Wolverine’s rise to fame is truly remarkable. He started as a minor character in a battle between Hulk and the Wendigo, and then joined a largely forgotten team. Now, he’s one of the most popular heroes in comics, rivaled perhaps only by Spider-Man. Considered the best at what he does, Wolverine has become a top-tier, A-list hero. Throughout his history, many of the most talented comic book writers have contributed to his stories, showcasing just how iconic he’s become.
I’ve been a Wolverine fan for years, and with good reason! Over the past 43 years of solo adventures, the character has been featured in some truly excellent Marvel stories. Here are ten of the very best Wolverine tales – if you’re a fan, don’t miss them!
10) Wolverine: Bloodlust
Let me be honest – it took me over 30 years to find this book! I first heard about it in an old Wizard magazine related to Wolverine (Vol. 2) #100, but the search was absolutely worth it. Wolverine: Bloodlust, created by Alan Davis, starts with Wolverine enjoying some company in a town in the Canadian Yukon when he’s suddenly attacked by a creature called a Neuri – one of a race of sasquatch-like monsters terrorizing the area. He teams up with a friendly Neuri to stop the others, but Wolverine struggles to control his own savage instincts, fearing he’ll harm his new ally. This is a fantastic, self-contained story featuring Marvel’s most popular mutant, and it’s crafted by a true talent. Alan Davis consistently delivers amazing work, and he really understands Wolverine. It’s a difficult book to find, but if you can, it’s 100% worth the effort.
9) “Old Man Logan”
“Old Man Logan” clearly draws inspiration from works like the film Unforgiven, but it’s such a compelling story that it doesn’t detract from the experience. Mark Millar and Steve McNiven create a truly memorable dystopian future, with stunning artwork and worldbuilding that vividly bring it to life. While Millar has faced criticism as a writer and individual, he consistently delivered strong stories featuring Wolverine, and this one is exceptional. Released years ago, “Old Man Logan” has rightfully earned its place as a modern classic – it’s a complete and captivating read.
8) “Enemy of the State”
The 2000s were a strong era for the Wolverine character, and one of the highlights is the twelve-issue story arc “Enemy of the State,” created by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. The story begins with Logan being lured to Japan, where he’s killed and brought back to life by Gorgon and the Hand, ultimately being turned into a weapon against his fellow heroes. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed story where Millar focuses on constant combat, beautifully illustrated by the renowned team of Romita Jr. and inker Klaus Janson. Originally conceived by Chris Claremont for Uncanny X-Men #300, this story is a must-read for any Wolverine enthusiast.
7) “The Last Ronin”
The 2010s were an odd period for the Wolverine character. While the decade began with him leading the X-Men under writer Jason Aaron, Marvel surprisingly chose to kill him off in a somewhat underwhelming fashion. This opened the door for his daughter, Laura, to take on the Wolverine mantle, and led to the creation of the solo series Old Man Logan in the main Marvel universe. Old Man Logan is a truly excellent book, particularly the first 24 issues, crafted by the brilliant duo of Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino. Their standout story arc, “The Last Ronin,” pits Logan against a formidable psionic mutant he previously battled in a possible future – an enemy who nearly killed him and his wife, Maureen. It’s a powerfully emotional story where Lemire expertly captures the character’s feelings, and Sorrentino’s artwork is consistently stunning. This is a nearly flawless Wolverine tale from a decade that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
6) Astonishing Spider-Man and Wolverine
Jason Aaron truly understood Wolverine, and while he wrote many great stories featuring the character, his best work wasn’t in a solo Wolverine book. Instead, it was in Astonishing Spider-Man and Wolverine, with art by Adam Kubert. This team-up throws Spider-Man and Wolverine through time, forcing them to cooperate despite constantly blaming each other, all under the watchful eye of a secret enemy. The story established their strong friendship, with Aaron perfectly capturing each character’s personality. But what really makes this story special is Kubert’s incredible artwork. He truly showcases his talent here, taking his time over the six-issue series (which took over a year to release). You absolutely have to see his version of Doom the Living Planet. This story is a high point for both characters and is guaranteed to impress.
5) Wolverine (Vol. 2) #91-100
The 1990s were a high point for the Wolverine character, largely thanks to writer Larry Hama’s work on the Wolverine (Vol. 2) comic. The series was consistently excellent, and really hit its stride around issue #75 – it’s a run well worth reading. Issues #91-100 are particularly strong, showcasing a compelling story of Wolverine battling his own inner demons and struggling to control his primal, animalistic side. A mysterious enemy wants to remove his adamantium, adding to the tension. This ten-issue arc is fantastic, featuring incredible art from Adam Kubert (who is at his best), as well as Ramon Bernando, who brilliantly emulates the style of John Buscema. Hama crafted a series of stories that kept me hooked when I first read them, and still holds up incredibly well today. I also highly recommend checking out Wolverine ’95, which came out around the same time and is equally impressive.
4) Wolverine (Vol. 1) #1-4
Chris Claremont dramatically reshaped the X-Men and played a huge role in making Wolverine a fan favorite. After writing Wolverine as part of a team for eight years, Claremont collaborated with artist Frank Miller to create Wolverine’s first solo adventure (legend has it they planned the story while driving to a comic book convention!). The four-issue miniseries Wolverine (Vol. 1) follows the hero’s journey to Japan, where he attempts to rescue his girlfriend, Mariko, from a forced marriage arranged by her father, a powerful Yakuza boss. After a brutal fight, Wolverine is forced to adapt his fighting style, and he teams up with the unconventional ninja, Yukio. This story is classic Claremont – deeply focused on character development with a compelling plot and memorable scenes. Miller’s artwork is equally impressive, showcasing some of his best work from that time. I recently acquired the original issues, and they are stunning – a perfect miniseries that truly demonstrates why Wolverine is considered the best at what he does.
3) “Weapon X”
For years, Wolverine’s past was a complete enigma. Marvel finally offered some answers with the “Weapon X” storyline, published in Marvel Comics Presents issues #73-84. The story, created by acclaimed artist and writer Barry Windsor-Smith – known for his work on Uncanny X-Men – revealed Logan’s time as a captive undergoing the brutal process of adamantium bonding. It’s a surprisingly terrifying tale, essentially a horror story where Wolverine himself is the monster. Many consider it the definitive Wolverine story, and it’s a must-read for any fan.
2) Wolverine (Vol. 2) #90
The rivalry between Wolverine and Sabretooth is legendary, and their clashes are always epic. One battle stands out above the rest: issue #90 of Wolverine (Vol. 2), created by Larry Hama and Adam Kubert. Logan returns to the empty X-Mansion after losing his adamantium coating, only to find Sabretooth locked up inside. When Sabretooth breaks free, a brutal and deeply personal fight ensues – considered by many to be their defining confrontation. It’s a gripping, action-packed story, complete with a stunning two-page spread, that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
1) Wolverine (Vol. 2) #10
In 1989, Chris Claremont began writing Wolverine’s first ongoing solo series, crafting the first eight issues and issue #10. These issues, created with legendary artist John Buscema, are all fantastic, but issue #10 stands out as the best. The story follows Wolverine on his birthday as he attempts to avoid his perennial pursuer, Sabretooth, who attacks him every year on that day. Through flashbacks, we see the very first birthday Sabretooth targeted Logan, revealing the origin of their lifelong feud. It’s a captivating story filled with memorable character moments and thrilling action that will hold your attention from beginning to end. The artwork, with Bill Sienkiewicz’s inks over Buscema’s pencils, is particularly strong. This issue perfectly captures the essence of Wolverine – a poignant tale of a man defined by hardship.
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2025-12-01 17:13