Wolverine, aka Logan aka James Howlett aka Weapon X — the name alone conjures images of adamantium claws, berserker rage, and a healing factor that just won’t quit. Created by writer Len Wein and Marvel art director John Romita Sr. in 1974, Wolverine is a mutant with a dark past, razor-sharp senses, and a gruff charm that’s as undeniable as his fighting skills. He may be a core member of the X-Men, but he’s also bounced around with teams like X-Force, Alpha Flight, the Fantastic Four, and even the Avengers.
The iconic Marvel anti-hero has slashed his way through the pages of comic books for decades, before transitioning to the small and big screen, and won the hearts of movie-goers worldwide thanks to Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of the character across a whopping nine movies spanning the massive X-Men film franchise. The upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine marks Jackman’s 10th outing as the clawed Canadian, as well as marking the character’s official debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Whether you’re a longtime X-Men fan or just discovering this brooding mutant, there’s a Wolverine comic out there waiting to be devoured. We’ve compiled a list of must-read Wolverine comics that explore his complex relationships, his savage fights, and the moments that truly defined the character.
1) Wolverine (1982)
Chris Claremont stands as arguably one of the premier writers on the X-Men comics, and his limited series Wolverine with artist Frank Miller is a classic. This story sees Logan travelling to Japan, exploring his samurai roots, and facing off against formidable foes in a quest for honour and redemption. It’s an essential read that defined much of Wolverine’s character and his place in the Marvel universe, inspired the film The Wolverine, and is also purportedly Jackman’s personal favourite Wolverine story.
2) Wolverine (1988)
Wolverine’s 1988 solo outing throws him into the deep end of X-Men lore, as he teams up with Jubilee to crack the code on the mysterious Weapon X facility, the place that turned him into the clawed berserker we know today. Professor X and Jean Grey even take a stab (metaphorically speaking) at unravelling the tangled mess that is Wolverine’s mind.
Wolverine also throws down with some classic X-Men baddies like Sabretooth, Mojo, and Omega Red. It’s a rollercoaster ride through Wolverine’s history, packed with action while reminding you why he’s such a central part of the X-Men world.
3) Wolverine Epic Collection: Back To Basics
Wolverine Epic Collection: Back To Basics collects some of the earlier issues in Wolverine’s 1988 run, but it also includes two other stellar stories in his comic history. The first, Wolverine/Nick Fury: The Scorpio Connection, doubles as an excellent Nick Fury comic that sees Fury and Wolverine converge on one of the former’s biggest foes.
The second, Wolverine: The Jungle Adventure, teams up writer Walt Simonson, fresh off his epic The Mighty Thor run, with artist Mike Mignola, a few years away from creating Hellboy. This wild story has Wolverine taking down a T-Rex from the inside out and leading a tribe of warriors, complete in Mignola’s signature moody, geometric style. It’s pure, unadulterated fun, and it shows on every page.
4) Wolverine: Blood Debt
Wolverine: Blood Debt is steeped in Japanese culture, giving readers a unique perspective on Logan’s life outside of his X-Men duties. It explores Wolverine’s complex history and relationships, particularly his connections to Japan. At the same time, it examines his sense of honour, duty, and personal code of ethics, providing readers with a richer understanding of his character. This tale of revenge has gripping pacing that keeps readers engaged, blending intense action sequences with moments of introspection.
5) Wolverine By Jason Aaron
Jason Aaron is an excellent modern comic book writer, having penned great stories on Thor, the Punisher, and even Doctor Strange. His sharp and nuanced writing captures the essence of Wolverine through a series of compelling and diverse narratives, showcasing the character’s relentless pursuit of justice while taking him on a journey that spans the gritty streets to the supernatural realms. This collection offers a deft blend of action, emotion, and character development that will appeal to any fan of the clawed mutant.
6) Wolverine: Enemy of the State
Making heroes turn bad tend to be lazy writing, but what if he wasn’t always a hero to begin with? When the evil Hydra and the Hand brainwash Wolverine, he becomes their ultimate weapon and in Enemy of the State is an action-packed series that pits Wolverine against some of his closest allies, such as S.H.I.E.L.D., the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. Filled with compelling stakes and drama, this storyline is a prime showcase of just how lethal Wolverine can be, especially when he isn’t concerned about being an honourable hero.
7) Wolverine: Origin
Before he was Wolverine, and even before he was the tormented secret agent known as Weapon X, he was James Howlett. Wolverine: Origin reveals the character’s early years, exploring his childhood and the traumatic events that shaped him into Logan. This series uncovers the mysteries of his past, providing a foundation for the character’s complex psyche and what makes Wolverine, Wolverine.
8) Wolverine: Weapon X
Wolverine: Weapon X depicts the horrific experimentation that laced Logan’s bones with indestructible adamantium. The chilling and compelling story peels back the layers of the manipulative and sinister forces behind the Weapon X programme. This arc is a crucial part of Wolverine’s history, painting a raw and visceral picture of his brutal transformation from man to living weapon.
9) Wolverine: Not Dead Yet
Not Dead Yet further explores Wolverine’s past as it sees him hunted by a ghost from his bygone days. This tightly woven thriller showcases Wolverine’s vulnerability and resilience, combining thrilling action with a poignant exploration of Wolverine’s haunted history. The dark and brooding narrative is perfectly complemented by gritty and dynamic artwork, making it a must-read for fans seeking a deeper understanding of Wolverine’s complex character.
10) Wolverine: Old Man Logan
Set in a dystopian future, Old Man Logan is a dark and gripping tale of an aged Wolverine. Forced out of retirement by tragic circumstances, Logan embarks on a journey through a broken America dominated by villains. This series redefines the character, showing a vulnerable yet unyielding side of Wolverine. It’s a dark, compelling look at what happens when heroes lose, and offers interesting takes on future versions of Marvel characters. Moreover, the acclaimed film Logan (2017) draws its inspiration from this very comic.
Bonus — Wolverine: Debt of Death
It might be tough to get your hands on a physical copy of this one-shot comic, but Wolverine: Debt of Death is certainly a rewarding read. Wolverine throws down with Yakuza, ninjas, and even giant robots — all in a single issue!
Even though there’s a ton going on, the story from David Lapham stays focused thanks to a central murder mystery that keeps things moving. The mayhem is coupled with quiet moments that highlight Wolverine’s noble samurai spirit. Meanwhile, artist David Aja and colourist Elizabeth Breitweiser fill the issue with bold, eye-catching visuals that keep each page interesting. Overall, it’s a visual feast and a well-crafted addition to the Wolverine mythos.
Wolverine’s journey through the Marvel Universe is rich with complexity, emotion, and relentless action. These comics offer a comprehensive look at the character, from his origins and key battles to his more introspective moments.
Edwin is a seasoned raconteur with a lifelong passion for video games, comic books, movies, and more. He thrives on captivating stories and immersive world-building, with a soft spot for adorable monsters.
Natalie
