Not Just Claws: 6 Times Wolverine Showed There’s More Beneath the Rage

Wolverine is famed for many aspects, but most notably, his exploits are often brutal. An eventful night changed young James Howlett’s life forever; it was when his biological father came to murder him and the man he believed was his father. In this confrontation, Wolverine ended up killing his own father and wounding his half-brother. Since then, Wolverine has gained a reputation for being one of the most bloodthirsty characters in comic books. The theme of violence permeates nearly every Wolverine narrative, making him one of the most formidable mutants globally. When Wolverine appears somewhere, people are well aware that a large-scale slicing spree is imminent, and a lot of bloodshed will ensue. However, there’s only one person who can survive such an encounter – Wolverine himself.

Wolverine is more than just a tough guy with sharp claws, indestructible bones, and an uncanny ability for violence; he’s a multidimensional character who has navigated the full spectrum of human existence. Beneath his gruff exterior lies the heart of a wandering ronin poet, a soul that longs to make the world a better place while mourning the harsh reality that has shaped him into an instrument of war. Furthermore, there’s a gentle side to Wolverine that often remains hidden, but it is indeed present. Here are six instances from his life which demonstrate that he carries as much compassion as heroes like Captain America.

6) Wolverine’s Relationship with Black Widow

As a die-hard fan of Wolverine, I can’t help but appreciate the lengths he goes to protect the vulnerable – a trait showcased brilliantly in the iconic Uncanny X-Men #268. This issue takes us back to Madripoor during World War II, where Ivan Petrovitch was escorting young Natasha Romanoff through the city. They were being chased by Nazis, with Captain America offering assistance, but it wasn’t enough to ensure their safety. However, Madripoor had been Wolverine’s territory for decades, and he decided to intervene. At this point in Wolverine’s timeline, his claws were viewed as experimental implants from the Weapon X program, so he hadn’t yet developed them or his adamantium skeleton.

Equipped primarily with pipes, Wolverine confronted heavily armed Nazis who were attacking Natasha’s vehicle. When they started shooting, he courageously shielded Natasha from harm by jumping in front of her. Despite appearances suggesting his demise, both Ivan and Cap later discovered that he wasn’t dead. Instead, Wolverine resurfaced to lend a hand again, marking the beginning of a lasting bond between him and Black Widow. The trio reunited years later in Madripoor, joined by Captain America, to combat the Hand. In Madripoor, Wolverine found a young girl in distress and selflessly protected her, rather than allowing the guards to do so. This act of kindness was not an isolated incident; Wolverine consistently reached out to those in need throughout his life.

5) Wolverine Gives Oya a Doll

One of the X-Men tales from the 2010s that I particularly enjoy is “X-Men: Schism”. What stands out most in this story for me is the dynamic between Oya and Wolverine. Oya was one of the Five Lights, a group of mutants whose powers emerged after M-Day, and were taken in by the X-Men for training on Utopia, an island specifically designed for mutants. Wolverine was tasked with teaching them combat skills. From the start, Wolverine had a strong bond with Oya; she was an African girl who, due to her religious background, viewed her mutant powers as something demonic. Before joining the X-Men, she was hunted down and was forced to freeze her pursuers, resulting in their deaths. This weighed heavily on Wolverine because of her young age. On Utopia, he made efforts to give Oya a more normal life and even bought her a doll.

By rephrasing the passage, I aimed to keep its original meaning while using simpler sentences and words, making it easier for readers to understand.

Clearly, this girl was a teenager, past the age for playing with dolls. Yet, sentimentality prevails. Oya, having grown up in poverty, found something new in Wolverine’s gift – a doll. Unmoved by the toy, she shared an ice cream with Wolverine in a heartwarming moment instead. Later, her act of killing the Hellfire goons who captured the X-Men led to the rift between Wolverine and Cyclops, and Oya left Utopia to study at the Jean Grey School. Despite Wolverine’s eventual failure to prevent her from becoming a mutant child soldier, his intent was noble – he wanted to ensure she wouldn’t suffer the same fate as herself. And indeed, it’s the thought that counts.

