5 Wolverine Storylines That Prove He’s Marvel’s GOAT

by

Wolverine first appeared in the 1970s, a time when comic books were becoming more realistic and exploring darker themes like violence and moral gray areas. Created by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita Sr., he debuted in The Incredible Hulk #180–181 (1974) as a fierce Canadian operative with claws and a strong sense of honor. However, it was writer Chris Claremont’s work on Uncanny X-Men that truly developed the character, turning him from a simple fighter into a central, emotionally complex figure in the world of Marvel’s mutants.

This man possessed an incredible ability to recover from any physical injury, but he was haunted by the trauma of his past. Though he longed for peace, he was created to be a weapon. Stories such as Weapon X and Old Man Logan ultimately shaped him into the archetype of the conflicted, modern antihero.

5. Weapon X

Barry Windsor-Smith’s “Weapon X” is one of the most powerful stories about Wolverine’s difficult beginnings. It explores the terrifying experiment that bonded adamantium to his skeleton, turning him into a deadly mutant. The story is deeply unsettling, showing how Logan was robbed of his free will and turned into a weapon by the mysterious Weapon X program. The artwork is raw and intense, and Windsor-Smith masterfully portrays both Wolverine’s savage fury and the sadness of him losing control.

The story of “Weapon X” is the heart of what makes Wolverine so compelling because it powerfully conveys his emotional pain. It doesn’t just tell you Logan is suffering—it makes you feel it. This storyline solidifies Wolverine’s place as one of Marvel’s most complex heroes, revealing that his inner wounds are far more significant than his physical ones. If you want to understand why Logan is haunted by his past, “Weapon X” provides the ultimate explanation.

4. Enemy of the State

Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. team up in “Enemy of the State” to deliver a gripping story of Wolverine gone rogue. Logan is brainwashed by dangerous groups, Hydra and The Hand, and transformed into a deadly assassin sent to eliminate his friends and allies. It’s a heartbreaking yet exciting tale of a normally loyal hero becoming a ruthless predator. Millar’s fast-paced writing combined with Romita Jr.’s powerful artwork creates a truly brutal and captivating experience.

This story is unique because it presents a very different side of Wolverine. Instead of being the underdog hero, he’s portrayed as a powerful and frightening villain. It highlights just how dangerous Logan can be, explaining why he’s both feared and admired in the Marvel Universe. This version of the story makes his eventual redemption much more challenging and demonstrates that, whether he’s being controlled or not, Wolverine is an incredibly powerful force that can’t be contained for long.

3. Old Man Logan

“Old Man Logan,” created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven, is a powerful story set in a dark future where the villains have defeated the heroes. It shows Wolverine as a weary, reluctant fighter who has tried to leave his violent past behind. However, when his family is in danger, he’s forced to fight again. The story follows Logan on a dangerous journey across a destroyed Marvel Universe, where he confronts both inner struggles and deadly foes.

“Old Man Logan” stands out because it delves into the lasting emotional scars of Wolverine. The story reimagines him not as an unstoppable fighter, but as an aged, weary man haunted by his past. Despite his physical decline and the weight of his guilt, his core heroism and strong sense of right and wrong still shine through, demonstrating that even when things seem bleak, Logan remains a true hero. The combination of intense action and heartfelt emotion makes this story one of the most memorable in Wolverine’s history, cementing his lasting impact.

2. The Dark Phoenix Saga (Uncanny X-Men)

Although “The Dark Phoenix Saga” mainly focuses on Jean Grey, Wolverine has a memorable part in this famous story by Chris Claremont and John Byrne. During the X-Men’s fight with the Hellfire Club, Logan goes to his limit, infiltrating their base and delivering incredibly brutal attacks. This story highlights why Wolverine is the X-Men’s most dangerous member: he’s ready to do whatever it takes, even things others aren’t capable of or unwilling to do.

What’s compelling about Wolverine’s part in “The Dark Phoenix Saga” is how it highlights his complex feelings for Jean Grey. While he’s known for his fierce fighting style, his quiet affection for her adds emotional depth to the story and shows him as more than just a strongman. This saga was key in shifting how audiences saw Wolverine – from a wild fighter to a hero with genuine heart, making an already interesting character even more nuanced.

1. The Wolverine (1982)

The miniseries The Wolverine, co-created by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, is widely considered the most important story about the character. Taking place in Japan, it centers on Logan’s efforts to earn the affection of Mariko Yashida, while facing opposition from her father, a powerful crime boss, and Shingen, a formidable samurai leader. The story delves into Logan’s inner conflict, exploring his battle between his primal instincts and his longing for honor. It’s a powerful story about love, heartbreak, and finding oneself, and it truly captures the essence of Wolverine.

What truly makes The Wolverine special is its exploration of Logan’s inner life. It’s less about his mutant abilities and more about a man searching for peace despite being seen as a monster. Chris Claremont’s writing is clever and insightful, while Frank Miller’s artwork is breathtaking, beautifully combining film noir and samurai styles. This story established the standard for nearly every Wolverine story that followed and solidified his place as Marvel’s most compelling antihero. In short, it’s the definitive Wolverine experience.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/dc/list/5-best-versions-of-joker-ranked-by-whos-the-scariest/embed/#

Read More

2026-01-11 22:14