine 1st in their "Let's rank every X-Man ever" list.{{Cite web|last1=June 9|first1=Darren Franich Updated|last2=EDT|first2=2022 at 12:31 PM|title=Let's rank every X-Man ever|url=https://ew.com/article/2014/05/21/x-men-best-worst/|access-date=November 15, 2022|website=EW.com|language=en|archive-date=October 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023020601/https://ew.com/article/2014/05/21/x-men-best-worst/|url-status=live }}

{{Main|Wolverine in other media}}

{{See also|Logan (film series character)}}

File:Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.png

Wolverine is one of the few X-Men characters appearing in every media adaptation of the X-Men franchise, including the 20th Century Fox X-Men films, television, computer and video games. Australian actor Hugh Jackman played Wolverine in the X-Men films and until December 2021 shared the Guinness World Record of the "longest career as a live-action Marvel superhero" with Patrick Stewart.{{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2019/2/hugh-jackman-surprised-with-record-title-to-mark-16-year-wolverine-career-561491|title=Hugh Jackman surprised with record title to mark 17-year Wolverine career|date=February 19, 2019|work=Guinness World Records|access-date=February 20, 2019|archive-date=January 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127203336/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2019/2/hugh-jackman-surprised-with-record-title-to-mark-16-year-wolverine-career-561491|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Longest career as a live action Marvel character|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/556291-longest-career-as-a-live-action-marvel-superhero|access-date=March 5, 2022|website=Guinness World Records|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215174226/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/556291-longest-career-as-a-live-action-marvel-superhero|url-status=live }} Jackman would have regained that record in the 2024 film, Deadpool & Wolverine, but for the fact that Wesley Snipes reprised his even earlier role as the half-vampire Blade in the same film.{{Cite web|title=Longest career as a live action Marvel character|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/556291-longest-career-as-a-live-action-marvel-superhero|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215174226/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/556291-longest-career-as-a-live-action-marvel-superhero|archive-date=February 15, 2022|access-date=March 5, 2022|website=Guinness World Records}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1635346/wesley-snipes-broke-hugh-jackman-marvel-record-blade-deadpool-and-wolverine/|title=Wesley Snipes Broke A Big Marvel Record With Blade's Deadpool & Wolverine Return|first=Sandy|last=Schaefer|date=August 2, 2024|website=SlashFilm}}

{{main|Wolverine (comic book)#Collected editions}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• Deman, J. Andrew (2023). The Claremont Run: Subverting Gender in the X-Men. University of Texas Press. {{ISBN|978-1-4773-3075-3}}.
• {{cite book|last=Flores|first=Suzana E.|title=Untamed: The Psychology of Marvel's Wolverine|date=2018|publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-1-4766-7442-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L4liDwAAQBAJ}}
• {{cite book|last=Tagame|first=Gengoroh|author-link=Gengoroh Tagame|title=Gay Erotic Art in Japan Vol. 1: Artists From the Time of the Birth of Gay Magazines|date=2003|publisher=Pot Publishing|isbn=978-4-939015-58-8}}
• {{cite book|last=Kampf|first=Ray|title=The Bear Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for Those Who Are Husky, Hairy and Homosexual, and Those Who Love 'Em|date=2000|publisher=Haworth Press|isbn=978-1-56023-997-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tsLsGRfoqoIC}}
• Manning, Matthew K. (2009). Wolverine: Inside the World of the Living Weapon. DK. {{ISBN|978-0-7566-4547-2}}.

• {{Marvelwiki|wolverine-logan|Wolverine (Logan/James Howlett)}}
• {{Marvelwiki|wolverine-earth-58163|Wolverine (Earth-58163)}}

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