4) Wolverine and Cyclops in the Krakoa Era

As a die-hard fan of the X-Men, let me share my thoughts about Wolverine and Cyclops, two characters whose bond is as intricate as mutant genetics. Their relationship, fraught with rivalry, has been a cornerstone of X-Men lore. Over the years, they’ve experienced highs and lows, but during the Krakoa Era, their friendship evolved to reveal a softer side of Wolverine. A perfect example can be seen in House of X #6, where Wolverine joined Cyclops and Jean Grey for a friendly gathering, even cracking open a six-pack!

During this unique era, the Summers House, a Krakoan habitat on the moon, became their shared residence (X-Men Vol. 5 #1). The closeness and softness between Wolverine and Cyclops was unlike anything we’d ever seen before, leading some fans to speculate about a polycule (though writer Jonathan Hickman never explicitly confirmed this). He did, however, often hint at such possibilities. They were more than just teammates; they spent time together, shared drinks, and even went on vacations!

Sadly, with the X-Men’s current shift back to their old status quo, we may never witness such a heartwarming bond between Wolverine and Cyclops again. It was an extraordinary chapter in their history that will forever be etched in the annals of X-Men lore.

3) Wolverine’s Relationship with Jubilee

The upcoming entries will primarily focus on Wolverine’s relationships rather than specific moments within them, showcasing a more tender side of him. We start with Jubilee, a Chinese-American mutant who happened to be a mall rat before joining the X-Men’s Australian outpost. During an encounter with the Reavers, she saved Wolverine’s life and the two formed an unbreakable bond. Beyond teaching her combat skills, Wolverine often served as a father figure and closest friend for Jubilee when she needed support. Throughout the early ’90s, Wolverine developed a strong connection with Jubilee, becoming one of the younger X-Men he was particularly close to. Over the years, they shared numerous moments, with Wolverine often looking out for his young protege. When Wolverine departed from the X-Men following the loss of his adamantium, it left a deep impact on Jubilee. In the meantime, Jubilee grew into a formidable X-Man, with Wolverine taking great pride in her growth and self-realization.

2) Wolverine Winning Mariko’s Heart

Mariko Yashida is the cousin of the Japanese mutant known as Sunfire, a previous member of the X-Men team. An encounter with the X-Men occurred in Japan when they sought Sunfire’s assistance, and it was there that Mariko initially crossed paths with Wolverine. Initially, Mariko felt apprehensive towards Wolverine due to his untamed, unpredictable, and aggressive nature – qualities that were starkly different from her own gentle demeanor. However, Wolverine developed feelings for Mariko almost immediately, marking the start of their prolonged romantic pursuit. In an attempt to win over Mariko, Wolverine chose to reveal aspects of himself that he seldom displayed during his early days with the X-Men. He wished to show her the human side within him, rather than the superhero or beast he often portrayed.

In the end, Wolverine’s pursuit of Mariko was fruitful, and they formed a couple. However, their wedding was thwarted following Wolverine’s killing of Mariko’s Yakuza father. The obstacles were orchestrated by Mastermind, Viper, and Silver Samurai, but they would reconnect years later when Mariko sought Wolverine’s aid against the Hand. Their reunion was brief; Mariko was contaminated by the Hand, and she pleaded with Wolverine to swiftly end her life rather than suffer a prolonged, painful death from blowfish venom. In compliance with her wishes, Wolverine put an end to her suffering, weeping bitterly as he did so. This marked a poignant conclusion to one of Wolverine’s most significant romantic connections.

1) Wolverine Taking Kitty Pryde Under His Wing

Kitty Pryde, one of the strongest X-Men, owes much of her prowess to Wolverine. Upon joining the X-Men at a young age following the emergence of her powers, she quickly became like a little sister to Storm, Nightcrawler, and Wolverine. Through their journey together, Wolverine took on a mentoring role for Kitty. An adventure in Japan, where Ogun, Wolverine’s masterful ninja, was involved, is one of the memories they share. Over time, they have developed a deep friendship, often sharing intimate moments with each other. Wolverine chose to train Kitty as the first X-Woman and their bond has grown so strong that they can be considered like siblings – although Wolverine is almost two centuries old and Kitty is in her twenties.

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2025-09-11 17:13